No, we never installed any instrumentation that had "Nautiques" in the bezel, nor did anyone back in 1984 have any form of speed control other than the accurate muscle control of the wrist and forearm. However when speed controls did become available in the mid-nineties we did install them on promo boats as it became a required item and remains a required item for tournament towboats today. The early units were based on speed (from the pitot pick-ups) RPM, and timing magnets placed in the boat guide bouys and sensors in the hull. Then came paddle wheels through the hull to replace the pitots. Now the systems rely on GPS, RPM, and VERY complicated software. All of the speed controls (other than the basic wakeboard types) are designed for Slalom & Jump practice/tournaments within a course, not open water skiing, although they may work there. I have worked closely with some of the top drivers and engineers in this area (they all use the Tanis Drone to test with) and it's a fascinating technical achievement to watch as the current systems respond to virtually every variable you can throw at it.
(did that answer the question?)
