Water Toys

A forum for discussing topics relating to MacGregor Powersailor Sailboats
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Matt M
Posts: 6
Joined: Sun Apr 03, 2005 6:20 am
Location: N.E. Montana (Ft Peck Lake)

Water Toys

Post by Matt M »

I was reminded of a cheap water toy, perfect for the Mac and especially younger kids, and older kids at heart. A circle, 4 in diameter wood disk cut from marine plywood and painted. Tows at about 10 mph and is super easy to get up on, sitting, standing, spinning, maybe standing on your head if you get real daring. Enjoy!

:macx: The JAYMIE SUE in NE Montana
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DLT
Admiral
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Joined: Mon Dec 06, 2004 10:24 am
Location: Kansas City 2005M 40hp ETEC

Post by DLT »

You just hook a rope to it? Where, along the edge?
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Matt M
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Joined: Sun Apr 03, 2005 6:20 am
Location: N.E. Montana (Ft Peck Lake)

Post by Matt M »

DLT, you hold the rope just like when you ski. The surface area is so large that there is very little resistance, so you don't need much strength to hold on. The disk is also very stable because of the large surface area. You don't have to jerk the person out with a lot of throttle like skiing. My kids started on one when they were 9.
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MAC26X
Chief Steward
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Joined: Fri Dec 31, 2004 12:57 pm
Location: Sandusky, OH 2001 Mac26X Anne Marie Honda 50

Post by MAC26X »

Back in the 60's/70s it was called a saucer, constructed as described. I made one then out of plywood. You can get an adult up on one with a fishing boat and a 10hp motor. Towing speed is slow, less than 10mph.

For those wanting to try it, here's the beginner technique:

Start in the water with your upper body on the saucer, holding the ski rope and the front edge of the saucer.

When the line is tight and you give the OK, the boat will speed up, but not as aggressively as you would for skiing.

As soon as you start moving forward the front of the saucer will come out of the water. You get on the saucer on your knees so that your weight is just behind the center of the board. Then you can release your grip on the front of the board.

THe boat driver must back off the speed as the boat planes. If the saucer goes too fast it will plane, the front edge will dip, and off you go (the same will happen if you move too far forward. The saucer should stay in a semi- planing position.

After you get comfortable on your knees you have a lot of options: stand up, go sideways, backwards, do spins, sit on a chair or stool, stand on your head, etc. Advanced tricks include a sitting dock start, or a beach start.

A lot of fun for a $20 piece of plywood and a little paint.
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