216 Slalom Wake

[toddrswenson]

I'm sure it's been discussed on here before, but I can't find it. Is there a noticable difference in the slalom wake between the 196, 206, and 216. I'm sure there has to be seeing how it's a bigger boat. I'm just looking for some opinions. Does anyone run through the course with their 216 on a regular basis?

[DanielC]

When the 216 was introduced, it did pass the test for use in AWSA tournaments.

There is a noticeable difference between the boats. If slalom wake is what you are looking for, obviously the 196 would be the best.
You would need to test drive and test ski behind each model to get the answer you are really looking for. "Can I be happy skiing behind a 216, or would I wish I had gotten the smaller boats?"

The wakeboard version of the 206 will have a worse slalom wake the the ski version. Likewise, the Air 216 will have a worse slalom wake than a Sport 216.

Now, that I have said all that, even an Air 216 will have a better slalom wake than most every other boat out there, except for it's shorter Correct Craft siblings.

[Quinner]

The wakeboard version of the 206 will have a worse slalom wake the the ski version. Likewise, the Air 216 will have a worse slalom wake than a Sport 216.

LOL, Thinking what Daniel was trying to say is these boats can be very weight sensitive so additional weighty accessories such as Tower, Ballast Tank(s), etc., will have a negative effect on the slalom wake, just like having a full fuel tank and/or more then (1) observer.

Technically there is not a "Wakeboard" version necessarily as the hull is the same no matter what the stickers on the side say, be it "Nautique" or "Air".

[DanielC]

My experience is based on Skiing behind my 1997 Ski Nautique, and a 1998 ski Nautique, with a factory flight control tower, and a bimini top.
It might just be my imagination, but I think the extra hardware up in the air above the deck has the same effect as adding a little weight in the rear of the boat.

If I had my choice, and it was always feasible, every time I took a slalom run, it would be behind my boat, with the back seat out, less than a 1/4 tank of gas, one of our ski team ladies, who regularly climbs to the third tier of a pyramid driving, and her even lighter daughter observing. And all the equipment, and extra stuff that is normally in a boat left on the dock.

[Quinner]

Daniel,

Would not think it is your imagination, the same is true with our 206, more weight = worse slalom wake, always prefer slaloming with 1/4 tank fuel and nothing in/on the boat that does not need to be including people.

[swc5150]

Hey Quinner, how's the wake without a fully stocked cooler:-)

[Quinner]

Hey Quinner, how's the wake without a fully stocked cooler:-)

Scott, Really small since we are WOT back to the dock for a reload!!

[swc5150]

We should convert your ballast tanks to tappers! It could be like that tailgate car from the Bud Light ad! Sorry for the hijack...

[toddrswenson]

A pony keg under the observers seat wouldn't be a bad idea . It's all about creating the perfect wake.

[swc5150]

A pony keg under the observers seat wouldn't be a bad idea . It's all about creating the perfect wake.

Great idea to balance out a 196 with no observer!

[FMSKI]

Wake reduction

weight reduction is huge for both slalom skiing and boat performance. the colder or cleaner the water, the more important this is because the wake is very hard and the hollow or troughs deep in these conditions.

Bit of a story - but started the Carbon TSC1 project in August to build the ultimate slalom machine. Based on my 1997 TSC hull with GT40. By using Carbon Fiber parts I've got a ~ 1950 lb boat with flat wakes, no spray and blazing performance. Skis amazing. Now am working on speed control to meet or exceed the performance of ZO, but using the PP servo system.

[CD]

I own a 2008 216 TE, the wake is great, is the wake as flat as a 196? Nope, but i can have 10 people in mine, i can wakeboard, i can surf, i have lots of storage. I skied behind a MC X7 this summer and my wake is as good as the X7 which is a way smaller boat. We are not hard core skiers but we like a pretty small wake, our previous boat was 1990 MC PS 190 they dont get much better than that wake for skiing. We did notice a diff between the boats obviously but unless you are competing i think you will be happy with the wake. Then again if you are that picky buy a 200 or 196 and then buy a wakeboard boat, thats really the only way to get the absolute best of everything. No regrets what so ever buying the 216.

[cotton]

Daniel,

Would not think it is your imagination, the same is true with our 206, more weight = worse slalom wake, always prefer slaloming with 1/4 tank fuel and nothing in/on the boat that does not need to be including people.

Quinner, for slalom do you put any weight in the bow?

[Quinner]

Quinner, for slalom do you put any weight in the bow?

Have thought about it however have not tried it, is there a majic formula?

[cotton]

Have thought about it however have not tried it, is there a majic formula?

I'm pretty sure I read/learned it here: 50lbs in the bow, 1/4 tank of gas and no back seat. There's no doubt this combo helps for slalom, and the 206 tracks awesome/even better with this set up.

My boat runs about 3,400 RPM's at 34.2 MPH and we can get about 8 or 9 sets in before adding fuel.