Water Skiing

T

tackle2004

Junior Member
Joined
Apr 16, 2005
Messages
6
Hello

I am thinking of buying a boat and have been offered a couple and was thinking you guys might be able to help me out on choice.

Would want it for skiing towing toys and eventualy wake boarding and mono skiing in the river mouth of the blackwater essex

The choices i have are

1995 fletcher arrowflash with 75 hp merc

or

1998 fletcher arrowflyte 60hp merc

Would they both be suitable????? Both similar money
 
Both will be good enough for learning to ski/general fun.

If they are both in good condition I would go for the larger boat (Arrowflash) as it's got more grunt and you will appreciate the extra interior room and the ski locker in the floor. You get a better choice of props for the 75HP as well.

However if the newer boat (Arrowflyte) is in markedly better condition, I would go for that. There's nothing more frustrating than a beautiful day and a broken-down sportsboat!

Neither boat will be fantastic for wakeboarding as they are light and so produce small wakes. (though I guess you could add a 'Fat-Sac' to spruce the wake up a bit). The small wake is a plus though for mono-skiing.

Bear in mind that you have to store this thing somewhere. Even a 14 footer like the Arrowflyte is nearly 19 foot with engine and trailer.

I have an Arrowflyte/Merc 75 that I use for skiing/kneeboarding/tubing etc. It does the job just fine but it does get a bit cramped with 4 blokes and all their sh!t on board.
 
The arrowflash is a bit scruffy and generaly well used and they are asking 4750 and the arrowflyte is mint and has only been run for about thirty hours in fresh water it has not got a mark on it and he is asking 4000. Any help on making my mind up???
 
i`d probably go for the 15 - the 14 is gonna be a bit to small - once you`ve got your gear on board and a mono skier will murder the 60.

get the guy to do you the 15 for 4 grand or 4250 tops. 4750 seems a bit steep if you say it`s scruffy.

we recently sold a 15 with a 90 merc on in superb condition for 5 grand. (1995 model)

Both boats are superb fun. if there was just say two of you and your watersports wasn`t a main priority the id say the 14 without a shaddow of a doubt. difficult one really.
 
TheOrs said:
However if the newer boat (Arrowflyte) is in markedly better condition, I would go for that. There's nothing more frustrating than a beautiful day and a broken-down sportsboat!

Tell me about it! Took me nearly 2hrs to tow my mate back from Cargreen to Mount Batten today!!
Shame really first time out in his first boat, all was running fine until it over heated a split a bit of oil from what looks like under the oil filter. Started it up with the muffs on after and all was fine no oil leak no rising temp, anyone got any ideas, its a mercruiser 140???:cheers:
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TidyBoy said:
Both boats are superb fun. if there was just say two of you and your watersports wasn`t a main priority the id say the 14 without a shaddow of a doubt. difficult one really.
Click to expand...

Agree with TidyBoy here. Difficult decision. Personally I think I'd go for the 14 but it all depends what you want to do with it.

What level are you at Ski wise?

Are you aiming to be the world champ, or just have a bit of fun at weekends?

I learnt to mono behind a 50HP (pre-ICOMIA). I think a modern 60HP is fine for beginner mono-skiing. (as long as you're not XXL)

My feeling is that it's better to have a slightly smaller, slower boat that just works, than a bigger one that keeps needing 'reassurance'.

You can use the money you save to buy petrol & beer, or stick it in an ISA and upgrade your boat in a few years time to match your new-found wake conquering strangle-hold.

[Disclaimer: I've had 1/2 bottle of Brandy]
 
Dan said:
...tow my mate back from Cargreen to Mount Batten today!!
Click to expand...

Bummer. That's a flip of a long way!

I remember paddling back from the Breakwater to Richmond walk using one paddle & a waterski. Check/change my impellor every year now! :bang:
 
I have now gone for the 14ft and he gave another 150 quid off so I have 98 mint arrowflyte for 3850.
 
Dan said:
TheOrs said:
However if the newer boat (Arrowflyte) is in markedly better condition, I would go for that. There's nothing more frustrating than a beautiful day and a broken-down sportsboat!

Tell me about it! Took me nearly 2hrs to tow my mate back from Cargreen to Mount Batten today!!
Shame really first time out in his first boat, all was running fine until it over heated a split a bit of oil from what looks like under the oil filter. Started it up with the muffs on after and all was fine no oil leak no rising temp, anyone got any ideas, its a mercruiser 140???:cheers:
Click to expand...

If it was OK at idle but overheated once under load, it sounds like there could be a blockage in the manifold and/or riser. Don't know why that would cause it to spit some oil out though.
Click to expand...
 
tackle2004 said:
...so I have 98 mint arrowflyte for 3850.
Click to expand...

Sounds like a good deal. It'll be good on fuel as well. Enjoy!
 
forgot to mention that I got a set of newish skis and brand new knee board and a ski rope too
 
Tackle, where in UK are you?

I'm sure someone on here would love to help you out and show you the basics one weekend when the weather is better !

:seaman:
 
Doh....read the thread !!!!
 
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