MasterCraft ProStar 209 Certified Record Capable

USA Water Ski recently tested the ProStar 209 with a Vortec HO 6000 (formerly the LQ9) and certified it Record Capable at their annual boat testing at Shortline Lake in Elk Grove, California. Record Capable means the boat is approved to pull all USA Water Ski-sanctioned tournaments up to Class-R. World records can be set at R-sanctioned tournaments. "This is a significant accomplishment," said Aarne Clow, MasterCraft Tournament Team coordinator. "At 22' x 96" the ProStar 209 was designed specifically for competitive water skiers with growing families. It's a little longer and a little wider than most tournament boats. This Record Capable certification by USA Water Ski proves that the 209 has elite water skiing capabilities."

At the same test, MasterCraft also certified the ProStar 190 MCX PowerSlot, a ProStar 197 MCX PowerSlot, and a ProStar 197 Vortec HO 6000 PowerSlot Record Capable. Here are the testing criteria, reported by USA Water Ski: 1. POWER AND ACCELERATION The object of these tests is to determine whether a boat has adequate power to pull slalom and jump events. The distance required to pull a skier from a deep-water start on a competition slalom ski and accelerate to 36 mph will be measured. This distance may not exceed 250 feet, and must not exceed 220 feet to pull Record Capability tournaments. The distance required to pull a skier from 33mph to 40mph will also be measured and must not exceed 150 feet to pull Record Capability tournaments. Alternatively, a load device, capable of consistently simulating the resistance of a skier throughout the designated course may be used to replace the skier. If a boat passes the "distance to 36mph" portion, its power will be further tested during the slalom and jump deviation tests. Failure to meet these marks indicates lack of appropriate power. All drivers will observe the adequacy of power while pulling skiers under tournament conditions. This testing includes the ability to consistently obtain times within the allowed tolerances for slalom and jump courses. 2. SLALOM COURSE CENTERLINE DEVIATION The amount of boat path deviation, which will be influenced by the pull of a slalom skier, will be measured. Two factors will be measured: average deviation and maximum deviation from the boat's path. Measurements will be made with a skier skiing at speeds of 34 and 36 mph at 18.25m. 16m, 14.25m, 13m, and 12m line lengths. The average deviation must be less than .4 feet (.12m), and the maximum deviation will also be measured. 3. JUMP COURSE CENTERLINE DEVIATION The amount of boat path deviation, which will be influenced by the pull of a jump skier, will be measured. Two factors will be measured: average deviation and maximum deviation from the boat's path. Measurements will be made with the skier skiing at maximum division speed and actually jumping over the ramp or skiing through a set of buoys that simulate a jump ramp. The average deviation must be less than .8 feet (.24m) and, the maximum deviation will also be measured. 4. SLALOM SPRAY While running the slalom course, boat spray should not significantly affect the skier's performance. Since this test is subjective, comments from the test skiers, all experienced competitors, will be recorded for the manufacturer's information. If all testing skiers independently agree that the spray has significant negative effect, the committee will review the data and may disqualify the boat. 5. SLALOM WAKE The slalom wake and rooster tail should not significantly affect the skier's performance. Since this test is subjective, comments from the test skiers, all experienced competitors, will be recorded for the manufacturer's information. If all testing skiers independently agree that the wake has significant negative effect, the committee will review the data and may disqualify the boat. 6. TRICK WAKE The trick wake and table should not have significant negative effect on the skier's performance. Since this test is subjective, comments from the skiers, all experienced competitors, will be recorded for the manufacturer's information. If all testing skiers independently agree that the wake and table have significant negative effect, the committee will review the data and may disqualify the boat. 7. JUMP WAKE The jump wake and pull should not have significant negative effect on the skier's performance. Since this test is subjective, comments from the skiers, all experienced competitors, will be recorded for the manufacturer's information. If all testing skiers independently agree that the wake and pull have significant negative effect, the committee will review the data and may disqualify the boat. 8. DRIVABILITY While pulling slalom, jump and tricks, the boat's combination of power package, design characteristics, controls, and instrumentation should not negatively affect a driver's ability to give smooth, consistent pulls within required record capability tolerances. Speed Control systems will be considered a part of the boat beginning with the 2001 boat tests. Comments and evaluations from the test drivers will be recorded. The committee will review the data, and should significant problems be agreed upon, the boat may be disqualified. 9. HANDLING AND MANEUVERABILITY Each boat will be required to make a series of turns forming a "figure eight" pattern with circle diameters of 75 feet. Two passes will be made, one at 17 mph and one at 26 mph, both within the same described pattern. The boat will then be required to make a 180 degree turn at 36 mph within the 150 ft. diameter course. This pattern will be repeated in the opposite direction at 36 mph. Each boat's performance will be monitored to ensure that all maneuvers are made safely and under control. All turns, both left and right, must be completed successfully to pass this test. See test forms for course diagram. 10. ENGINEERING The object of this test is to determine whether a boat's design will in any way hinder the performance of officials or skiers, or whether it presents any obvious safety hazards. The boat will be examined and analyzed from a tournament driver's perspective in areas such as human engineering and practicality for tournament usage. Comments from the drivers will be recorded for the manufacturer's use and information. Serious deficiencies will be noted and if, after presentation of the findings to the manufacturer the problem cannot be corrected, the boat may be disqualified. 11. SOUND LEVEL TESTING For the purpose of knowing that boats passing USA Water Ski's tests are not in violation of generally accepted maximum noise level standards, the noise produced by boats during typical tournament situations will be measured. Specifically, measurements will be taken from shore with a sound level meter during slalom deviation passes. Neither the average sound level for 36 mph passes nor the average sound level for 34 mph passes may exceed 75 dB(A). Failure to meet this standard constitutes a disqualification for the boat. Standards for set-up, equipment and procedures may found on the test form. Each boat must successfully pass all 11 tests and sub-tests. The intent is to evaluate which boats meet the pre-determined standard of performance, under test conditions, that will allow skiers and drivers to perform up to their maximum ability.