School me on wakes

[ShawnS]

We have a 97 XP. Fun machine. We have been pulling the kids on tubes and water skiing. We have a couple problems:
When the kids are skiing the rope sometimes gets stuck in the wake. It's attaches too low to the jet ski.
My wife can't get up on skis behind the jet ski.
I can get up on two skis, but not one. And it's close on two, it takes a while to get them planing. Another 5 pounds and I am afraid I will be a permanent spectator. I am not a terribly big guy, 185 or so.

I would like a PWC that can pull us all. Get me up on one ski, get my wife out of the water, and pull the kids on wakeboards eventually if they choose. The Wake 155 and 215 look like they take care of all of that.
Are there years that are better than others?
Is the cruise control an option?
Is the ski mode or whatever it's called an option? Part of the cruise option?
Are some hulls better than others?
Certain years/models less maintenance than others?
Even basic information is welcome, get me up to speed on these things. I have read a few threads, but I still have a lot of questions.

 

[Coastiejoe]

Any 4-Tech can get you up for sure. Get a 215 and larger and you will be up in seconds. Plus, 4-tech has enough keel that the skier won't drag the rear of the ski around as they cut the wakes.

 

[benjilafouine]

I have seen a 4-tec incapable of lifting a 185 pounds guy. Think it is a 155 HP. I guess you are looking at 200+ HP.

 

[Coastiejoe]

I own a GTX 155 and a RXT-X. Both have pulled skies out of the water. The 130 engine has a a different cam and MPEM. Maybe that model may have issues. Not sure.

 

[Hawk388]

I have a 2016 GTR 215. I'm the 240lb driver and my wife is a 130lb who sits on the back as a spotter. My son is also 240lbs and I can easily pull him up on skis or, pull two 150lb people on a tube.

 

[AircraftDoc]

The RXT and wakes share the same Hull. You can get the RXT and add the pylon later.