2001 Air nautique Question

[Tholland]

Hi all! New to the site for a reason, which is finally looking to get into the tournament boat market!! Looking at Nautiques mostly along with Malibu's and just found a 2001 Air Nautique up for grabs. The thing is I'm quite confused as to what genre of boat this falls under? I've heard anything from it being a waterski boat with just added ballast/tower to it being a wakeboard boat with intermediate slalom capabilities. Info would be great (waterskimag doesn't have reviews for this year it doesn't seem). I'm mostly into waterskiing, freeskiing but looking to hit the course in the next year hopefully! Any suggestions or insight?

[Tholland]

RE: 2001 Air nautique Question

I just re-read that... to make it a whole lot simpler. What hull-design does the 2001 air nautique use, and is it good for waterskiing behind? the direct drive one of course

[jchamlin]

RE: 2001 Air nautique Question

I've got a 2000 Air. It's a good jack of all trades. I slalom just fine behind it. I wish the wake were a little bigger for boarding but with a couple of sacs and boatload of people, it's all good.

For the year you are looking at, pay attention to the gauges. The originals are Teleflex digital and will eventually go bad. If they've been replaced with analog, you're good. There are multiple posts here showing what others have done...just search on Teleflex. Mine are a little touchy but seem to be fine if you use the boat a lot.

It's a really great boat. Very solid and will last you as long as you are willing to care for it.

[jchamlin]

RE: 2001 Air nautique Question

BTW, I think it will ride better than any Malibu. A friend of mine has a 05 VLX and you can feel every little ripple in the water. I'm no expert but I'm speaking from experience.

[WakeSlayer]

RE: 2001 Air nautique Question

If you are looking to purely slalom, or even primarily slalom, I would get straight 196. If you want an open bow, try to move up to a 206. A friend has a 2000 Air, and is a pure slalom skier. He would rather have an SN. There is a bump at 15-22-28 that he doesn't like. They are good all around boats and will do a bit of everything decently, but if you have a focus, lean that direction.