Buying Advise

[Norcalcat]

I am new to the Nautique world. I am looking at a 2004 AIR NAUTIQUE 216 LE. Any feedback? Good or bad. Very clean and runs great 92 hrs, $24k.

Is this model a good one? I am a former tournament skiier from the 80's so I know the Mastercraft Pro Star 190's. Now have kids and looking to have a good all around ski/wakeboard boat.

Thank you in advance.

[SkiTower]

Welcome to Correct Craft. If your experience is an 80's Pro Star, you should be pleased with the 04 216. It is a great all around boat with the focus on skiing. The wake is not as good as a 206 or 196, but if you don't have experience with those you'll be fine. But with questions like this my suggestion is always the same: Test it. Everybody has personal opinions.

A few other things to note: an 04 with 92 hours on it is a great find. Also, 216's are hard to find used, so don't let it slip away. And last, I believe $24K is a GREAT price if it is indeed in great shape.

The two great crossovers are the 216 and 211. The 216 is a ski boat that you can wakeboard off of, and the 211 is a wakeboard boat you can ski. I love my 211 for the interior layout for the family. However, the skier in me wishes I had gone for a 216.

[DanielC]

I think the 216 will do you fine. When it was introduced, and for a few years after, it was one of the approved AWSA towboats, without a tower. The Air version of the 216 does have a tower, and tanks, and even empty, they add a little weight that does slightly affect the wake. Of course, the 206, and 196 in the same years will have a better wake, but the wake behind the 216 will be very ski able.
As much as you would like your kids to ski, thay will probably want to wakeboard. Personal opinion here, but do not let them tube, teach them a skill.