WaterSki Magazine

Hickman
2001-12-29 15:00:00 | 974 views |
Comments

Love-N-It

Recommendations:
Hardcore Slalom
Family

    This is MasterCraft’s boat for the hardcore skier who simply needs a little more room than tournament boats are known to offer. This ProStar differs from MasterCraft’s other hard-core ski boat, the 190, only in that it has an open bow. The bottom features the same exact hull design that pulls the U.S. Pro WaterSki Tour and countless personal bests, but this layout gives you additional room in the bow and a great easy-access cooler on the step-through.
    The 197 comes stock with the powerful 310-hp EFI Predator engine from MasterCraft and Indmar. It also comes with an optional upgraded Cadillac 6.0-liter, high-output 385-hp beast. This results in a boat that has incredible power to pull even the most demanding ski flyers without the added weight of a big-block engine. The Tournament Team Edition also comes with a glare-reducing, all-black driver’s dash with sharp chrome bezeled gauges that match the steering wheel and throttle knob. The walk-though has a hinged backrest and the trunk features a hinged gull wing design for easy access from both sides of the stern.  
    For the serious slalom skier who demands performance, room and comfort, there isn’t a better boat in the MasterCraft line than the 197. The wakes are ideal for high-end skiing–soft and small with no bumps and no spray. They’ve managed to turn wakes that were already outstanding into something even better.

UPSIDE
The perfect machine for those who crave the shortline slalom capabilities of the ProStar 190, but need the extra room in the open bow for the family.
A flip-out walk-through seat allows for more front passenger room and provides easy access to the open bow.
Located conveniently under the walk-through is a handy built-in cooler.
Seating throughout the boat is well padded and designed for maximum comfort and functionality.
Rear seat converts into a spacious sun deck.
The throttle and armrest are strategically placed for ultimate comfort and drive-ability.
A swiveling pylon cuts down on the wear and tear of the towline.

DOWNSIDE
The hatch doors to the storage could be more user-friendly.

Length 19 ft. 8 in.
Beam 91 in.
Seating Capacity 10
Fuel Capacity 28 gal.
Test Prop OJ 14 x 20 4-blade
Test Engine Indmar LQ9 6.0L EFI, 385 HP
TOP SPEED 47.2 mph 5,200 rpm
ACCEL. TO 30 4.6 SEC. 103.3 FT.
ACCEL. TO 36 6.0 SEC. 170.3 FT.
NOISE LEVELS (db)
Neutral 59 D 61 R
36 MPH 89 D 92 R