What's my best boat choice?

[fidelityab]

:?: I currently have a 1984 Nautique 2001. I have two boys, 9 & 11 and both barefoot and board. I want to upgrade to an open bow to gain some room. I really like the room that the V-drive provides, but I don't want to give up the use of the barefoot boom. I like to train the boys on the boom where they can hear instructions. Also, they like to bring friends along to ski and most of them are beginners and the boom is a great way to get them started and comfortable on equipment. Is my best bet to get a Sport Nautique or a Air Nautique and deal with the doghouse in the middle of the boat or are there ways to get into a V-drive and still utilize a boom?

[Skier12]

You could always get a tower mounted barefoot boom. BI makes it and here's a link to some info http://www.bare-foot-international.com/tower_boom.html

There are some other things to consider with the v-drives though. The speed and acceleration of a v-drive will not be as good as an air or sport. However the wakeboard wake will be better, but your kids are young and a huge wall of water probably isn't neccessary. Theres lots of things to consider that I'm sure others will mention.

[Dallas]

WoW, That is a nice looking boom. Anyone using one of these that can give some good feedback on the quality, fitment, and just general impression of it.
THanks
Dallas

[NautiqueOasis]

We use the Tower Boom all the time. Barefooting, ski instruction, etc. We love it.

[onthefly55]

I have just spent months in this debate. Trying to find a suitable replacement for my trusty '90 sport, I went with a 216 and recommend it for the folowing reasons: Better ski wake, ease of maintenance on direct drive vs V drive. With ballast tanks and additional ballast a reasonable wakeboard wake and bottom line cost. There are a number of nice late model 216 and Air models on the market right now in the 2002-2006 for thousands less than SV-211 or other CC V drives. I also heard there is a 2008 Canyon Mist in Maryland at a dealer for 50K, if you have the urge to go big. Good luck.

[BigBald]

I also recommend the 216....went from a 99 Sport to a 2007 216....love it. And I use the boom a ton.

[fidelityab]

Thanks everyone for all the info. I'll let you know how it turns out.

[NCH2oSki]

I also recommend the 216....went from a 99 Sport to a 2007 216....love it. And I use the boom a ton.

Did you notice much difference in the ski wake at 30-34 mph from the ski to the 216?