In our boat tests, we not only assess the pure handling characteristics, but also the water ski suitability of planing boats. This assessment includes the height of the stern wave, splash water fountain and acceleration. For a Bayliner 1850, for example, we wrote: "With the 4.3-litre test engine, an extremely fast, trailerable all-round boat that even meets the demands of a professional water skier." A reader promptly explained to us what a real professional water ski boat looks like and what characteristics it must have. A normal boat with a sterndrive could not fulfil these requirements. Such a sports boat is only suitable for good hobby use. He continued: "The established manufacturers of water ski boats come almost exclusively from the USA. Master Craft, Malibu and Ski Nautique should be mentioned here in particular."
Three manufacturers that have only slowly gained a foothold in Europe in the last 15 years. In the past, and even today, water skiers often sail behind elegant wooden boats at competitions. These are Boesch's mahogany beauties from Switzerland. Boats that came into the professional waterskiing world more by chance than anything else. This was due to a development from the 1940s: the so-called Boesch Horizon Glinding principle. It gives the boats a particularly flat stern wave and thus the basic prerequisite for water skiing. Other important points: Wave drive, course stability and manoeuvrability.
Characteristics that not only our European test Boesch 560 Competition fulfils, but also its plastic colleagues from the USA. Our test quartet was complete with boats from Correct Craft (Air Nautique 216), which are often only sold under the name "Nautique", Malibu (Wakesetter 21 XTI) and Master Craft (Prostar 209).
Downloads:
download
Ralf Marquard
Deputy Editor in Chief BOOTE
