ski verses barefoot nautique

[richh]

I'm looking for a 2001 model nautique. Can someone tell me the differernces other than engine size of these two boats? What are the advantages or disadvantages of the regular nautique compared to the barefoot. Thanks

[SquamInboards]

A big one is hull shape - the barefoot has much more of a "vee" shape and I gather isn't as good for wakeboarding, but will offer some skiing advantages, and ride better in rough water.

Here's a decent shot of the rear end of each:
Barefoot

2001

[richh]

Thanks for your reply. I want something excellent for skiing (Flat wake)but also want to be able to plow a nice wake for a knee board or tube. I've heard that the 2001 models hull design produce a decent wake. The Barefoots are of course heavier with a deeper V hull, would they produce a larger wake at slower speeds? I'm assuming the barefoot will eat more gas and is all that extra hp really needed? Do you know how they compare side by side hole shots? If I remember the barefoot top speed is only 2 mph more.

[Laptom]

I would not say the barefoot 2001 has a better wake for wakeboarding then a ski 2001. But it really is a good/excellent wake at 22mph.

[Hollywood]

Lots of variables when you're talking about ~20+ year old boats in terms of engine performace. The BFN wake will not get flat enough for any serious slalom skiing, but juding by the following line that probably isn't taking place.

want to be able to plow a nice wake for a knee board or tube.

You can't possibly be AT ALL concerned about the wake for some bogus activity such as tubing.

Even the SN hull will not get all that "flat" compared to today's standards.

[WakeSlayer]

the BFN will have a great wake for boarding. Be it V drive or DD, same wake. If you are set on a 2001, try and get an 89 Ski, that will give you a good slalom wake, and a good boarding wake in one boat. That was the first year of the gear reduction, and it changed the dynamics of the wake a bit.

[richh]

Thanks for all your replies. I do not do anything remotely close to serious skiing. I just wanted a smoother wake than the average boat produces. At the same time the kids like a wake for tubing and boarding. Nice side by side picture. What a huge hull difference. I can see the SN being able to side through turns and the BFN not being able to. I can almost have just as much fun watching these boats and how they handle compared to riding in one.

[Projectboard]

Anyone have pictures of a Barefoot/Excel wake? Or know where i can see some.

[rosconole]

whats speed difference betweeen the two my '89 Ski runs 46mph ...

[saceone]

a 454BFN must be fun to drive eh

[Andy]

ski vs. Barefoot

There used to be a site called nostiks.com. there was a pic of an 89 BFN wake (mine) on that site. I'm sure if you dig, that pic is still out there someplace.

[rosconole]

RE: ski vs. Barefoot

My 89 seems to be a bit rough in big water, does the deeper V on the BFN have a better ride in rollers and chop?

[TRBenj]

Re: RE: ski vs. Barefoot

My 89 seems to be a bit rough in big water, does the deeper V on the BFN have a better ride in rollers and chop?

Yup.

[Hollywood]

RE: Re: RE: ski vs. Barefoot

[Laptom]

Our 454 Barefoot just don't touch the 50mph.. But it hauls big time... Just slamming the throttle is mean and you just get a smile on your face.. Big time!