CLOSE
Sign up to get news on contests, pro events, new products and special offers.
WATERSKI Magazine
Pro Q&A: Jimmy Siemers
Jimmy Siemers spent much of last year skiing behind his fully tricked-out MasterCraft ProStar 197 on a private lake in Arizona. Sounds like a perfect year – and we haven't even mentioned his two gold medals, in tricks and overall, at the 2003 World Championships, and his world-record jump of 236 feet at the U.S. Open. Now the 21-year-old junior at Arizona State University is looking forward to 2004, though he's not quite ready to give up his 2003 ProStar.
Have you customized your ProStar 197?
I got basically every accessory, and they've made my boat to match my truck. The truck is mainly black and it has an American flag paint job on it. The boat's just solid black.
What is it about the ProStar's EVO hull that makes it possible to break all those world records?
I think it's super easy to drive and basically just the tracking of it is really nice, along with the six-liter Vortec engines they're putting in there.
The hull is certified for five events. What's the secret to that crossover?
It's a versatile hull – it's a jump boat, it's a slalom boat. Actually, I think one of the better things is that it is a trick boat, which also equates to being a wakeboard boat. The wakes are perfect for tricking, and the engine with the tracking is awesome for jump.
What is it about the wakes that makes them perfect for tricking?
They're more of a steep kind, like a halfpipe rather than something that's just rounded out that you're not going to really know is there.
What should people look for when buying a boat?
I'd look for a boat that's going to hold up. You may be paying extra for the quality, but you're going to get a lot higher resale value.
What are your tips for test drives?
If you're a competitive skier, ski behind it, don't just drive it. See how it tracks when a skier is pulling against it. And make sure the wakes aren't too big or too small.
How much storage space should you be looking for?
In the back storage area, you should be able to fit a couple of trick skis, life jackets and ropes. In the front underneath the bow, have room for at least a couple of slalom skis and wakeboards. If there's a ton of storage in a small boat, more power to you.
Which engine do you prefer?
Six liter, for sure. It's the only way to go. I love driving the six liter. There's just a lot of torque in it, which equates to better skiing and a lot more power for jumping.
How are you going to follow up the great year you had in 2003?
Try to do a better one! [laughs] Nah, I'm very satisfied with this past year. It was by far the best year I've had as a pro.
The good thing is, you'll be getting a 2004 ProStar 197.
Yeah, I think so, but this 2003 is one boat I wouldn't mind holding on to. Actually, I think someone who works at MasterCraft bought it [laughs], so I might have to give it up.
