90's wake versus late model wake

[east tx skier]

TX summed it up great. The only thing I'd add is that the ride of an SN is infinitely more comfortable than an MC. On public water, a Prostar will make your kidneys hurt!

The SN also retained it's fun factor in the handling arena over each hull incarnation. Prostars began to handle like runabouts, starting in '95. The may not be applicable to wake performance, but I enjoy a nice joyride in my boats too. These things aren't all business all the time. I leave that for the promo guys:-)

I almost went back and added that yesterday. Yes, the ride in the chop in the TSC hull is head and shoulders better than an early 90s Pro Star. Mid 90s Pro Stars are an improvement over the early 90s, but I still might give the nod to the TSC in that category.

[KONAKING]

Thanks guys. Im thinking it will be a 196 for sure. The hunt is on.

[Fatroll]

Any comments on the TSC 1 in regards to the open or closed bow? My wife and I are in the market to buy this era of nautique. She is hellbent (but I am chipping away slowly) that we get the open bow considering we have three small boys. My argument for the closed is that I would expect the wake to be better for slalom (34 mph 15-32 off) because the console and engine are moved back slightly in the open bow, Increasing the weight to the rear of the boat and results in less space in the rear. Back seat is coming out no matter what.
Also, any comments on the slalom wake on any of the 206 models?
Thanks
Fatroll

[swc5150]

Go closed bow, if you're looking at TSC. The OB is nothing more than a little sandbox, that you'll be under constant worry that the kids will bounce out of! The 206 is nice, but it's tough comparison to the 196 - the heavy weight champ of slalom:-) Depending on what your slalom needs are, it could be just fine. For a wife and kids, the room makes it down right awesome.

[Fatroll]

Thanks
I am mainly skiing behind a 94 nautique now, so will the 206 seem to be an upgrade (in regards to the wake)?

[east tx skier]

According to my dealer, the TSC era of SNOB had a slightly softer wake than the TSC SN (sort of a happy accident resulting from weight distribution supposedly). My wife's cousin just bought a 99 SNOB. So I'll know for myself soon enough.

I'd still say go for the SNCB. You have more room in the cockpit and more storage under the observer's seat. As was mentioned, the OB is very little seating, very shallow seating, and not any place I would put my two young sons (that's my personal preference---people are free to do what they will with their own kids).

[Chexi]

^ agreed. Why lose storage space (and performance) for virtually unusable seating space.

[swc5150]

I rode in the front of SNOB in college, and got the crap scared out of me! I'd NEVER put a child up there. It's just too small and shallow. Awesome wake though!

[cotton]

Any comments on the TSC 1 in regards to the open or closed bow? My wife and I are in the market to buy this era of nautique. She is hellbent (but I am chipping away slowly) that we get the open bow considering we have three small boys. My argument for the closed is that I would expect the wake to be better for slalom (34 mph 15-32 off) because the console and engine are moved back slightly in the open bow, Increasing the weight to the rear of the boat and results in less space in the rear. Back seat is coming out no matter what.
Also, any comments on the slalom wake on any of the 206 models?
Thanks
Fatroll

I have a friend with a 1997 SNOB. You won't be disappointed with the wake at 34 MPH or even slower speeds. The biggest difference I've noticed with his SNOB is the tracking. However, I’m comparing his SNOB’s tracking to later model SN’s, MC’s and BU’s from 2008 to 2011. These boats weight 300 to 500 pounds more than his SNOB. However, the 97 closed might track better since the motor is moved forward.

[cotton]

That's one beautiful boat East Tx Skier!

[east tx skier]

Thanks. We really enjoy it and work hard to keep it looking good.

[Fatroll]

Thanks for everyone's input!! I can add the safety issue to the argument for the closed bow. Plus, they are much more commonly found for sale.
thanks again,
Fatroll

any comments on the 206's wakes?

[cotton]

Thanks for everyone's input!! I can add the safety issue to the argument for the closed bow. Plus, they are much more commonly found for sale.
thanks again,
Fatroll

any comments on the 206's wakes?

Fatroll, I can only attest to the TSC3 hull, but you won’t be disappointed with the 206 wake, especially at 34 MPH. The 196 wake is smaller i.e. better though, and the new 200 is best.

If wake is your priority and you don’t have a problem with the 7 person capacity, go with the closed bow 196 over the 206. If you can pay for the 200 price tag get the open bow since the open and closed 200’s ski the same.

[swc5150]

The bummer is, you could probably buy two later model 206's for the price of a 200OB. The 200OB wake is the same as the CB though!