I'm looking at a 2004 Air 226 TE, how is it for skiing?

[ThreeBears]

I'm thinking of finally entering the inboard world.....we're looking at a 226 Air TE. We want something that will accommodate our boys for surfing and wakeboarding....but my husband and I like to ski. Will we be happy with the wake on this boat for skiing?
Thanks for any input you can provide!!

[BPSKI]

RE: I

What kind of skiing? If it is slalom then no, other skiing yes. We really enjoy ours. Is it the best of the best in wakeboarding and skiing? No, but as an all around boat it is good.

[SkiTower]

RE: I

I don't know personally, but I've asked the same question. The short answer is this: if you're used to anything but an inboard, you'll probably be fine. If you have skied behind a direct drive, you will not be happy. It all depends on how picky you are and what you're used to. ALL inboards are better than I/O's and outboards. Unless you really need the additional capacity, I'd look at a 211 if you can find one (and I've seen several for sale with low hours).

The even shorter answer that everybody gives is this: ask for a test drive and grab your ski. Yellow_Flash_Colorz:

[ThreeBears]

RE: I

We like to slalom, but aren't real aggressive skiers. We've been skiing behind an IO.....so you could say not too picky. We just don't need a big wake making it more challenging!!!! We were looking at the SV211, then stumbled on a great deal for an `04 226......so thought we might consider it.
Thanks for all the input!

[BPSKI]

RE: I

I didn't mention we had an 89 Ski 2001 before the 226. We needed an upgrade in size due to increase in family size, and we needed something that could take big water better. We found a deal we couldn't pass up on the 226. We are not super picky about wake size, although with some work in the weight dept a 226 can be plenty good for boarding and surfing.

[Noelb]

If you're not super picky about the wake for slalom, get the 211. If you're planning to learn to do front rolls with your slalom ski, get the 226.

[Noelb]

If you're not super picky about the wake for slalom, get the 211. If you're planning to learn to do front rolls with your slalom ski, get the 226.

[BSBell]

I had a 211 team and used it for skiing and wakeboarding.

If you only take a couple people in the boat and run it up around 33mph then you can get away with some good slaloming!

On the other hand, the wakeboarding was great behind the boat as well. The wake pops you pretty good when you hit it and comes up to almost your hip boarding right next to it with the factory ballast full.