97 XP riding question

[thepantydropper]

I love my 97 XP.I am 280 lbs and 6'2''.The only complaint I have is that the ski is so unstable.It will roll VERY easily.Its impossible for me to re-board in deep water. I've been riding a while and I can pull my self up with no problem but when I bring my knee up to the ski the front will rise straight up and roll back over.Very embarrassing for someone who's not a rookie.In shallow water I can hop on real fast or at a dock.It's always an uneasy feeling when I ride to know if I fall off I can't get back on.I want a bigger ski so this isn't a problem but till the money for that presents itself I am stuck.I even had someone in the water with me once holding the front end down and he couldn't hold it.I'm a big guy but I'm not huge! I'm well under the max weight for the ski.I don't get it...Thoughts anyone??

 

[Porschephreak]

I know what you mean about it being tough to re-board in deep water. I have a 99 XPL. I am 6' 1" at 220-225 lbs. One thing I have noticed is clearing the water out of the foot-wells definitely makes a huge difference. I start by getting a knee up almost dead center then snake forward across the seat to the grab the bars then lean slightly forward as I start it up.

 

[Spimothy Leary]

ever try just grabbing the grab bar, quickly putting both feet on the rear tray, and hopping up right to the middle of the seat as fast as you can ? basically a leapfrog mount.
that was my approach, but i'm 100lbs lighter

quite honestly at 280 a gtx probably makes more sense.

 

[Minnetonka4me]

They are what they are. Its def a bit more tippy than a 96xp, but much better than an HX. Its all in the ride you want.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

I am 5' 11' 177 lbs. I side saddle the XP and HX.

I Lean the ski over with me beside it. Key on. Start. Make sure you are clear. Hit the gas and pull up. I do it almost everytime.

 

[Porschephreak]

I am 5' 11' 177 lbs. I side saddle the XP and HX.

I Lean the ski over with me beside it. Key on. Start. Make sure you are clear. Hit the gas and pull up. I do it almost everytime.

I can do that but it takes a lot of me, maybe 3 or so times in one day and then I am whooped.

 

[thepantydropper]

Yeah right after I posted this I found this video which everyone in my situation should watch and try.I can't wait for spring now to get this mastered.Side boarding ....this guy makes this look easy !http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7sd12fKcoY

 

[LouDoo]

If you try to side saddle make sure you have the lanyard attached to YOU, I hate to watch the ski go down the lake without a rider, even at an idle it's hard to catch, don't ask me how I know!

Lou

 

[1995hx]

Yeah right after I posted this I found this video which everyone in my situation should watch and try.I can't wait for spring now to get this mastered.Side boarding ....this guy makes this look easy !http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7sd12fKcoY

Remember thats a hx way smaller and easier to pull sideways in the water also the seat is a lot lower than a xpl I can side board a hx but not a xpl and im 220lbs 6'3. You need to find the center balance of the ski. On a hx its all the way to the front of the ski I can sit on it there all day sit back at all and the ass end wants to sink.

Sent from my C771 using Tapatalk 2

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

I find my XP is more stabile (aka less fun) with a full tank.

If you need more stability, you need a GSX or GTX

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

I find my XP is more stabile (aka less fun) with a full tank.

If you need more stability, you need a GSX or GTX

 

[Spimothy Leary]

I find my XP is more stabile (aka less fun) with a full tank.

If you need more stability, you need a GSX or GTX

that's a fact, and maybe even a boarding step, although IMO there's no substitute for a little upper body strength.

 

[racerxxx]

I guess the never made the "Junk in the trunk" for the back of the 97+ XP's like they did for the balance challenged HX owners.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

that thing is hideous. i saw one on Craig's list like that.

 

[Strizzo]

i'm 6'3" 220, and i don't have much problem boarding in deep water, but it will jump up and bite you if you don't pay attention. especially if you let the footwells fill up. i have been on and had 110-130 lb girl on the back without too much trouble once you get going. haven't tried deep water boarding 2-up though, i'm sure it would be difficult.

 

[thepantydropper]

yeah my dream machine is a new Wake Edition.Those things are bad ass and everything I want in my ski.I have a lot of fun on my XP and I think I can master climbing up the side.Mine is like brand new too.I don't think I will ever part with it.

 

[Porschephreak]

i'm 6'3" 220, and i don't have much problem boarding in deep water, but it will jump up and bite you if you don't pay attention. especially if you let the footwells fill up. i have been on and had 110-130 lb girl on the back without too much trouble once you get going. haven't tried deep water boarding 2-up though, i'm sure it would be difficult.[/QUOT

My son and I are roughly the same size (over 6' over 200lbs) we do deep water boarding all the time. I have an easier time getting up than him (better natural balance) The passenger kinda just hangs on the back until the ski gets up on plane and then finishes climbing up.

 

[Hghgrad]

I'm a small guy and the side boarding is something I do regularly. Start it up, little gas to keep it moving, one foot on the side and swing the other over as it comes up. It's a bit tricky at first to figure out how much throttle you need. But I'm sure you can master it quickly.

I joke that I spend more time swimming towards my XP than I do riding it

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

Instability is directly related to maneuverability. A more stable ski will be less 'fun'.