Anyone familiar with the 216 that can give me some quick input.

[Chattwake]

My local CC dealer has a demo 2009 216 with the zr6, tower, etc. that he has to liquidate because he's closing down. Because of the price, a few of my friends have asked me about this boat, but I've never ridden behind one. I'd like to be able to give some information as to whether the wake is ok for boarding and also how well the boat skis.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[CradGen2]

Chatty,

I'm confused, is TRC closing down for good? Isn't that where you get all you boats? What are you going to do?

As for the below. I checked their website. The boat is listed as a 2008 REPO, which can't be true because of the colored deck, has to be a 09/10? Is this boat a repo OR demo?

I just sold my 2008 216. Good boat. OK ski wake, would compare to a 97-2001 Ski Nautique with a little more trail. As for wakeboarding, not much of a WBer, but have had a couple good boarders do some ariel stuff, but had to load it down. I think we had 2500 LBS extra in the boat, which made it difficult to drive (water over the bow). OK barefoot boat @ 100'.

Might list the hours 100.

[Chattwake]

Yes, TRC is done for good. They have this 216 (which is a 2009) and a 2011 230 left to blow out. I'm getting an Axis A22 next year for a variety of reasons. We do have a new nautique dealer coming to Chattanooga, but I can't say anything else about that now.

At the end of the day, even getting a 230 every year at cost, due to price increases, I just never could get my loan payment down despite flipping them at the end of the season for a profit. I've got kids now and I just wasn't comfortable owing what I owed on the 230's anymore - not to mention finding a buyer year after year for a used 80k boat. I was able to score a loaded A22 through a deal with Axis for the equity I had in my 230 - so I will now have no boat payment and much less risk year to year.

I'll definitely miss the 230 and owning a nautique, but it's a matter of finances, and, honestly, all I really want to do is wakeboard, surf, drink beer and listen to music. I can still do that.

[Chattwake]

And I appreciate the info on the 216. I'll let my friends know it skis and barefoots pretty good. The only problem is that they wakeboard more than they ski so I hope someone chimes in with some additional input about the wake.

Thanks!

[CradGen2]

Chatty,

Good luck with the AXIS. Adam M is a great person and will take the company where it needs to go. I've heard good things about those boats.

I agree with the costs. I was buying a new one every other year, but due to several reason (none having to do with $$$$) I'm going to hold on to my 08 210. I wanted a 200, but can't justify 60K for a direct-drive.

[Miljack]

Re: 216 for wakeboarding, your friends will need to load it down to get the wake a good size. It depends on how much of a wake they are looking for. I've ridden behind a 216, and an air/sport, and I own a Pro Air (variation on the sport/air hull), and the 216 wake is the smallest stock. I agree with Crad, you can get the wake bigger, but it's going to take extra weight, and with the 216, or any of these direct drives, you've got to be creative where you put the weight, otherwise it's on the floor next to the engine!
I think the newer 216's don't have a floor locker, so that takes away about 500-600 pounds of hidden ballast.

[DanielC]

The 216 was introduced in 2003. I forget but I think it was AWSA approved as a slalom boat in 2003, 2004, or maybe both.
It was designed as the "big brother" of the 196, and the 206, and it is a slalom ski boat.

Because it is a slalom boat, it will have a tendency to not produce a huge wake loaded down, as you get into higher wakeboard speeds. If you want to wakeboard behind it, you will have to work at getting height, and learn to use the wake it produces, instead of just relying on a huge wake to put you in the air.

This is what is boils down to. You need to demo the boat, ride behind it, ski behind it, and decide for yourself if it is what you want.

[Chattwake]

Thanks for the replies guys. Sounds like the guys I know need to find something else because they board more than they ski.