I have just purchased a second Mastercraft Prostar 190, 1996, to replace an 1988. I was very surprised to find the wake not improved in 8 years from the 88. I know they made the hulls wider in 1995, but, for skiing it seems that every penny of improvements went to wake boats. Other than the engines and extras is there a boat out there that was the BEST???

How much have you been out in the 1996? Even at 15 off on a '88 you are getting soaked. The back seat is a virtual shower in the '88 if there is any crosswind. The wake it self has a bit less rooster on a '95-'97 than the '88 as well.

As far as what is the best, You can't beat a current generation 2003 or newer 190/197. New is usually better.

The slalom world record was 3 at 39 off in 1973. For the crap that they skied on and the wake they had to live with then, we should be able to get by with what we have now!

Much of the improvements have gone to the wake boats because that is where the majority of sales are. It is just a little capitalism at work. Thats probably why we are talking skiing on a wake forum!

I never did think about it, but the folks in the back looked a bit dryer. I was affraid you would confirm my thoughts about the new boats, ie 197's. It seems too good to be true to have great wake and ability to throw a bunch in the boat for some boarding with the kids. Thanks for website http://www.waterskis.com/ very good info.

Nick, in '96 the combined tour began to focus and market wakeboarding more than skiing, the x-star was about to be introduced (they were testing the hull, R&D), and Parks was beginning his reign. Wakeboarding was definately around. The newer 197's wake isn't much different in size, but the shape and stiffness make it much easier to maneuver.

my bro has had an 04 and an now an 06 197-my water ski club has an 06- x7-same as a 197-they are killer boats...great @ shortline..no spray..mine had a bit of spray if you are in head wind and a larger slalom wake...but also a way better wake board wake...