Thoughts on 226

[NautiqueGreek]

Recently saw a 226 at our local boat show, seemed nice but does not seem to be much information on it out there when trying to research it some more. We will have it on lakes ranging in size from 2000 to 4000 acres. Will have 4-8 people on boat most times but on occasion will have up to 12. We are recreational wakeboarders and wakesurfers with young teens and I do not anticipate them doing any tricks more than jumping wake to wake. 230 seemed more than what we need, 210 might work but 226 seemed to me like it was a good in between boat

This will be our first boat, but looking for one that we will not feel the need to upgrade in a few years

Any thoughts from the forum here much appreciated. I am interested to know what people think about resale of this boat and if any owners would care to share their experience

[Erik]

What model year was the 226 that you looked at?

Most of the assumptions you make are right. My addition to this is that Correct Craft now has a lot of "inbetween" optoins. And a 4-8 crew is easily accommodated on the majority of boats they make.

[NautiqueGreek]

Looking at the 2011 crossover 226. I see the 226 had been offered in years prior but I could not tell if it had been a consistent offering since 2005 and if it is much different now compared to past model years

[DanielC]

The 226 came out in mid year, 2003, I believe.

[Kenv]

Greek,

The 226 was first introduced in 2003 and I want to say the "Gen 2" 226 was introduced in 2008 or 09.... I had a 2005 226 and now a 2010. I really liked the 05 but I like the 10 even better. I am not hard core pro, and I've got young kids. They love the walkthrough and the size is perfect. I think the 10 takes the waves better than my 05. Interior is a little step up from the 05. Comfortable boat. Cool controls with the new dash. Gen 2 looks better than the Gen 1. The lines looks smoother and the butt of the boat isn't so big. The wake is great for what we use it for. I have not tried surfing yet behind my boat. The only thing I was a little let down was my top speed for barefooting. I'm about 197 pounds and full throttle only gives me about 42/43. I need about 4 to 5 more miles an hour for footing. I slalom behind the boat also and the wake is not bad. Move the ramp control lever and it kicks in a decent wakeboard and kneeboard wake. You can flip on the kneeboard without the ballast even being filled. Love the tower. I've got the FCT3, but the 11's will have the FCT4. I went with an over the tower bimini and love the headroom walking under it. Wasn't sure I would like it at first, but there is no going back to ducking to go under!! If you have any specific questions, let me know. Ken

[NautiqueGreek]

Thanks to everybody for the thoughtful and quick replies. Lots of good people here on this forum

To Ken and anyone else who wants to chime in:

Here are options I am considering for 2011 226 Team Edition:

(Probably get these)
Walk through air dam door
Mooring cover
Stbd lean back seat
Heater

(Not sure about these)
Docking lights
Underwater lights
Deluxe Mirror
Battery Maintenence System
Tower Speakers

Hull color
Any advantages/disadvantages to light or dark color?


Ken - Were you happy with resale of your prior 2005 version and did you even consider another model?

[Kenv]

Greek

As far as resale, I traded the 05 for the 10. Trade in was decent, with the boat economy being what it is. I was hoping for about 5 grand more than they gave me, but it worked out. I did not consider any other model. The 230 would have worked, but I really didn't need the extra length or width. I just love the sleek look of the 226/216

Hull color. My 05 had a midnight blue hull. 10 has the standard white hull. I loved the blue. No trouble keeping it clean. Just went with another pattern for the 10 and love that also.

Both of mine were Teams

Get the air dam, mooring cover, lean back seat on the starboard. I didn't need the heater....live in Texas..but you might.

Had the docking lights on the 05, used them a few times durning the summer at night. Don't have them on the 10. Now the underwater lights, I would get them. They look cool and attrach the fish up to the platform..(which the kids love)
I got the deluxe mirror. Nice mirror. I miss the mirror being attached to the tower on the 05, but the new one is good. Great view of the skiers.
I had a Battery charger installed to trickle the batteries. (Dealer installed)
I got two of the four tower speakers. They are great. Didn't have any on the 05. Glad I went with them on the 10. It is GREAT to be able to pivot them up/down forward/Back to move the sound around. Decent stereo system with the Team Package.

[TR4321]

I recently purchased a 2007 Nautique 226 after about a year of looking for the right boat. I was completely open to most anything and finally came to the conclusion that the 226 was exactly what I wanted. I bought a used boat rather than new due to the price difference, but my 2007 Nautique 226 only has 68 hours on it, so I came close to new without incurring the price tag.