Update on things and how to buy a Dyna-Ski Boat

In our never ending pursuit of building the best outboard powered water ski boats we have made a few changes.

No more wood!  That is right we no longer will use wood in the hull or the transom.  We are going to eventually get the wood out of the seat bottoms too but rest assured wood seat bottoms will outlast the fabric.

In an effort to start a great relationship with your local dealer I am suggesting that you try to purchase your motor locally.  A dealer will eventually have to do some work on your engine unless you change the fluids yourself in the lower unit and engine oil for four strokes.  The modern outboard engines are pretty much trouble free and some of them even winterize themselves at the push of a button. At the very least the local dealer should be happy if you shop them for the motor and rigging (I hope) even if you end up buying it cheaper somewhere else. Shopping around is a good idea for an expensive purchase.

Here is what you need to know to shop motors for a Dyna-Ski.

20" shaft motor
A recessed control is the preferred style by customers.
3" GPS Speedometer is almost a must have.
3" tachometer, 2" fuel & 2" trim/tilt gauges are good. I like a 2" water pressure gauge and many people like a 2" depth gauge.  All in one screens are not popular on water ski boats as the readouts are pretty small.
Electronic controls are nice but a little pricey (I feel). I do have them on my boat. 
We normally include hydraulic steering but the dealer will need to install the motor end, fill and bleed the system.  I feel that power assisted hydraulic steering is really overkill for a single motored boat but if you want it order it.

17.6 Open Bow maximum motor capacity is 150 HP.
We have sold them with motors from 75 hp on up.  The people that buy the smaller motors are usually on horsepower limited lakes. A 115 or larger motor will be a decent water ski boat. Buy a 150 if you want to drive a boat that feels like a sports car or you want to ski and barefoot with a boat full of people.  I did some smaller motor performance testing many years ago. Here are the links:

http://www.dynaskiboats.com/2012/03/176-open-bow-with-90-e-tec.html

http://www.dynaskiboats.com/2012/03/176-open-bow-performance-with-115.html

Most customer go with the hydraulic steering even with the lower horsepower motors although it really is not needed for 75 - 115 hp. we feel. Prop selection depends on motor size chosen.

20' Open Bow maximum motor capacity is unlimited. 
It is a great water ski boat with 200 hp.  Buying a bigger motor means it will cost more for the motor.  I have personally with a 200 HO pulled 5 bare footers at 45 mph (GPS) with two people in the boat. With a 250 HO I have pulled 5 bare footers with 7 people in the boat at 45 mph (GPS). Really no need for a 300 hp. or larger engine as a Dyna-Ski boat is not a go fast hull!  It is a water ski boat.  I always suggest at least a 175 hp. motor on a 20' but the boat is a decent water ski boat with 150 hp. unless you want to ski with a boat full of people or do a lot of bare foot skiing.  If you do go with a 200 hp. or larger motor.
 
There are some other little tweaks and things a dealer may want to know. I am happy to share any information they need or answer any questions they have. They can email or call. If you want me to tell them everything you need I will be happy to do that. Give me the contact info and I will call or email them directly if you or they prefer.

We can get into the options on Dyna-Ski Boats when you get serious.
Pricing the motor and rigging locally is the best place to start.  Dealers may do the rigging labor for free if you buy the motor and rigging parts & pieces from them.  Some dealers may offer free controls, gauges, longer warranties, etc.  Dyna-Ski does not get any incentives from the manufacturers to do these types of things. Sorry.

It has been a long slow process . . . . . .

 I have wanted to build better and more Dyna-Ski boats, make improvements and add some additional models for several years.  The former boat builder just wanted me to charge more while his quality dropped with ever increasing lead time and prices.  Not good at all for customers or Dyna-Ski.

The past year it was taking them a year from the day a Dyna-Ski boat was ordered (and paid for by me) until it was finally ready for the customers.  So a change had to be made!  I gave it over a year of carefully weighed thought.

I seriously considered pulling the plug on Dyna-Ski however my passion for Dyna-Ski Boats took over and I found a better solution.  The former boat builder was helpful initially when he thought I was pulling the plug or selling. Then after he realized I just moved, he was not cooperative and still is not.  The time with him had its ups and many downs (in particular the past two years) so it was time to do something.  I also made the decision knowing that it would take time to get a new builder up to speed.  Little did I remember from changing builders in the distant past how much work and time it required.  

The first major new unexpected issue that I ran into was many expensive molds had not been kept up by the former builder.  I now don't think he knew how to fix and maintain the molds.   So we slowly fixed the molds.    

The new boat builder had plenty of their own orders to fill.  Building Dyna-Ski boats is different than what they were familiar with doing.  I decided it was best to allow them to go slow and not make mistakes from hurrying.  The Dyna-Ski products will be much better in the end I firmly believe.

The new builder not having an interior and cover shop has been a big problem. 

Fishing boat interiors are simple. They have simple seats that can be bought from lots of places. Water Ski Boats need full high quality interiors.  It may surprise you when I tell you that some of the inboard water ski boat builders all use the same interior company.  Seriously.  The motors are all pretty much the same too.  It is all cheaper for cookie cutter boats.  Dyna-Ski Boats builds custom made to order boats so using a cookie cutter interior shop was not something I wanted to do and never will. Shipping interiors one at a time is a killer cost wise too. They do semi loads for the bigger companies.  The first interior guy that seemed qualified, local and very interested turned out to be a flake (so far).  Finding people that are qualified that can and will do the work timely had been a huge task. Logistics is also a concern.  It appears I have finally solved the interior issue. 

So now it is time to build the best outboard powered water ski boats in the world.   
Dyna-Ski

Your patience is appreciated and Dyna-Ski customers will all benefit in the long run.  I have done what is best for Dyna-Ski too.  It has been hard on me as Dyna-Ski Boats is my passion.

Thanks!

Pete

ps A great internet only radio station is WLHA. It is a free app and also available for android. 5000+ song library.  Or on the internet at  WLHA Radio

  Enjoy it and tell everyone and anyone.