MasterCraft Skier/ProStar/ProStar 190: A History (1968-2009)

[C36]

In 1998, the Pro Star 190 hull changed once more when the seventh generation tournament hull was introduced. This hull was originally introduced by MasterCraft in 1998 with three (3) tracking fins. MasterCraft has stated that the 1998 ProStar 190 hull dramatically lowers spray and improves tracking. However, as one water skier noted, “To state that the redesign of the 1998 ProStar 190 has sparked a great deal of discussion amongst water ski enthusiasts would be an understatement.”



The 1998-2000 MasterCraft ProStar 190 is 19’6” long, 85” wide, weights about 2,600 lbs (one inch longer, the same width and 150 lbs heavier than the sixth generation hull).

The standard drive train on these boats was the (GM V8) MX MAX (5.7L) multi-port EFI 330 hp engine coupled with a 1:1 transmission (4-blade prop). The (GM V8) LT-1 (5.7L) EFI 340 hp engine was offered as an option as was the 1.5:1 PowerSlot package (which included 4-blade 14 x 20 prop with Cadillac Northstar phased port EFI 32 valve 4.6L V8 240 hp engine).



The new 1998 “ProWake” hull shape had a running (or planning) surface that was designed to include:
• variable deadrise to permit a shaper entry angle (for all-event wakes, a softer ride and better control)
• chine angles and spacing are combined with spray relief pockets (to minimize spray by deflecting it back into the water away from the skier)
• strake placement (tailors wake at different speeds)
• more forward vee and front-to-back hull rocker or bottom curve (to ensure smooth ride in all conditions)
• less drag (all better performance under heaver loads and improve overall fuel economy)



MasterCraft engineers using CAD/CAM design and engineering software, developed in the automotive industry, to make major changes included in the 1998 ProStar. The 1998 ProStar saw changes to the topside, bottomside and inside, including:
• New Monocoque™ fitted composite stringer system (bringing aerospace technology to ski boats). This eliminates one step from the construction process. Instead of bonding a separately constructed stringer system onto the hull floor, the stringers are now laminated directly onto the hull using a primary bond (for a more rigid hull skeleton).
• New MasterCraft Oscillation Dampering System (M.O.D.S.™) used aerospace materials and a unique structural configuration (to dramatically reduce vibration and noise).
• The stern width increased 6 inches (giving rear-seat passengers a little extra room) – although the beam remained at 85 inches.
• Storage capacity has been increased behind the now lockable observer’s seat.
• The old step-over is now a padded rear locker (large enough for gloves, ropes and binding soap).
• The windshield has been moved forward, the observer’s seat redesigned and the engine moved back (to provide more space for the driver and passengers up front).
• Four panel wrap-around (with a centre mullion) windshield.
• Air vent located just below the centre of windshield and recessed into the deck.
• The dash has been altered and the steering wheel repositioned.
• Modular rear seat (which can be raised to a sun pad) has been added.
• Standard engine option was upgraded (to the new 308-hp MasterCraft Power Vortec MX Plus throttle-body EFI V-8).
• New high-pressure fuel pump delivers fuel (to improve combustion, increase power, and lower emissions)
• A four-blade prop is now standard equipment.
• New graphics.

Optional equipment in 1998 included fibreglass platform, fresh-water (closed) cooling, heater, Kenwood AM/FM cassette stereo system, depth finder, Safe-T-Top, sun top, trick release, single axle trailer, hinged tongue, and spare tire. In 1999 a CD changer was also offered as an option.

Exterior graphics on the 1998 typically featured white deck and white lower hull. Two colour accent stripes (a thick band and a thinner stripe) ran the length of the hull about half way down each side of the hull. The thicker gelcoat colour accent stripe was applied from just above the second thinner stripe to the bottom edge of the rub rail. The tail end of the two colour accent stripes sweep down toward the waterline in a “V” shape as they approach the transom (to the rear of the engine box). A large “MasterCraft” decal was again featured on each side of the hull – this time below the two colour accent stripes. In all three years (1998-2000) the “MasterCraft” logo contained the silhouette of a water skier inside of the “M” in “MasterCraft” and was colour matched to the larger colour accent stripe.

When Waterski Magazine reviewed the 1998 ProStar they saw the new hull as, “… a variation of the original Stars and Stripes design that, from underneath, looks remarkably similar to the '95-'97 version. It's hard to notice the shallower keel, redesigned strakes and variable deadrise from underneath, but you see the results at the end of the rope.”

In its second year of production (1999) in addition to a new sleek top deck a fourth tracking fin, a foiled rudder, and hydrorails (see photo below) were all introduced during a production change. These later three changes reportedly made the hull perform considerably better. The hydrorails were design was to add wetted surface area to the stern on the boat (added a slight amount of lift to the stern). The rails along with a “Dual Plane” rudder (with the fin angle being the same as the prop shaft angle) made the hull perform differently (both driving and skiing). Some have stated that this hull was very difficult to powerturn without the hydrorails. Hydrorails came standard on the 1999 and 2000 hulls. Most of the 1998 hulls were also retro fitted with the hydrorails, although some remain without them.

Hydrorail


No changes were made to the 1998-2000 ProStar 190 hull itself (beneath the water line) between the 1999 and 2000 model years.

In 1999 MasterCraft introduced the 330 HP LTR engine with the Cadilliac NorthStar System; the advanced fuel delivery system (the industry’s only tapered bottom fuel cell with an in-tank pump for improved performance and increase in usable fuel); a redesign of the interior (with 12% more useable space); a two-part motor box constructed of lightweight composite materials (to enable routine maintenance checks by lifting the top half only - the entire box can be lifted for additional access to the engine); and an all-new command centre instrument panel.

In 2000 MasterCraft introduces the MasterCraft Training Systems (MTS), which is a ballast tank under the observer’s seat in the storage area and holds up to 185 pounds which can be controlled from the dash (to simulate the weight balance of tournament conditions); reworked air intake vents (which deliver 25% more air to the engine box and boost fuel efficiency by as much as 10%); introduced a honeycomb core to the rear seat (to reduce weight); and a teak swim-platform transom-saver (to guard the boat transom from accidental scratches by skis and wakeboards). In 2000 the transom decal also became “World Record Towboats” for the first time (with the words “Towboats” replacing the words “Ski Boats”). MasterCraft may have also produced a number of “limited edition” ProStar 190’s in 1990.



This hull was approved as a tournament tow boat by the American Water Ski Association (AWSA) from 1998 to 2000.

When Waterski Magazine reviewed the 1998 ProStar they stated, “While spray hasn't been a significant factor since the last redesign in 1995, the wakes are indeed softer, and the bothersome roostertail at 22 off has been reduced to a thin line of foam that's a hindrance only to flat skis.”

/edit (2009 Oct 9) reference to "limited edition" ProStar 190 added to 1990

[C36]

In 2001, the Pro Star 190 hull was revamped once again with the introduction of the EVO® hull – MasterCraft’s eighth generation tournament hull.



The 2001-2009 MasterCraft ProStar 190 was about 19’8” long, 91” wide, weighted about 2,600 lbs (two inches longer, six inches wider and about the same with as the fifth generation hull).

In 2001 the standard drive train was the (GM V-8) Vortec Predator 5.7 L EFI 310 hp engine (the most in its class) coupled with a 1:1 transmission. The (GM V8) Northstar ignition EFI 330 hp engine was offered as an option as was the 1.5:1 PowerSlot package.



The EVO® hull was designed to lower and soften the slalom wake with an entry of about 30 degrees which quickly flattens to run on parallel channels between side-vents and stepped chines. The 2001 ProStar 190 came equipped with the winged rudder reminiscent of the 1999-2000 models and introduced the Backstop Rope Deflection System (to prevent recoiling ski ropes from entering the boat) and parabolic tracking fins (to track straighter and minimize water distortion/bubbles).

The 2001 Waterski Magazine Boat Buyer’s Guide stated that, “The all-new 190, with its unmistakable, dramatic lines, stands out from the crowd both in an out of the course. With hard negative chines to increase lift and turning abilities and new parallel channels to reduce running surface and wake size, the new 190 EVO outperforms even the high standards previously set. The radically flared hull gives more interior room than before without increasing the running surface. The fuel tank has been shifted forward for better weight distribution. Even the least experienced driver will appreciate the rack-and-pinion steering, all-round ergonomic excellence and dazzling assortment of options. But the bottom line is the wake, which is what makes this boat the slalom icon it is.”

“Wakes are small and soft throughout all line lengths with the exception of a little bump at 22 off. Its strong hole-shot will allow even the biggest of skiers quick deep-water starts. Solid tracking and stellar wakes make the new 190 a slalom skiing machine”

The 2001 model carried a five piece wrap-around windshield (with a centre opening walk-through section for the first time). The interior of these boats also featured a rear seat which could be raised for form a 20 square foot sun pad.

Optional equipment in 2001 included speed control (PerfectPass – Cruise, Wakeboard Edition, or Digital Pro) fresh-water (closed) cooling, European package, heater, shower, Clarion AM/FM cassette stereo system, depth finder, cockpit cover, bimini (sun top), fibreglass platform, teak transom saver, transom ski tow eye, tower, board racks, extended pylon, single axle trailer, tandem trailer, galvanized trailer, and spare tire.

Exterior graphics on the 2001 ProStar 190 typically featured white deck, white lower hull. Two colour accent stripes (a thick band above and a thinner stripe below) ran the length of the hull about from the rub rail down to almost touch the waterline. The bottom edge of the two colours began higher at the bow and sweep down closer to the waterline by the time it reached the transom. A large “MasterCraft” decal was again featured on each side of the hull – this time it was chrome-like and was placed inside the larger colour accent stripe. Reverse gelcoat schemes were issued on special editions of this hull (Sammy Duvall or Team Tournament) in various years. By 2007 exterior gelcoat options included 21 colour choices which could be applied in different combinations to five different areas.



In 2002, MasterCraft introduced the 197 – an open bowed tournament ski boat based on the Evo 190 hull. The new 197 wins Powerboat’s “Outstanding Towboat Performance
Award.” For 2002, MasterCraft also introduces the 197 Tournament Team (TT) boats which feature a slightly different hull design - a hook was added behind the rudder where the hull met the transom. The hook served to level the boat while under way, softening the wake and improving tracking. The winged rudder was also discontinued on the 2002 190/197 TT boats.

In 2002 MasterCraft introduces two new engine options - the MasterCraft exclusive Cadillac LQ9 (HO 6.0 L) EFI 385 hp engine and the L18 (HO 8.1 L) EFI 425 hp engine. With this new engine (LQ9) the ProStar 190 EVO and ProStar 197 become the first (and only) boat in history to be AWSA certified in all five (5) competitive water ski events - trick, slalom, jump,
barefoot and ski-fly.

2002 was also the first year that MasterCraft offered two transmission options on the ProStar 190/197 – the 1.5:1 and the new 1.23:1 (which was referenced in later years as a 1.26:1) as part of PowerSlot packages.

For 2003, both the 190 and 197 production models would adopt the hooked hull design from the 2002 Tournament Team hull design. It should be noted that introduction of the hook increased the wetted running surface of the hull (which may have decreased the top speed and decreased fuel mileage slightly). This design has remained unchanged through the 2008 model year. Beneath the water line, the only major difference has been the addition of a more rounded rudder in the 2006 model year.

In 2003 MasterCraft introduced the new 350 HP MCX Engine.

In 2005 MasterCraft introduced throttle by wire on the MCX Engine (to improve engine response).

Example pictures of 2007, 2008 and 2009 models can be viewed by clicking on either year.

In 2009 MasterCraft offered a Diesel-Volkswagen Turbo Charged Direct Injection (TDS) V8–225hp engine in combination with a 1.5:1 transmission as a option.



This hull was approved as a tournament tow boat by the American Water Ski Association (AWSA) from 2001 to 2009 as the ProStar 190 (as a closed bow boat) and from 2002 to 2009 as the ProStar 197 (as an open bow boat).

The 2001 to 2009 Evo hull has pulled more world record performances in slalom, jump and trick ski than any other hull, including:
• Women’s World Trick Record of 12,220 points (Nicolas le Forestier in 2001)
• three new Pro Tour records (2002)
• Men’s World Barefoot Record (Keith St. Onge in 2002)
• Men’s World Records in Slalom, Trick and Jump - the World Record Triactor (2003)
• Men’s Slalom World Record (Chris Parrish – 1 ½ @ 43 off) and Men’s Jump to regain the World Record Triactor - Slalom, Trick and Jump (2006)
• Men’s World Jump Record (243 feet by Freddy Krugger in 2007)

The ProStar Evo hull (2001 to present) was viewed by some as having a “softer” slalom wake then its immediate predecessors and an equally strong wakeboard performer when compared to the 1995-1997 hull.

[C36]

MasterCraft: Setting a Higher Standard for 40 Years (40th anniversary book)

1981 MasterCraft Advertisement, “Engineering Excellence” ad
1983 MasterCraft Advertisement, “The Finest Construction Comes First…” ad
1991 MasterCraft Advertisement, “Can the New ProStar Improve on…” ad

1981 MasterCraft Owners Manual
1984 MasterCraft Owners Manual
1987 MasterCraft Owners Manual
1988 MasterCraft Owners Manual
1989 MasterCraft Owners Manual
1992 MasterCraft Owners Manual

1988 MasterCraft sales brochure
1993 MasterCraft sales brochure
1997 MasterCraft sales brochure
1998 MasterCraft sales brochure
1999 MasterCraft sales brochure
2002 MasterCraft sales brochure
2006 MasterCraft sales brochure
2007 MasterCraft sales brochure
2009 MasterCraft sales brochure

1980 World Waterskiing – [351/PowerSlot] Test and Analysis
1982 Spray Magazine – Waterski Tow Boat Test
1983 Spray Magazine – Waterski Tow Boat Test
1983 Powerboat Magazine – “MasterCraft PowerSlot Performance Report”

1991 Water Ski Magazine – Boat Buyer’s Guide
1993 Water Ski Magazine – Boat Buyer’s Guide
1996 Water Ski Magazine – Boat Buyer’s Guide
1998 Water Ski Magazine – Boat Buyer’s Guide
1999 Water Ski Magazine – Boat Buyer’s Guide
2000 Water Ski Magazine – Boat Buyer’s Guide
2001 Water Ski Magazine – Boat Buyer’s Guide
2003 Water Ski Magazine – Boat Buyer’s Guide
2004 Water Ski Magazine – Boat Buyer’s Guide
2006 Water Ski Magazine – Boat Buyer’s Guide
2007 Water Ski Magazine – Boat Buyer’s Guide

www.6ballsports.com
www.answers.com
www.iboats.com
www.mastercraft.com
www.nadaguides.com
www.tmcowners.com
www.usawaterski.org
http://www.waterskis.com/MasterCraft...ions-s/118.htm
www.waterskimag.com

/edit (15 Apr 2009) = 1980 World Waterskiing – [351/PowerSlot] Test and Analysis added

[TMCNo1]

Very, very nice job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ProTour X9]

Great post C36, I always enjoy them!

[east tx skier]

Another fantastic contribution. Well done!

[Prostar Rich]

Thanks for the great write up.

Prostar Rich

[flipper]

Well done, that was a great read.

[flipper]

Originally Posted by TMCNo1

Very, very nice job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I knew somebody would post before the "under construction" was removed

[chudson]

Excellent Job, alot of hard work, Thanks!!!