You'll probably be ok but the best thing to do would just be to go check it out. You're not going to be at 90 degrees to the gunwale... about 80 degrees would be maximum... even super-short.

Judging from that pic (not the best angle for this) I'd say you're OK. I'm pretty sure they have had towers on their boats at H2Osmosis for years, no problems there, and they've pulled record and pro events.

Looking at pictures of the X7, I'm thinking that those support struts mount somewhere between 12" to 18" further aft than the struts on the Prostar 197. It's hard to figure out the angles from those pictures, but I'd wager that you won't start bumping them until -39'.

Oh, that dealership has one of my favorite boats. A 1993 Prostar 190.



We had a guy bring one to a tournament this last year, and we ended up using it as a pickup boat. Had a brief discussion about having a "classic boat" round because so many people were reminiscing  about the beautiful wakes. The only nock is that the chine spray is pretty brutal. And at the same length, that boat is tiny. I kind of like that smaller hull, I feel like it fits me. These recent boats have hit the buffet, so to speak, it's a testament to the skill of MC, CC, and Malibu that they all ski as well as they do.

Last edited by HO410 (Tue, Jan 26, 2010 6:24 PM)

Thanks guys.

I dont think Ill be running into 41 anytime soon so I think it would be fine.

Ski36 You will be fine with the tower. The Prostar197 uses the same tower and is fine.

JohnE. n case you are not aware, the 214/X14 is a different boat/hull. The 197 is the REAL ski boat from MC. On the 214/X14 the windshield gets in the way. If you look, MC offers a different windshield on the 214/X-14 so you wont have that problem. I see you over on TT always putting up incorrect information and wish you would not do that. I know you love MC but STOP giving out WRONG information as if you know what you are talking about. Also, regarding the Mini-Tower instead. The mini tower mounts to the gunnells in the same place as the full size tower.

Last edited by mcguru (Mon, Feb 1, 2010 5:59 PM)

mcguru wrote:

Ski36 You will be fine with the tower. The Prostar197 uses the same tower and is fine.

JohnE. n case you are not aware, the 214/X14 is a different boat/hull. The 197 is the REAL ski boat from MC. On the 214/X14 the windshield gets in the way. If you look, MC offers a different windshield on the 214/X-14 so you wont have that problem. I see you over on TT always putting up incorrect information and wish you would not do that. I know you love MC but STOP giving out WRONG information as if you know what you are talking about. Also, regarding the Mini-Tower instead. The mini tower mounts to the gunnells in the same place as the full size tower.

First off the rear legs to the new style full tower are attached to the gunnels behind the windshield.  Probably close to 12" behind at it's furthest point.  The mini tower attaches to the gunnell in front of the rear of the windshiled.  Tell me any incorrect info I've posted and I'll retract and apologize.  That was definitely the case in '07 anyway which is the boat in question iin this thread.  I'll post a few pics if I really have to.  And I know exactly what MC's real ski boat is.  I owned an '05 197. 

As far as the windshield on the 214/ X14, it gets in the way of a boom, not a slalom rope.  The optional windshield for the 214/ X14 isto allow for the installation of the boom. 

Tell me where I'm off base here.

FWIW, I was told on the TT forum that the full tower is not record certified, but the mini tower is.

WW - Your pic is of the mini tower, the full tower will get in the way at 35off as it is easily 2ft behind the windshield.

I agree this one looks like a little bit of an issue. It's probably OK for about 85% of skiers out there though.... I guess the moral of the story is the Mini Tower is optimal. For longer lines, the full tower is still OK.

Yah thanks guys.

If we get a new boat I think we will just stay away from towers all together.

Towers are nice for resale...