BOB Review

SuziQ

Banned
Ross, I reviewed the thread in more detail now. I have yet to jump into the market, but I do have intent on purchasing a smaller/lighter ski than my sj. For this reason, I was happy to see the 300 mod mentioned (I have desired to try one for quite some time), and I was happy to see mention of other comparisons as well. I have fallen in love with the fx1 (love the squirreliness), and I thought I was sold on it, until I reviewed your thread. I noticed mention of the fx1 by many others; however, I desire your personal input:

How does the BOB compare to the fx1 in flat water?

How doe the BOB compare to the fx1 in small surf (noticed your comment on bigger surf, in general)?


Also, how do you feel the bulb will work for me? My concern with such (based upon your review) is that I weigh less than you do. When most ride, the nose of their ski is elevated much higher than mine, due to their weight. This is why I prefer the fx1, for I can throw the fx1 around much easier of course. Based upon that information, do you personally believe the bulb would be a liability for me (that it will just plow nose first, due to my weight, even on flat water), or will the BOB elevate as the fx1 does for me:

Flat water?
Small surf?

Will a BOB be on the market without the bulb, or can it be special ordered if necessary (sorry if that was addressed already)?
 
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DK-Freestyle

2011 World Champion
Location
Oakley, CA
Will a BOB be on the market without the bulb, or can it be special ordered if necessary (sorry if that was addressed already)?

There's no need to get rid of the bulb on the front. If you get rid of the bulb, then you get rid of the BOB. The bulb on the front is what helps to make it flip so easily, it's not what makes it ride 'nose high'. Being such a short hull is what would make it nose high, but even then, the ski is at a ride able position when you're idled.
 

SuziQ

Banned
There's no need to get rid of the bulb on the front...

I greatly appreciate your input, sincerely, yet I specifically requested input from Ross for a purpose. We are "close" in stature (he actually towers over me, lol), and it makes a very big difference, and he will understand this more than anyone I believe. As stated, I am also much lighter than he. For this specific reason, I believe he can give me my best input (no offense at all...not all please realize). I am following his words, and my questions are based strictly upon his words (thoughts). I hope that makes sense. I believe I need a custom ski (I am extremely petite with rather good balance), kind of like Ross needs a custom ski, due to his exceptional skill level (I don't mean I ride my ski like Ross does, LOL).

Ross, you can call me if it is easier (I sent a text earlier to keep from posting, yet I haven't text you in so very long, I have no idea if your number is even the same).
 
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Hey Ross, could you please give your impression on the difference in riding characteristics between a standard setup BOB and yours with the engine moved forward?

Sorry for taking so long on the response...

I was far happier with the way the boat planed out and handled, but I may have gone a little too far. Some time soon I will move the engine back and I will let you know how that goes. Keep in mind that the internal components are still moved forward.

On another note a buddy of mine who is kind of new to our riding group, is just shy of 13 and weighs all of 75lbs has been riding the boat and has almost landed a couple of flips on it. He has doesn't have any real issues with the handling...seems like it is just us old fat guys....
 
Hey Suzi...

So, I can't really give you a good suggestion on how different boats would work for you. I weigh around 180lbs and I think we probably look for very different things in a ski. But you are more than welcome to ride this boat or any other I have when you are around.

I really like the idea of a small hull, and I like a lot of the ideas on the BOB, and I may put in the effort to modify it to do what I want it to do. But I'm not sure at this point if it is worth doing or not. I've talked to a few people who are very knowledgable about hull design, and I have a pretty good idea of what changes I would make. So we will see, and I will keep everyone posted.

At this point, I've just been training hard and riding the SJ lots in preparation for Surf Slam...
 

Cannibal

Tasty Human
Location
Summit Lake, WA
On another note a buddy of mine who is kind of new to our riding group, is just shy of 13 and weighs all of 75lbs has been riding the boat and has almost landed a couple of flips on it. He has doesn't have any real issues with the handling...seems like it is just us old fat guys....

Wow, 13 and almost landing full flips. Sounds like this kid has quite a future ahead of him. Teach him well!
 

Boris

The Good Old Days
Now that's what I call an honest review. Thank you, Sir.

Sounds like the BOB would make a perfect second if not the primary hull for someone who is stuck riding a salt water lake like me. If we get any surf at all, it's usually sloppy and washing machine like with no room to pick up speed in between sets (what sets).

A BOB and an SXR (for the mangrove runs) on my trailer sounds almost ideal.
 

WFO Speedracer

A lifetime ban is like a lifetime warranty !
Location
Alabama
There's no need to get rid of the bulb on the front. If you get rid of the bulb, then you get rid of the BOB. The bulb on the front is what helps to make it flip so easily, it's not what makes it ride 'nose high'. Having the engine shoved all the way back to the firewall is what would make it nose high, but even then, the ski is at a ride able position when you're idled.

Fixed it for you,thanks are not even necessary
 

Penken

whoomp there it is!
Location
Umeå, Sweden
There's no need to get rid of the bulb on the front. If you get rid of the bulb, then you get rid of the BOB. The bulb on the front is what helps to make it flip so easily, it's not what makes it ride 'nose high'. Being such a short hull is what would make it nose high, but even then, the ski is at a ride able position when you're idled.

so B.O.B realy stands for Bulb On Bottom
 

SuziQ

Banned
Hey Suzi...

So, I can't really give you a good suggestion on how different boats would work for you. I weigh around 180lbs and I think we probably look for very different things in a ski. But you are more than welcome to ride this boat or any other I have when you are around.

I really like the idea of a small hull, and I like a lot of the ideas on the BOB, and I may put in the effort to modify it to do what I want it to do. But I'm not sure at this point if it is worth doing or not. I've talked to a few people who are very knowledgable about hull design, and I have a pretty good idea of what changes I would make. So we will see, and I will keep everyone posted.

At this point, I've just been training hard and riding the SJ lots in preparation for Surf Slam...


I appreciate it Sir...it makes sense. If you weigh that much, then maybe I would have a better chance at flipping the ski than you…maybe even a double! :silly:

Good to read the 13 year old is riding the ski well, for I don’t weigh much more than he does, so perhaps I will like it too! Hopefully I can make it to your coast in October for JK's Benefit and find out then…won’t know til a day or two before…will send you a text (and you better win Surfslam whether I make it for that or not! :cheer:) Thanks bunches.
 
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