Finally on the water with our first boat!

[JDC]

The 197 is 19' 8'' long, 92" wide, 2800 lbs., 31 gal tank, max 6 people.

The 209 is 20' 11-1/2" long. 96" wide, 2850 lbs., 34 gal tank, max 9 people.

It's 1' 3-1/2" longer, 4" wider, and only 50 lbs. heavier than the 197.

I spent a small amount of time in a friends 190 years ago and that's when I decided I wanted a MasterCraft. I've not been in a 197 but it's the same size as the 190 and then add the open bow. The open bow makes all the difference for a family/fun boat. With our small family in the 209, it's nice and roomy. It'll fill up quick as the word has gotten out to our kid's friends. The more the merrier!

Now that I'm home from work, I need to get out there and finish my wood and carpeting job on my trailer.

[JDC]

Well I had to come back and tell AZXP, Fletchx7, and ps205, that I took all of your advise in and it helped me quite a bit today. I unloaded in the spot farthest from Wolfies and once I was off, I kept it turned hard left and made 2 switches from forward to reverse and I was spun around in no time.

I was able to get a bit more practice in as we had to go back for my hat that I left in the car (thinning hair necessity - LOL) and I used the slips to park in. When pulling out, I got a bit more practice in reverse and spinning around. For me it was a much more relaxing day than the first. Each time out will get easier, I'm sure.

We spent 7 hours on the lake today and the kids are ecstatic. Both kids and my wife got up on a wakeboard for the first time! I'm next when my wife is comforatable enough to pull me. Tubing and swimming, and just fun!! A great day before fathers day!