new boat $$$$

[jim39off]

I price out getting a new 07' 196 ski and trade my 1997 ski in.... I'm looking at $ 28k between the too... thats as much as I paid for my 97 new... I get new cars every couple of years why do I have a problem spending this money for a new boat... There is nothing wrong with my 97 now expect I would like to try to get the play out of the steering in the course....

I don't have the much time driving or skiing with a new 196's how much better are they... i'm I getting that much better boat to drive and ski in the course with?

[AbunDiga909]

RE: new boat $$$$

I'm pretty sure you will be getting a much better boat if you upgrade. I'm not exactly sure which hull you have, but I know that it is NOT the TSC2 hull which came out in '02 I think, and starting in '06 the 196's got a new TSC3 hull, only slightly different from the TSC2. The TSC1 hull was great, and I forget which year it came out in, maybe '99 or '00, or '97, I'm not sure.. Nonetheless, you will be upgrading 2 or 3 hulls, and I'm sure you'll notice a big difference in the course... There is virtually NO rooster tail behind the TSC2 hull--I cant imagine it being any worse on the TSC3...

[Mikeski]

RE: new boat $$$$

You are not making a compelling argument for the new boat. The only thing I see that you would really like to improve is the course tracking. Just file one side of the rudder so the slack in the steering is taken up and that should make the steering more precise. Of course you will have to fight the pull when you are casually driving straight. My 95s rack became a little loose after I ran a bad steering cable for one summer. I seem to recall the pinion was held in place by a drift pin that had a little slop. I did something like centerpunching it that seemed to help a bit. Buy my memory of this is a little foggy.

[Onthewater]

RE: new boat $$$$

Austin, The TSC is still regarded as one of the finest slalom wakes. There is probably not the BIG difference you think there will be.

Jim, It is NOT worth the upgrade. Plus, you have the GT40.

[SGY]

RE: new boat $$$$

I'd look for a well kept 04 or 05 196. That'll save you some money and you'll get virtually the same boat as the 07--minus the hydrogate and TBW.

To answer your question, I've noticed that the newer boats are quieter and smoother. They also handle better at slow speeds around the dock--etc. There is also more room in the newer boats--02 and up due to a interior redesign. And, while its subject to debate, you also would have the use of a trunk on the 02 and up. I also like the pull of the newer boats with the Excaliber motor. The GT-40, while venerable, pulls like a freight train. Some folks like it, some don't. Finally, if you're a tournament skier, a newer boat is will give you a better representation of what you'll see on the weekends.

Good luck with your decision. BTW, how many hours do you have on the 97? As far as the slop is concerned, Mikeski is correct. If you haven't filed on your rudder to add load, you should do so. It will make a big difference pulling skiers through the course. If there's still slop, I'd start checking steering components--including the tiller connection and the stringer tie down block to make sure they haven't loosened.

[MARK-S]

RE: new boat $$$$

How much into tourney skiing are you? How important is PP and staying up to date with the latest PP system. If you were to invest in a new PP display, that would bring on some $$ also. That is where PP is getting some $$ from. The new chips do not work in the old displays. With the 04/05 you can still get 6.5, but when they go to the next generation, people will have to make some decisions.
The 97 is a great boat and will offer the same pull and feel as any of the new boats. You can take care of any loose feel you have with some minor work. I have been in every year class since 2001, with a 96 before that. They get better every year with stuff like guages, parts ect, but they all ski the same.

[Zwengit]

RE: new boat $$$$

Ain't it crazy how expensive the new ones are??? Your '97 is a terrific boat and I bet there were a lot less issues with reliability in '97. Seems to me you ought to rethink, especially 'cause you have a GT40 in it. Tighten up the steering and put the $28k in the bank and at 5% you'll have $29.5k next year (and your 97 won't depreciate a lick).