Broken hydraulic pump, dropped transmission, broken clutch and additional transmission problems.

All are mechanical problems the Waterski & Wakeboard Club’s single boat has had since the end of the spring semester. Nevertheless, members of the club say they are excited and optimistic about the club this school year.

With the club’s boat being in and out of a mechanic’s care, members have had challenges getting on the water but have found ways to overcome.

Dustin Prescott, a senior in mechanical engineering and the club president, brought his personal boat to Raleigh over the summer and has been using it for club practices, but he says getting the club boat repaired is crucial to having successful club activities.

“By using my personal boat, we have been able to get on the lake quite a bit,” Prescott said last week. “But we hope to have the club boat repaired by the beginning of next week — if it isn’t, then it will definitely affect club activities.”

Matt Murphy, a senior in accounting, said the mechanical problems have also presented challenges in getting new club members experience.

“Without a club boat, new members have not been able to get out on the water any,” Murphy said. “It has been a big pain.”

Prescott said in order to solve repetitive mechanical issues, the club is looking to purchase a new boat. But with all financial support coming from a small allocation from the club sports office and dues from members, Murphy said finding the necessary financial resources to purchase a new boat will be challenging.

“We are getting in contact with several different motorboat companies in an attempt to get sponsorship and a good deal on a new boat,” Murphy said. “We are also going to be performing several fundraisers to raise additional money.”

Prescott said several other universities within the state, specifically UNC-Wilmington (UNC-W), have been successful in receiving sponsorship and good deals on new boats.

“UNCW is sponsored by Malibu and receives great deals on a new boat every year,” Prescott said. “They are ranked in the top 20 in the nation and compete in national competitions regularly.”

Murphy said N.C. State’s club has the potential to experience the same level of success.

“We can definitely reach a success level similar to UNCW. We have got the talent in the area. We just have to bring it in,” Murphy said. “Getting a new boat and new equipment would definitely attract more of that talent to the club.”

Aside from the mechanical challenges the club has faced so far, Prescott said he is optimistic about this year.

“The goal for this school year is to become a stronger, more competitive club,” Prescott said. “We want the club to be more of a presence on campus.”