Which Prostar 190 to get?

[aelewis]

I am looking for a prostar 190, it looks like the 2004 year range fits my budget. However I have come up with a few questions.

Is the LQ9 a good decision? How is its consumption for fuel?

Is the MCX a good decision? How is its consumption?

Does the powerslot really help in a small boat, I know in my x9 it does. So would that be a deal breaker?

I am looking at a 190 with a MCX and no power slot

I am also looking at a 190 with a LQ9 havn't heard from seller if it is a powerslot.

Suggestions? I am a slalom course skier that like to explore as many lakes as my cummins truck can take me to. Thanks

[mzito]

I don't have a newer model 190 but I do have a 95 with a slot and love it. I have skied the same boat and newer boats (with more HP) with 1:1 and I feel there is a difference in the pull and hole shot with the gear reduction trans. I am Kicking tires as well for a new tug and will be buying a slot again. Good luck with your future purchase Im sure what ever you buy you will be satisfied!

[east tx skier]

2005 was the first year with throttle by wire if that's important to you. 2006 had a rudder upgrade. 2003 was the first year that the hooked hull was standard on all production 190/197. Powerslot (gear reduction) is always an improvement, but not absolutely necessary. All else being equal, I would take the boat with gear reduction.

MCX seems to be pretty reliable, but they have had quite a few issues with the fuel pumps burning up. Consumption is probably about average.

[VTJC]

I would recommend PowerSlot in a 190/197 as well. I regularly ski behind a friend’s 05 197 with 310 RTP ‘aka Predator’ 1:1 and it’s a dog. We ski on a small public lake, so there is room to get up to speed for the course. But when/if I get an 01+ 190/197 it will defiantly have a larger motor and PowerSlot. One advantage of the LQ9 the closed cooling for spring/fall skiing when temps might dip below freezing. Good luck in your search.

[mikeg205]

I am a more power more torque... - you'll never be disappointed with more horsepower... VTJC - really a predator was dog on a 197? What don't you like about it... doesn't get you out of the water on deep water start fast enough? I have a 95 - 1:1 - 275hp on label - and it's a bat out of hell... just curious...was a prop changed?

[east tx skier]

Originally Posted by mikeg205

I am a more power more torque... - you'll never be disappointed with more horsepower... VTJC - really a predator was dog on a 197? What don't you like about it... doesn't get you out of the water on deep water start fast enough? I have a 95 - 1:1 - 275hp on label - and it's a bat out of hell... just curious...was a prop changed?

Much more wetted surface on this era of 190/197. Need more power to do the same thing your 275 hp motor does happily.

[mikeg205]

Originally Posted by east tx skier

Much more wetted surface on this era of 190/197. Need more power to do the same thing your 275 hp motor does happily.

ahhh thanks

[rodltg2]

oh no the dreaded 04 LQ9

[VTJC]

Mikkeg205 ,Yes, you read that correctly a 190/197 with 310 hp and 1:1 trans is a dog. In my opinion they are underpowered for what should be a sporty boat. I had the same drivetrain in my 99 SportStar(95-97 ProStar Hull) and it was a rocket. The newer boats are heavier with a larger wetted surface creating more drag(improving tracking and wake though). I would only consider a 190/197 with PowerSlot and/or higher output motor.

[Ski-me]

Originally Posted by rodltg2

oh no the dreaded 04 LQ9

What's wrong with the LQ9? I'm hoping for a 03' Anniversary 197 with the LQ9 someday in the future. I think that's beautiful boat.