Looking for my first ski boat -- 206??

[SGY]

BigBald. Just remember, you can sleep in your boat but you can't ski behind your house.

I agree with M3Fan on the 03-06 RLXi. That boat went by the wayside before it's time. The only issue I have with it is in big water, with kids in the bow, things can be a bit dicey.

[Ski-me]

Well the 03-06 RLXi is in the mix as well as the 206. As much as I like the 197, I think the bow is going to be a problem so that one is probably out. My third choice would be the 94-95 205 with the LT1.

Thanks all!

[01skinautiqueGT40]

Either the 196 or 206, you can't go wrong..... best ski boats out there that can be had. And either one of those boats with the 343hp or te older 330hp engine can absolutely fly! Can't imagine what the ZR6 feels like in one of those

ive skiied behind one, the boat is absolutely incredible!! so fast it hops straight our of the water, it almost ripped my arms off, no hesitation whatsoever it just plat out will haul ***

[lakeaustinskier]

Very timely forum.

My wife and are currently having a very similar conversation about open bow boats. I currently have an 07 196 LTD that I ski on a private lake for my hard core skiing . I also have a 1983 2001 Nautique that I keep on a lift at a public lake (I live on the water). Since it's cheap and low cost I like the 1983 CC but my wife has been eyeing an open bow boat (any model).

Mastercraft 197 - very good hard core 3 event boat. I'm not hot about the slalom wake but it's a very good wake(personal preference). Very little room up front in the bow so why bother? For some reason most MC's nowadays are sold "loaded" and that drives the price up especially then you don't want all the options etc. I've heard they had some quality issues in the late 90's. I know I currently own 2 CC's but I'd say that MC's are arguably not as well built as a CC.

CC 206 - not a great slalom wake at 15 and 22 off but after that I've seen guys roll into deep 39.5. Plenty of room in the open bow, high quality and CC's are built like a bank vault. My 1983 has 1500 hours and it still runs like a top. BUT they are kind of expensive so you'd better buy one and keep it a while (and it will hold up). If you are hard core most people buy the 196. I've heard that 09 might be the last year the CC makes a closed bow.

Malibu LXi - great open bow, different wake than a CC 196 but just as good. I have several friends that own LXis and they have been very happy. The only negative might be that they don't seem to be as well built as the MC and definitely not as well built as the CC. When I drive the Malibu I can "feel" the difference in quality between the Malibu and the CC. Models after 2003 have gotten a lot better. Still - a darn good boat.

So........

If you are not hard core (and I assume not) and want a family boat then go with the best deal you can make on either an LXi or a 206.

Considering the price difference my family is leaning towards a Malibu.