I use this page to just DUMP older stuff. It's not in any particular order but a lot of the stuff I take down is buried here. Enjoy your digging!
Marc Shaw "X FACTOR" Read below.
EDGE CHANGE LIKE THE PROS SERIES
In the photo above, Marc Shaw's ski has moved to the side of the handle away from the boat (B) on it's way to the opposite edge as he's coming out of the foam just off the second wake. His upper body (A) is still inclined away from the boat so he has not released any pressure nor has he edge changed. His ski is following an imaginary path that continually moves either closer to the handle approaching the wakes or moving away from the handle as he exits the wakes. In the center of the wakes, Marc's ski should be directly underneath the handle. You can read much more about this in my report; "EDGE CHANGE LIKE THE PROS". I'll be posting new photos daily of "BIG DAWG" skiers and how well they execute, THE X-FACTOR!
“I GO TO WHERE THE PUCK IS GOING TO BE”
When one of the greatest Hockey players of all time was asked what was the biggest difference between him and the other players?He replied, “THE OTHERS CHASE AFTER THE PUCK.I GO TO WHERE THE PUCK IS GOING TO BE”.You need the same attitude on your entrance gates.When turning in for the gates, most people commit after visually confirming the location of the right hand gate after it pops out the back of the boat.Doing so is a recipe for high speed skiing.You need to learn to commit from the outside, from the place you are standing when its time to go and point the ski to the place where the right hand gate is going to be.Waiting to visually confirm the right hand gate’s location after it pops out the back of the boat is sure to negatively affect your starts.Learning to “GO TO WHERE THE BUOY IS GOING TO BE” is one of the keys to killer gates!
Schnitz!
“SKIING LIKE A DOG”
I have written about instinct before but here we go again.When you throw a ball for a dog to chase, the dog will always chase the ball with its face (a brilliant statement).Dogs do it.People do it too, especially while powering into the wakes or afterwards, prior to the buoy.The fangs come out and the desire to get that ball increases.The only problem is that the officials are looking to see if the body part at the exact opposite end is going around the buoy.Where instinct causes people to chase buoys with their face, we must replace this instinct with that of chasing the buoys with the feet, otherwise, we might justly be accused of “SKIING LIKE A DOG”!
ROAD TRIP STARTED ON SEPT 7th! TODAY I'M HOME!
FREE CLINIC SALE! (sorta)
My normal rates for a one day clinic are anywhere from $1,000.00 to $1,200.00 not including transportation (like airfare, etc..). From Sept 7th through October 6th, here's the deal. I will come to your ski site with ZERO transportation charges and spend a whole day (up to 8 hours) with you, your club or who ever you choose, teaching and preaching on how to ski better. Need your ski set-up for ultimate performance? I will do it? Need to know how to get to the next level? I'll tell you! Need to know what's holding you back, I'll show and tell you.
Here's what I need from you. $600.00 a day. I take cash, credit cards, checks, PayPal, barter or whatever. I will need transportation to and from the airport and a nice, clean, air conditioned (or heated) room, food and water. Basically, you're getting me for less than half price. This is first come, first served and may not be available at all locations. Every city on this list is available; http://jetblue.com/wherewejet/aycj.asp
As it stands now, I'll be in Vancouver, Washington Sept 8-9. Then off to NYC for a day. Then on to Phoenix Sept 12-13. I'll take a shower at home on the 14-15th and then I'm off to Houston on the 16-17th. Then comes Niagara Falls for a day or two and then the windy city (Chicago) on the 20-21st. I'll do another 2-3 days of clinics during this sale so again, it's first come, first served! Right now I have about 2 weeks. When I'm not doing these clinics, you'll find me on a JetBlue plane heading somewhere, anywhere, living the dream! I'd like to hit Cancun, Aruba, Bermuda, Salt Lake City, Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and so much more but there's just not enough time! Please book today so I can finalize my travel plans! The only current openings are in October. 1-561-670-4075 or e-me at sschnitz AT mindspring DOT com
Tawn Larsen, Britt Larsen and Zenon Bilas doing some boom trick skiing on the St. Johns River in northern Florida.
Did you know booms were first used at Cypress Gardens for water ski photography in the 1940s? But it was Mike Seipel who innovated and popularized the modern boom for water ski and barefoot coaching in the early 1980s. To learn more about the history of the water ski boom, check out Zenon Bilas article "The Boom Boom," which is currently featured in the August/September 2010 issue of WaterSki Magazine.
THE NEW WATER-SKI MATH, 3 + 3 = 7
Here’s how this new math works and it’s relationship to skiing.Suppose you believe that 3 + 3 = 7 and all of the rest of your math is equally discombobulated.Then you study, study, study, memorize, memorize, memorize and you practice, practice, practice until all of this math is securely locked inside your head.The day of the big test comes along and you enter the room with all the confidence in the world only to be graded with a zero!What happened you ask?Only by practicing doing things right can you reap the rewards.It doesn’t matter how much you practice if you are practicing the wrong skills.If you think that by moving to Florida so you can ski year round you will become a better skier, you are sadly mistaken.I’ve seen this countless times.Practice may make you better at the mistakes you are making but it won’t take you to your ultimate destination.Only by practicing the right techniques can you get the right results! SKI GREAT!
Schnitz!
Chris Parrish and Rhoni Barton Bischoff win the Open Slalom divisions at the US National Championships.
12 year old Samantha Dumala wins again in Girls II with 2 @ 35 off!
9 year old Brooke Baldwin wins Nationals with 1 @ 35 off, 2 passes ahead of the nearest competitor (her 7 year old sister, Kristen).
11 year old Chad Meny wins Nationals with 3 @ 35 off.
Consistency is the key so the skier always feels the same pull and speed.
Have a philosophy before you get in the boat on how and where you will place the boat in the course.
Place left hand at 8:00 position on steering wheel and have right hand near throttle at all times. Never try to drive with two hands while in the slalom course as this causes overcompensation.
Never have the rope tight and pulling on the skier until the skier is in ready position and ready to go.
The speed around the turn island should be slow and then progressively up to speed so the skier never feels a sudden increase in the speed.
Have boat positioned to where after you pick the skier up, you turn slightly into the course to keep rollers from going downcourse.
Try to feel pressure on the rudder of the boat at all times. Constant pressure on rudder ensures that you can place the boat where you need to place it at all times. Don’t drive the boat into position, place it.
Never let the skier feel an increase in speed. Always have smooth transitions.
Have boat level with equal spray on both sides. Level boat is easier to maneuver and to place in course when not riding up on a rail to one side.
Focus on entrance gates and not pre gates for the initial lineup. Look ahead down course regardless of where pre gates are centered.
In The Course
Do not let skier pull you off line or tip the boat on pull out or turn in for the gates. Maintain a level and smooth boat all the way through the ball 1 boat guides.
No tipping of the boat allowed. Don’t let your boat crew move. For the approach to the course is the most critical time for the skier in the course.
You want to feel the rhythm of the skier but more importantly you need to focus on placing the boat where it is supposed to be at all times through the course.
Point the nose of the boat when skier releases off the top of the second wake and into the preturn. Do not turn the boat but slightly point the nose.
Let the boat seem to slide down course while waiting for the skier to hook up. Called "Waiting On The Skier" instead of the boat running away while the skier is in the preturn.
Pylon must remain in center of course at all times.
When approaching each gate set, have the boat perfectly straight and in the center of the boat guide buoys.
Do not slide toward the skier or you will cause slack rope and skier will not have any tension in line to turn on.
Do not drive to opposite side of course and take rope away from skier.
Pay attention at 6 ball and go out of course in center so not to pull the handle out of the skier hands by driving away.
After The Course
When skier exits course take over manually and slow down so not to wear the skier out.
Simple drop at each end of course while pulling back to neutral. Skier will pull out strong instead. There is no need for strong turn to the left and increase speed to pull out. Only wears the skier out.
Watch carefully for skiers who like to pull out to strong and possibly ski in front of and across front of boat.
Be ready to turn either way and control skier to your side to keep away from the boat.
Always turn boat engine off when skier is in water and near the rear of the boat or platform.
Chris Parrish and Regina Jaquess win the Alizée Cup in France
The 8 year old below will kick your rass on the slalom course!
WORD OF THE DAY
The word of the day is "TONING". "Toning" is when a driver pulls back on the throttle of a Zero Off equipt boat so that the engine barely has enough power to hold the skier thus giving a softer pull.
USA WATERSKI'S OFFICIAL TAKE ON HEAD PROTECTORS
Steve,
I obviously can't make you provide the sites that are making this requirement but it is not allowed and thus what they are doing is inapporpriate and not allowed. While you may feel that you are "protecting" these sites, the opposite however unintentional may be true. I know that you have given a lot to this sport and have a great deal of respect for you. It would be best to provide the names of the sites so that they can be spoken to before anything negative occurs.
Marc Shaw
Steve,
If you know of a tournament host that said that you must have a net in the V of ski handle, I would like to speak to them. USAWS has NOT made any statement agreeing or disagreeing with any Net/Protection device inside the V of the handle. At this time we are not making It a requirement. I am Not sure if USAWS insurance would cover any claims if the Host made it a requirement since USAWS has not. Some Ski Handle Mfg are researching and some prototypes ARE being used. I have seen some ski handles modified by individuals and I feel from a technical aspect, some of these handles are dangerous because you could get your hand/arm caught between the net and handle. Yes, we are going to work with Rope/Handle Mfg, and do some research; most important, we don't want to create something that will increase injuries due to hand/arm getting caught between handle and net. Safety is No. 1.
Chris Parrish's Record 2 @ 43 off video from the boat below!
Click on the photo above for "the rest of the story"
Chris Parrish tied the WORLD RECORD two times on Saturday and BROKE it on Sunday in Louisiana with 2 @ 43 off! Stay tuned for more info as it comes in. Chris ran 41 off (10.25m) 3 times out of 4 tries over the weekend! His worst round was 4.5 at 41 off.
Canadian Dave Miller in the news; Dave ran 2.5, 3 and 3.5 at 39 off (10.75m) 36 MPH (58KPH) at the "SKI RANCH TOUR 1" and then ran 2.5, 2.5 and 3 at 41 off - 34 MPH (55 KPH) in "SKI RANCH TOUR 2". Dave skied within 1/2 buoy of a pass better than his 36 MPH score. Dave also managed to take out a seasoned PRO in the process! GO DAVE!
Neilly Ross sets a new National Record with 1 @ 32 off (Neilly is the daughter of Drew Ross)
Darrin Railing - For tons more photos, click on Darrin's picture!
The price of skis is now so high, there are a bunch of start-ups getting involved. Here is what I know so far;
A new ski is coming out of Australia. It is a high end carbon slalom with affordable pricing. The company name is Rogue Waterskis. There will be a couple of Aussie youngsters skiing on them at the junior Masters.
Here's another one; Sans Rival is another ski coming out of Europe. The price, 2,000 Euros which is about $2,700.00 US.
There is a new ski company building skis in Austria. MR skis is currently building a super high quality, limited production, high end ski. It's currently available only in the 68" size. For more info, contact Harald Hintringer here or call 561-346-9877 Harald for more info.
There will be a new ski coming out of France. I have ridden the first generation of it and was very excited about it's potential. They made a couple changes to the mold and flex and sent me one. I was not impressed at all!
Reflex has joined forces with Mathias at Warp skis. Get your new WARP ski HERE!
BEHIND THE SCENES WITH SCHNITZ!
THE PHOTO BELOW IS MEANT TO SHOCK YOU INTO A DIFFERENT REALITY
Neilly Ross
Image:
Neilly Ross is the daughter of Drew Ross, the Canadian WaterSki Champion who resides on three private lakes in Orlando. Neilly's Grandpa, Ed Neill, a US National Champion has his own lake in North Carolina. Her uncle, Clay Neill holds the US National Record with 3.5 at 41 off. My point is she is surrounded by champion skiers who are on the cutting edge of everything that goes on in competitive waterskiing and here Neilly is, skiing totally differently than what you and I are accustomed to seeing. And no, this is not an isolated incident. If you look through the photos below, you will see Neilly crossing the wakes in almost the same position every time. I don't see what she's doing as wrong. I see what she's doing as taking skiing to a different level. She's doing what I call "SKIING ON TWO AXIS". What this means is traditionally we ski on one axis, that being the center point of our connection to the boat or the pylon. We swing back and forth, left and right, always connected to this axis. What I see Neilly doing is what I call "SWINGING". Instead of being aligned away from the pylon's axis, she is swinging her body around a secondary axis or, the handle. She is utilizing not only the swing from the primary axis but also generating more efficiency by swinging around the secondary axis much like using your legs to pump yourself up while on a swingset. Without using your legs on a swingset, it's really difficult to gain altitude. To me, Neilly is utilizing this secondary source of efficiency to accomplish her goals unlike the rest of us mortal, single axis individuals.
THE QUICKEST – FASTEST- EASIEST – CHEAPEST WAY TO SKI BETTER FAST 8/19/04
I have the good fortune to travel the World and ski just about everywhere.The reason I ski is because it makes me feel so good mentally, physically and spiritually.I recall twenty some odd years ago, back when I was first beginning my tournament water-skiing career,Bob LaPoint showed up at my practice site.Bobby knew something way back then that still applies in today’s modernized, computerized, fuel injected, speed controlled world.Bobby realized that in order to ski well, he needed someone sitting behind the wheel that would compliment his skiing, not combat it.Bob LaPoint brought along his own driver!I can’t tell you how many times I sit in the boat and watch with horror the boat driver destroying my student’s passes and self confidence.I can’t tell you how many times I sit in the boat in disbelief as the driver thinks nothing of having a conversation with the crew or on the phone while one of my students is forced to ski to a rhythm devoid of concentration or focus.I can’t tell you how many times I sit in the boat and hear and feel it smacking buoys on the opposite side of the course from my student.I can’t tell you how many times I sit in the boat and feel it moving away from or into my skier.I can’t tell you how many times I sit in the boat as the driver drastically under or overshoots the skiers speed.I can’t tell you how many times I sit in the boat as the driver gasses the throttle and whips the skier at the end of the lake.I can’t tell you how many times I sit in the boat as the driver wrenches out my students arms and shoulders while tightening up the rope prior to taking off.I can’t tell you how many times I sit in the boat as the driver floors the boat when the skier says “hit it”.I can’t tell you how many times I sit in the boat as the driver brings one of my students into the course at an angle.I can’t tell you how many times I sit in the boat as the driver drags my students either while dropping them or preparing to take off.I can’t tell you how many times I sit in the boat as the driver stops right next to the skier at the end of a set.I can’t tell you how many times I sit in the boat as the driver turns the boat into the skier when setting them down at the end of the lake.I can’t tell you how many times I sit in the boat as the driver is totally unaware of the skier’s presence in the water with the engine running while the skier is at the platform.I am sure that many of you reading this can’t figure out what the problem is with many of the things I’ve pointed out and therein lays the problem!The driver can be more than 50% of the equation of what’s going on behind the boat.The driver can and does make or break the skier.A very well prepared skier is nothing at all behind a bad driver.And then I’ll hear the comment that “everyone has to ski behind that driver so it’s a level playing field”.It’s not!I train long and hard as do many of my students.I demand good boat driving from my drivers as it eliminates a huge variable from the performance equation. The driver leads and the skier always follows in a very precise, choreographed performance that leaves little room for error.In the case of error, it’s the skier who is judged.Good skiing like a well choreographed dance requires each partner to do what is expected of them.When the leading partner hasn’t a clue, the following partner hasn’t either regardless of their motivation or preparation.Good driving requires 100% concentration, as much concentration as the skier is putting out behind the boat.If you are looking to drastically up your buoy count, seriously consider taking a look at what’s going on behind the wheel.Only with a totally committed team can the skier accomplish their potential.
Great skiing is teamwork.It's teamwork between the driver, the crew and the skier with all of the energy going towards the skiers benefit. By following these simple rules below, you will be on your way to becoming a great driver.
Set-up the computer before the skier gets in the water. Before pulling any skiers, the PerfectPass should be properly calibrated so that the weight in the boat along with the skier’s weight combined with the wind equals a perfect time.
Before the skier gets in the water, set the KX, the PX, the CREW WEIGHT, the SKIER WEIGHT, HEADWIND OR TAIL, etc., etc...
Look at your boat times at each end on your opening 2 passes to know what the wind is doing and to be able to accurately predict the settings on the next passes.
With Zero Off, make sure you have the speed, letter and correct mode set.
When a skier is finished with their set, they get in the boat on the PLATFORM, not alongside the driver!Bring the platform to the skier and make sure to turn off the engine when doing so.
Turn off the engine when the skier is getting ready on the platform.There are warnings posted on many new boats about the hazards of Carbon Monoxide poisoning!
Ask the skier how they like to be pulled out of the water.When someone floors the boat when picking me up, I immediately know they don't know how to drive!Squeeze the throttle up, don't slam it down!
When bringing the handle to a skier sitting in the water, make sure the boat's momentum is stopped by the time the handle reaches the skier.
A common mistake I see worldwide is the boat driver throwing the boat in Neutral when a skier falls.When driving your car, do you put it in neutral when slowing down?When a boat is under power, it can be steered!When a skier falls, slowly bring the throttle back to an in gear idle position rather than throwing it in neutral.
Whether in the slalom course or outside of it, there should be two speeds, up on plane or at dead idle.If you are not on plane and not at idle speed, you are throwing very large rollers down the course which can cause severe injury to the skier.
When the skier falls on the right side of the course, turn the boat to the right.Do the opposite on the other side.
Line up early for the pre-gates.For the skier, the course starts on the pull out.If the boat is in the wrong place before the pre-gates, so is the skier.If the boat is in the wrong place, the skier is forced to try and compensate for the driver's error.The skier is the one judged yet the driver is at fault.Typically, a skier will pull out when the boat is about 1 boat length before the pre-gates.At 35' off or a 40' tow line; add 10' from the pylon to the front of the boat and then 20 feet for 1 boat length and you have 70'.In other words, the boat needs to be straight, up to speed and on center at least 100 feet prior to the gates.
Always be in the center or a little bit left when entering the entrance gates.If you are over to the right, the skier will be over to the right going through the gates.Thus the driver being in the wrong place can and will cause the skier to miss the entrance gate!
Balance the boat.A balanced boat is not only safer; it also drives and skis better.Unbalanced boats have unbalanced wakes and often times, spray.
Be quiet.The most important thing when someone is skiing is to allow them to concentrate.If the driver is talking on the phone or listening to the radio, they are not concentrating on their driving.A skier who is working hard on their skills deserves the respect of the crew by being still and quiet.
Be a part of the skier's team.Sometimes in training, I expect my drivers to help me with the boat path or speed or both.As I begin to ski better, the driver tightens up the tolerances.Know what the skier expects and needs and do every thing you can to give it to them.
Use end course video in practice.I once had a boat driver named Kirk Cutcliffe.Kirk wanted to be a great driver.I lost 2 passes the first time Kirk pulled me.Kirk would always ask for feedback and was totally open to input.One day, Kirk took out a video camera and set it up at the end of the lake prior to pulling a skier.He then pulled the set and immediately reviewed the video.What was revealed was the reality of where the boat was in the course, not the assumption.Kirk learned how, where and when to put the boat at every line length and consequently went on to become one of the best practice drivers I have ever had the pleasure to ski with.
When dropping a skier, turn the wheel lightly away and pull gently back on the throttle.After running any hard pass, the last thing a skier wants to do is expend any unnecessary energy when setting down at the end of a pass.A common mistake is to turn the wheel hard away from the skier and apply a lot of throttle at the same time.If the skier is not ready for this unnecessary whip, problems can and do rapidly develop.
When dropping a skier, parallel them.As they sink, the boat should settle in also, all the time parallel to the skier.Once the skier and boat have settled in, turn the boat.If you never point the boat at the skier, you can never hit the skier!
Only go when the skier is ready.Many times inexperienced drivers take off before I am ready.This is not only an inconvenience, it's extremely dangerous.Wait for the skier to say “hit it” before going.I use a 3 step process when picking up a skier.When the skier says "hit it", I slowly idle out.Then I gradually begin picking them up and then I apply enough throttle to get up to speed.
Think about how and when you are turning the steering wheel.If you are turning the wheel away as the skier is approaching the buoy, you're whipping them, giving them excess speed and making them narrow.Conversely, if you are turning the wheel towards the buoy, you'll give them slack!
Anticipate the skier. Most drivers react to the skier's pull. Reacting causes the boat to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. You need to be able to "see in your "minds eye" where the skier is approaching the buoy and act with the skier, not after the skier. (Do not watch the skier)
Hi, my name is Eric “Tex” Tackett, I have been involved in waterskiing for over 25 years and have been assisting collegiate skiers for over ten years placing them at their summer dream job. WaterskiWorks is searching all over the country for you, the collegiate water skier, who is looking to get paid to play all summer.
WaterskiWorks works closely with summer sleep-away camps all over the nation who are in need of waterski instructors and counselors. As an instructor, you will be teaching youth skiers ages 7-15. There is no better place to train for next season, and actually get paid, versus paying for gas and trying to find drivers.
Feel free to call Eric for more info (972)762-0171. We look forward to giving you the summer of your life! www.WaterskiWorks.com
Setting up Zero Off
Kyle Eade Needs Your Help!
To our skiing family:
Some of you may know through message boards that our friend Kyle Eade sustained some extremely serious injuries during a practice set this week. He has some nerve and vertebrae injuries that have left some paralysis. Kyle is one of our own with a beautiful family that needs our support. I would like to ask those able, to step up financially and help prepare Kyle and his family for the tough road ahead. Some sources say a hospital stay of several months, are a possibility. Roger and Scot Ellis are creating a paypal donation account for Kyle and his family. Hopefully by Sunday 1/14/10 the account will be in place on the Skifly front page. 100% of all gifts will go to Kyle and his family to help with his recovery.
Orlando, FLA (December 9, 2009) – Water ski legends Andy and Deena Mapple along with O’Brien Elite are proud to announce the official launch of a new venture in the sport of water skiing: Team Mapple! Team Mapple, will travel from coast to coast to teach water skiers of all ages and skill levels for the very first time in an organized format. Team Mapple will also engage in sponsor promotions at local dealers, search for up and coming juniors to sponsor in 2011, attend major water ski events, and promote the sport.
Andy and Deena Mapple are the most highly decorated skiing couple in the sport, with a combined experience of 60 years in competitive skiing. Together, they’ve achieved over 230 professional wins worldwide, 36 US Masters titles, 12 World Championships, and 36 World records.
Andy, who retired from professional skiing at the end of the 2004 season, has stayed active in the industry and was heavily involved with the development of many innovative water ski products used today. Most recent launches include the O'Brien Elite, Ski Nautique 200 – Open Bow or Closed Bow, and Zero Off GPS Speed Control.
Deena is arguably the greatest skier of all time based upon the amount of events she won in multiple disciplines. She held the world slalom and jump records simultaneously. Deena retired from the professional circuit in 1995, after being undefeated for nearly 3 years during her career.
Andy Mapple commented on Team Mapple’s first organized tour by stating, “During our competitive careers, it was very difficult for us to devote time and energy to working with others. We love this sport and industry, and want to share all that we have learned, and the way we did it. Now is the time to leave nothing on the dock."
Tournament dates and bookings will determine the initial direction across the country. Please visit www.teammapple.com to learn more.
Steve,
I am flattered by the response on your poll regarding me coming back to ski in the pro ranks. Attached is a release and the reason why I will not be doing that, however being out there this next year, I may enter one event along the way where it is possible!
The video above shows just how easily Andy Mapple can run 41 off at 36 MPH (58 KPH)
The voting above shows the majority want Andy Mapple to return to the Pro Division! Andy's response below.
Steve,
I am flattered by the response on your poll regarding me coming back to ski in the pro ranks. Attached is a release and the reason why I will not be doing that, however being out there this next year, I may enter one event along the way where it is possible!
Regards,
Andy Mapple
Check out Andy's press release below.
APRIL COBLE IS THE FIRST SKIER IN HISTORY TO SLALOM BEHIND AN ALL ELECTRIC SKI BOAT. SEE THE VIDEO ON THE RIGHT!
On Saturday, March 27th, 2010 I went for a ride in an all "ELECTRIC SKI BOAT"! This was a first generation, proof of concept boat that easily pulled a skier out of the water and up and down the lake a couple of times. History was made! Expect to see the all electric option in the near future on all ski boats!
On Saturday, March 27th, 2010 I went for a ride in an all "ELECTRIC SKI BOAT"! This was a first generation, proof of concept boat that easily pulled a skier out of the water and up and down the lake a couple of times. History was made! Expect to see the all electric option in the near future on all ski boats! Due to the confidential nature of what I saw, that's all I can say at the moment!
32% of the people who responded to the "CHEATIN" poll so far have either experienced "CHEATIN" in tournaments or think it's happening! 51% of the respondents say Zero Off has made them want to ski less in competition, 44% think Zero Off has made the sport of water-skiing worse and 45% feel the 2010 Nationals is going to be a NIGHTMARE! How do you feel? Take the polls HERE
Stop complaining and let your voice be heard! Take the poll below and get everyone you know to take it!
As January 29th, 2010 - 95% of the voters feel the new Correct Craft 200 is too expensive. Here is your chance to send the factory a clear message! VOTE!
IS THERE AN ELECTRIC SKI BOAT IN YOUR FUTURE?9/20/2008
Right now, we have the technology and the actual parts to put together an electric powered ski boat.Tesla Motors currently sells an electric powered sports car powered by a 118 pound, 248 HP electric motor powered by Lithium Ion batteries.This car can go from 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds (which is faster than almost every production car on the road) and will hit a top speed of 120 mph with a range of roughly 150 miles.A rechargeable battery weighing close to 1,000 pounds powers it.Add the battery and motor weight together and it’s almost identical to that of a conventional PCM 349 HP engine with a full tank of gas.If we increase the size of the motor by 25%, we’ll have 310 HP (at the output shaft of the motor from 0 through 8,500 rpm) and increased the motor weight by only 30 lbs.
The battery size can remain the same as the motor can run at close to 25% efficiency, as it’s capable of spinning a constant 14,000-rpm.Ski boats typically run at 3,500 RPM for 30 seconds, then idle for a minute and then repeat until the end of the set.At each end of the lake, this boat would use no energy at all as the motor can stop spinning entirely.There’s no need to idle.These factors will allow the boat to run for hours in between charges just like the Tesla roadster.Docks in the future will have quick chargers where you will plug in your boat in between sets and/or overnight.
Utilizing this current technology, we could put one of these motors and battery packs in a boat, replacing the gasoline engine and still have all the performance we have grown accustomed to but without burning any petroleum based products period!No exhaust fumes at the transom.No noise complaints from the neighbors.Ski boats might then be allowed on lakes, rivers and places where they have never been before.
In the end, we have a fully powered ski boat that is noiseless, pollution free and will operate all day for pennies.One of the drawbacks is that our current technology limits the battery pack life to only last 3 to 5 years.If the battery pack costs $10,000.00, then the cost per year for the batteries is $3,333.00 per year ($64.00 per week) for a 3 year replacement and $2,000.00 per year ($38.46 per week) for 5 years.Right now, with gasoline at $3.79 a gallon, we can ski about 16 short sets on this amount.For anyone skiing 20 sets per week, the savings should the equivalent of about 4 gallons of gas per week plus all of the associated oil and filter changes that go along with this wear and tear.This equates to $15.16 (4 gallons of gas per week x 52 equals $788.32 per year plus 5 oil and filter changes with Mobil 1 equals another $150.00 for a grand total of $938.32 in savings per year not including the cost of the electricity to recharge the batteries which is ridiculously low and not including any labor for the oil and filter changes.Add to this all of the positive economic factors (like keeping our money circulating within our own economy rather than sending it offshore) and the environmentally friendly facets which can reduce emissions to zero through the purchase of green energy credits and you are looking at the future right NOW.
It’s up to each and every one of us to help clean up this beautiful planet we call home.Its up to us to make sure the thoughts and words become things.In doing so, we will all be doing our part, contributing to a more beautiful, peaceful and cooperative world.
Sincerely,
Schnitz!
Notes;
PCM Engine weight = 950 lbs
HP 343
Torque 430 at 5,000 RPM through 1.23 to 1 transmission
Gasoline weight = 25 gallons x 6.216 = 155.40 lbs
Total weight for both = 1,105.40
Add the weight of the gas tank also.
HP = Torque x RPM ÷ 5252
Weight of Tesla motor = 118 lbs
Weight of fuel (batteries) =
HP 248
Torque 276 at 0 thru 4,500 RPM x 1.23 trans = 339.48
Right now, the Tesla battery pack weighs about 975 lbs.Add to this a 150 lb motor and the net weight is 1,125 lbs.The gasoline-powered boat on the other hand carries a 950 lb engine and 155 lbs of fuel for a net total of 1,105 pounds, a 20-pound difference or basically no difference
I need a PATENT ATTORNEY to help me Patent a couple of items.
I am looking for an investor to build the next generation of amphibious craft, something that has the potential to change how people think about travel over water! I have the engineer lined up. We'll need about 200k to design and build this beast. This craft has the potential to replace every powerboat, jet ski, PWC, ATV and more! This vehicle has tremendous military and police applications. I've invented other products that have changed the world as we know it. It's time to do it again!
If you can help, please contact me here or phone 1-800-480-0090
I am looking for an investor to build the next generation of amphibious craft, something that has the potential to change how people think about travel over water! I have the engineer lined up. We'll need about 200k to design and build this beast. This craft has the potential to replace every powerboat, jet ski, PWC, ATV and more! This vehicle has tremendous military and police applications. I've invented other products that have changed the world as we know it. It's time to do it again! If you can help, please contact me here or phone 1-800-480-0090
As of today, (03/10/2010) 77% of all respondents would buy an electric ski boat! Guess how many would buy one from Malibu? Find out here and take the poll!
I WROTE ABOUT THE ELECTRIC SKI BOAT IN SEPT OF 2008 - HERE IT IS (sort of - click on the photo)
