Thanks Dan.
Since I built my motor now almost three years ago, I've been trying to figure out how I could really test it out to see if performed how I envisioned when I designed and built it.
Originally, my dream motor would be able to pull a five man deepwater start and then run those five guys fast enough to do one foots. The list of tournament inboards capable of that feat is a pretty rare bird.
First problem is getting the ropes/handles. I have three but two of the three are very old school ropes that aren't even close to the same length. So with several twinks, extensions and handles I was able to get those three within a foot of each other. New ropes are probably pretty close but I can't afford to go out and buy several new ropes and handles. So borrowing a couple others I was finally able to secure what I needed.
Then you need the skiers. Problem is that if you've ever pulled more than two guys from a single point like a pylon, you know that as soon as the ropes come tight the guys start bumping and banging into each other and it's literally survival of the fittest. So the answer to that is two booms. Now you have the same monetary issues so a new second boom is just not in the cards. You can borrow a boom but unless you have similar boat make and models, chances are very good that you'll have to make some significant boom cable adjustments and believe me when I tell you, that can be a real challenge. Fortunately, Johns new Barefoot Skier boom slid right in without a hitch and fit perfectly.
This weekend, the planets aligned with ropes, handles, boom and skiers so I was finally able to give my dream engine a workout. To say I was nervous about realizing my dreams or finding complete utter failure was an understatement.
Four man flyers were first which we made but the boat did struggle somewhat. Then tried four man deepwaters and it was much easier than the flyers and effortless. I never did have to go WFO on either run so I knew there was plenty of juice left in the tank. So we added a fifth guy and did a flyer. The boat again struggled but we were successful. Then deepwaters with five was again much easier and the resultant video took place after we realized that we had pics of the feat but no video so we did it a few times and we were easily successful every time. 42 MPH with five guys in tow is the bomb and easily one footable. Not all the guys can do one foots but it would be really cool to have a pic of five guys side-by-side doing a toe hold wouldn't it? That's something you don't see every day.
I gotta tell you I was a pretty happy camper as you saw in the video. The guys all agreed that they think we could've made six. It would definitely be a struggle but doable. If the guys can stay prone for a little while longer and wait for speed before sitting up, it's definitely makeable.
So that the story behind the video. Hope you guys enjoy it as much as I had making for you.
