Best Slalom Boat EVER?

My perspective is one of a 15 off lower speed skier.

Once I got the acme 422 on my 98 SN, what little bump there was at 15 off completely disappeared. Even better, my wife apologized when I got back into the boat because, due to rough conditions, she didn't get it up to the set speed on the perfect pass. We were running 30 mph with no longline bump. The acme was the difference as there was more of a bump that I'd expected with the stock four blade OJ. With the acme, the longline wakes of the 98 are very close to the TSC2 longline wakes (from what I remember of them), which I've long felt were nothing short of incredible. I think there's just a slight bit of bump at longline behind the TSC3 hull, but I've always be nothing but pleased skiing behind the 06 and up 196s. Spray wouldn't seem to be a factor for any of these hulls.

Apart from that, if you ever get the chance to ski behind a 1994 MC Pro Tour 190, there is supposedly a spray pocket modification on these boats that eliminates spray for 38 off skiers. The wake of this era of MC is wonderful, but spray was encountered on the previous versions after 35 off.

Additionally, the 95--97 Pro Star 190 or any variation of that hull, which was produced under one name or another, i.e. Sportstar 19, or 19 skier until 2003 are very good with only a slight bump and little if any spray to worry about.

I've skied behind a couple of Malibus (both RLx models) and they were fine, but at longline and lower speeds weren't exceptional.

The MC 197 is, overall, a good boat. But the bump at 15 off and lower speeds is a bit more pronounced than that of the TSC1, TSC2, or TSC3 hulls.

I realize that many skiers aren't worried so much about longline, but then there's the other 90% or so of us.

Since Doug brought this topic back up, Ill chime in with my thoughts.

I havent skied a TSC3, but the slalom wake is supposedly unchanged from the TSC2. I think the TSC2 has slightly less rooster tail than the TSC1, but wake size is the same.

The '94 PS190 Ive skied behind has a beautiful wake, but lots of spray. You dont need to get into 35 off to notice it, especially in a headwind.

The '95 PS190 has a beautiful wake as well- I cant say for sure that its worse than the '94 PS190 or even the TSC2. No spray either.

The only recent Malibu Ive skied was a '01 Response LX. The wake was very small, but surprised me on how hard it was. The '88 Skier that a friend had threw a huge wake and lots of spray- though it did have the big block. Driving it was no fun either.

As far as driving goes, I have a strong preference for the seating position and handling of Nautiques. Each generation Ski Nautique hull has gotten successively better, but the 2001 forward boats all have a similar feel behind the wheel (my seat time in the older boats is very limited). Jumping into a MC or Bu has a completely different feel.

east tx skier wrote: Never driven a Malibu.

I must say, I enjoy the Malibus, especially the Response/RLX hull. It has to be one of the best driving hulls out there all around. Instantly on plane, tracks reasonably well, turns on a DIME. The Bu's are lifted so far out of the water on plane that it feels like only the fins and prop are still in the water. Very "floaty" feel which translates to agility and quick turning. All the newer boats from the big 3 drive great in their own ways but nothing sticks to the water like a CC. The CC feels like it's on rails in a straight line.

I like the slalom wake on my BFN better then my Air. I know they are two completely different boats. Plus I have now where near the skill on a slalom that most of you guys. I slalom more for recreation than anything. It's a good work out. No where near the work out that footing gives you though. Sorry little off track there.