Air 216 or Malibu I-Ride

[Mikeski]

The old boat is gone so I need to make a final decision and find a new boat. After driving a few V-drives I decided that I will stay with a direct drive platform. I also don't want to get laughed at when I show up for my annual run at the slalom course. I can usually show up and make all 6 at 34/22off, I think it's engraved into my memory. The problem is that if I forget to stretch and a muscle usually gets pulled on pass number 3 or 4. We wakeboard about 60% of the time but nobody is competing. I would like to keep the option open in case I want to return competion slalom or LD jump in the future.

Anybody have an opinion for the 216 versus the Wakesetter/I-ride?

[AbunDiga909]

First off, I think you should not use this site as your only resource for info on this decision. We're all going to say go with the Nautique of course.

My reason for going with the nautique is becaues it not only drives like your old boat will, comperable to the Porsche of all ski boats, but when you drive a Malibu, it will be like driving at Cadi.

The "large" part of the slalom wake on the 216 is right where I ski, around 15 off. But at you're length, there is practically no rooster tail or wake at all. As for wakeboarding, I'll be honost, the 400 lbs of ballast tanks don't really do much. But with them filled, and a couple (more than 2) of people in the boat around 16-21 MPH, you can produce a wake that will satisfy any kid up to age 12-13 or up to intermediate. Since you said you won't be competing or anything, it looks as if the boarding wake will be able to satisfy your needs.

But the thing is, the wake is only good until about 21 MPH. Above that speed, the boat starts to go into "slalom mode" as I like to call it and start making a ski wake at slow speeds. My $.02 - hope this helps...

P.S. - The boat looks much cooler also :lol:

[Mikeski]

Thanks Abundiga.

I did post a similar message on the MBO forum just to see what the Malibu folks had to say.

What speed are you skiing? I typically ski at 15off at 34mph for my open water runs, my buddies ski at about 32mph. In reality I did the most of my slalom skiing behind boats from the 80's that had much harder wakes than almost anything else, so it's not that big of a deal for me. I just don't want to hear my buddies whine. I may add lead or bodies when we really want bigger wakes for boarding. My 95 SN loaded with 400lbs under the bow, 500lbs behind the motorbox and 300lbs of sand on the platform did quite nicely. This static weight with another 500lbs of people weight made it extremely difficult to avoid bow dips and swamps out back. Safety is the primary reason for my upgrade. I believe either boat I am considering will provide a significantly higher freeboard which means a safer/drier boat.

Mike

[FatBoy]

Take a look at the 211. Check this link out for some pic's of the wake behind my 211. And by the way it's for sale, I have an 05 211 Team on order.

http://www.planetnautique.com/index....iewtopic&t=777

http://www.planetnautique.com/index....ewtopic&t=2076

[AbunDiga909]

I ski at 30-32 MPH depending on my day at 15 off. At that speed and length, there is no wake, just a little bit of a "double-rooster tail." There are two very small rooster tails, and at 15 off I find I'm at the point where they are largest, yet it is still much smaller and softer than any old Nautique. I used to ski on an '82 Ski so I know what you're talking about when you say you're used to the old hard wake. When I first skied on the 216, I felt I was sinking in the wake because it was so soft. The new TSC2 hull that is on it kind of makes the wake as a whole look as if someone flattened the wake, making it wider than normal, but very, very small. It is really a nice change.

Regarding the safety, this may be a bit dissapointing. I love the boat b/c it has a very sleek, low, sharp look due to its low freeboard. When we have people in it, and go through a wake the wrong way, it swamps. You could even swamp the people in the bow on command, I know! :lol: This is something you must give special attention to when turning around and picking up fallen skiers. If you're not paying attention, you may swamp the bow. But, if you know what you're doing and get used to it, the problem is easily avoidable.

Overall, no one will whine about the ski wake, you will just have to be very careful about not swamping the boat, it can happen easily, esp. with all that lead you may add to it.

[Harry_Potter]

I agree with AbunDiga's comments totally, great response. Of course all on here will push the Nautique, but I reckon if you look at the finer points of both boats you will agree that the Nauti is in fact the better product by a mile, especially in terms of build quality, drive & reliabilty. The PCM motor also has a couple of unique features up its sleeve which sets it apart from the competition. If you get the opportunity to check out both boats (without travelling too much) you will see for yourself if you look closer. Like FatBoy also says, the SV211 is a superb option, great for both Wakeboard & Slalom to a similar level as the 216. Was in the USA a couple of weeks ago and a dealer there told me that the SV211 is rapidly becoming the most popular choice in this market sector. Eitherway, hope you make the choice which suits your own needs but i'm sure everyone on here would like to see you in the Nautique

[SGY]

Hey Mike. Wish I could help you on the I-Ride. Never been in one or skied behind one. Have ridden in and skied behind the 216. Awesome boat. Rides like a champ and skies very similar to my 206. You will not be disapointed with the 216 by any means. From what I hear of the I-Ride, the 216 tracks better and has a nicer slalom wake. The I-ride leans more towards the wakeboard side of things--again from what I understand from reading on MBO. The 216 is also quieter--a big plus in my book. From talking to most CC dealers, CC usually wins out if the difference in price is less than $7,000. Malibu is closing the gap in price as well as performance. I would also say that most Bu's are more plush on the inside than CC's boats.

Couple of things to think about with the 216. The warranty is better with the 216, no question. Also, the price difference can be accounted for with a few things the 216 has that the I-Ride doesn't--like the PCM gear reduction tranny, better exhaust, thicker windshield, clamshell engine cover, more accurate gas gauge, better quality vinyl and carpet (thicker doesn't always mean better in the marine industry), the fancy AME resin used on all CC boats etc, etc. There's more but I just got back from eight hours in the car with three wild kids. Tired and heading for the Betty Ford Clinic after spending the T-Giving holiday with my brother.

Finally, to me the dealer is the deal sealer. If the CC dealer is better and you have a relationship with him, then that should be your direction.

Like someone said on the MBO website, both are fine boats and I'm sure you would be happy with either.

Good luck and enjoy the process.

P.S. Give the folks on this forum a chance. Maybe they are all on vacation.