Which Nautique??

[BrennanK]

It sounds like they have accesses to a club boat when they want to get into slalom. I don't see slalom as a big concern if they have a club boat to use.
With that being said, it is between a SV211 and a SAN210 for years 2002 - 2005.
Here is what I would say.
During that model year, the SV211 would be your best bet. The newer SAN's are great all around boats, but back in the years where you are looking to buy you will have a hard time doing anything other than wakeboarding with a SAN. I would without a doubt get a SV211 if I was in your situation, I would also recommend the bigger engine for the barefooting.
For the resell values, I would look only at low hour boats that have the Team or Limited package. If you get a medium hour boat now then when you want to sell it will be a high hour boat. Remember, if you plan to sell within 4-5 years, look at what buyers would want, if you want to keep longer then look more at what you would want. From the way you describe this situation this seems to be a temporary boat.

[teamenzo]

I just bought a 2007 sv211, similar requirements to yours without barefooting. Completely agree the walk thru chops up the seating in a big way, I really like the flow of the wrap around styles, but for me the ski wake of the sv211 was the clincher. The other factor to consider is how many people will be out with you, the sv211 feels really small to me. We had a 2007 Chaparral previously whereby seating 10 was easy. In this boat 4 adults and 4 kids is getting crowded. We are mainly out with 4, so the size wasn't a huge factor, plus the boat fits perfectly in my garage and will continue to look show room new for years.

[cedarcreek216]

Too bad they did not make that flip over cushion to fill the walk through area for the 211, would make the layout much nicer.

[TT]

Thanks!

Thanks for all the advice everyone, it was a great discussion and I appreciate the info...I will start narrowing down years soon and see what the experts think. I have to admit everyone has me taking a second look at a direct drive if one comes up for the right price.

TT

[AirTool]

I have to admit everyone has me taking a second look at a direct drive if one comes up for the right price.

TT - you heard it from me first on Post #12

There are two 216 DD's for sale on this site. (bigbald and cradsv21104 IIRC) You should just buy one of those and get out on the water.

[Mikeski]

I can't do one foot barefoot behind my 211, not enough speed. It's also much much slower out of the hole and top end than my buddies barefoot sanger with a 150 merc outboard. For your needs I would give serious consideration to the 216 direct drive, it will ski, barefoot, drive, and handle better than any v-drive ever dreamed it could. Not quite as cozy as the open cockpit of a v-drive but every boat has it's compromises.

[TT]

Found One...

Ok guys,

I found something interesting in a good price range I think. A little older than we were expecting, but the hours are right and the guy sounds very on top of things and has maintained the boat well from his perspective.

It is a 2nd owner 2000 SAN that has everything with it 210 v drive Gt-40 5.8 with 350 hours...I know this is not ideal for skiing as was mentioned, but likely will be better than our Sea Ray if I understood. Should be alright for barefooting and all the rest. Has some bling to it, which does add up, but am trying not to get caught up in because that doesn't make the boat, just helps make a nice package.

Needs a little vinyl work on the sundeck, but overall good shape...he did put a snap top on the bow, which I know is generally a no no for a ski boat, but it works for us and hopefully wouldn't affect resale...

any opinions on what something like this should be worth? Any last thoughts on whether or not this is something to pursue?

Thanks!

TT

[AirTool]

I have to admit everyone has me taking a second look at a direct drive if one comes up for the right price.

TT

For your needs I would give serious consideration to the 216 direct drive, it will ski, barefoot, drive, and handle better than any v-drive ever dreamed it could. Not quite as cozy as the open cockpit of a v-drive but every boat has it's compromises.

Agree - here is a friend of mine footing off my 206

TT - Imagine your hubby and DD Nautique ----> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8puz4s8430

[swc5150]

TT,
You're probably aware of this, but www.ski-it-again.com is also a great resource for used ski/wake boats.

[Noelb]

For your needs, you can't go wrong with the 211. From what you are describing, it is perfect for you. I used to have one and loved it to death.