What side of boat for the boom?

[04ski196]

Hi all. What side of the boat do most of you typically put your barefoot boom on? I have seen them on both sides but I was thinking that for teaching my kids (and other kids) the driver side would be best as it would be easier to see them and communicate with them.
Thanks,
Lee

[Hollywood]

RE: What side of boat for the boom?

If you have the weight evenly distributed, that's fine. We use the port side so the driver's weight helps counter-balance the torque from the skier out on the boom. For kids, that probably isn't a problem. When I'm driving I like to concentrate on driving, and have someone else do the coaching. Plus, we usually dock with the starboard side to the pier, so the boom isn't in the way. Just go with whatever works for what you're doing, I don't think there is any performance difference.

[ddgueth]

RE: What side of boat for the boom?

I have been putting my boom on the driver's side over the past 10 years on 3 different nautiques. I have had no performance issues. We use it primarily for kids learning to ski and rookie barefooters. I wouldn't change it. On my new '05 211TE I plan to attach the boom to the tower and keep on the driver's side.

[BigBald]

RE: What side of boat for the boom?

Driver's side for me...although, I ususally use the passengers to help raise and lower the boom.....I have them move forward, backward, towards the middle, etc...it helps me tweak the boom height at certain times. I should mention that my use of the boom is mainly training newbies on wakeboard and skis.....and barefooters that are still using the trapeze.

However, my weight on that side can be a bit of an issue....260 lbs....but it's not been a big issue on my "new" 99 Sport Nautiqe....on my old 88 Ski Nautique, it was a bigger issue.

[bscott]

RE: What side of boat for the boom?

I like the boom on the left side as well. I'm with Hollywood. I usually concentrate on driving while other people do the coaching. Plus, with someone hanging on the boom, it is easier to line up the boat at the start by putting it in reverse than going forward, steering to the right, and dragging someone through the water before they are ready. Also, my driver's seat will not go all the way back if the boom is on the right side.