WaterSki Magazine

WATERSKI Magazine
2006-12-13 15:00:00 | 1049 views | 0 Comments

BOAT REVIEW
With the Marine Tec Footer FTX model, Ski Pro proves again just how unique its boats are. Boats dedicated to barefooting are so rare these days, just the name “Footer” itself is a head-turner. This ski boat is tailor-made for barefoot endurance racing, but it can also handle the three events of barefooting as well. It’s also aimed toward the versatile needs of ski teams. And its style includes cool features like the contoured rear bench with extended seating on the ends and the great touch of the two footprints that top off the sleek exterior.

PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS
This is a stern-drive that aspires to have performance more like an inboard. The hull has been tweaked over the years to continually tune in to the needs of barefooters. The front section of the hull has a semi-tunnel design that relieves air pressure for more lift. A pronounced deadrise gives the boat a better rough-water ride as the sleek 89-inch beam knifes through chop. That also helps it hold to a straight line during those multi-mile barefoot endurance runs. Being an I/O, it’s able to get high into barefoot speeds and still make tight turns. The ballast package for racing balances the boat on the run, adding weight to the bow to better break down chop for passengers and footers. A patented automated trim mechanism adjusts the running attitude according to a certain rpm.

People looking to use the Footer FTX for other sports beyond barefooting certainly can. The wakes are crisp and clean for an I/O with a slight trough. Beginning wakeboarders will like learning on the relatively small, narrow wakes. Those riders won’t need to edge too hard to clear their first wake jump.

SPECS
Passengers: 7
Dry weight: 2,550 lb.
Draft: 21.6 in.
Load capacity: 1,600 lb.
Fuel capacity: 31 gal.
Storage capacity: 57.5 cu. ft.
Bow: 24 cu. ft.
Rear: 33.5 cu. ft.
Interior gunwale height: 25 in.
Sun-pad area: 20 sq. ft.

STANDARDS
Base price: $37,215
Engine: Volvo Penta V6 4.3L Vortec EFI, 225 hp
Prop: Dual Volvo Penta D7 three-blade
Wake shaper: Automated trim mechanism
Pylon: Center and rear
Driver’s seat: Adjustable
Dash: Tilt steering wheel
Gauges: 2.5- to 5-inch Faria
Gas fill: Starboard rear (customizable)
Cooler: 24 qt., under passenger love seat
Cup holders: 8, stainless steel
Rub rail: Stainless steel
Platform: Fiberglass with rubber
Trailer: Tandem axle
Graphics: Custom
Colors: Custom

OPTIONS
Loaded price $79,541
Engine: Vortec V6 4.3L, 225 hp; Vortec V8 5.0L, 270 hp; Vortec V8 5.7L, 280 hp; Vortec V8 5.7L, 320 hp; Vortec V8 8.1L, 375 hp; Vortec V8 8.1L, 420 hp
Cruise: PerfectPass
Ballast: One front tank: 491 lb.
Tower: Extreme
Racks: Swivel
Pylon: Swivel
Driver’s seat: Swivel, bolster
Mirror: Windshield-mounted
Stereo: AM/FM/CD Clarion deck with four speakers, MP3 input, satellite radio
Platform: Fiberglass with rubber
Misc.: Heater, shower, Bimini top

Also in this line: Extreme 2100 CBX
A 21-foot closed-bow model has that true sports-boat look. If you like the Extreme Footer FTX but want a larger boat, this is the model for you. It’s available as a stern-drive or V-drive.

Phone: 800.3skipro
Web: SKIPROBOATS.COM