Sold my boat, now what?

[Daryl]

Sold my 1990 Ski, starting to look for a replacement

I'm thinking 206 with tower.

My question is, should I consider going to the 216? I'm a coarse skier but have a couple of young kids so I'm looking for a family solution but I'm not ready to sacrifice the slalom wake too much yet (in 5 years I might need the big wakeboard boat but until then......)

Thoughts? Anyone have something to sell me?

[NCH2oSki]

If your in the course then go for the 206. I dont think you would be happy with the 216.

[AirTool]

My response to the subject line was going to be "Celebrate...now go buy another."

Back on topic: My kids don't ski the course (yet). But, I love my 206 and don't think I'd enjoy the 216 as much. The trunk is bigger and sometimes has a built in ballast tank(s)?. Others report the slolam wake is not as good and I know it won't handle as good. Wake will get much worse at slow speeds where kids learn. Top speed is probably two or so MPH less which wont make the barefooters happy.

[SkiTundra]

sv211. Not a great ski wake, but good enough. Good wakeboard. Great all-around family boat.

[HS]

You have to test ride each to be sure, but here's my story: Took the wife to go look at a 206; at the time, coming from a free-skiing background I figured direct-drive was the obvious choice. Then, we saw the 211 and when she saw the V drive layout and storage space, our search was over. I have also taken up WB since getting the boat and now have been doing it 90/10 over skiing, but that's me...It also has been great for the kids who were 6 and 8 when we got the boat, and although they are now 9 and 11, I think a few more seasons will pass before they'll want a bigger wake (they each have learned to ski / WB on it and choose to WB now and at 17 / 18 mph they need no ballast yet and enjoy the wake as is, so it will grow with them for the time being.)

[SkiTower]

sv211. Not a great ski wake, but good enough. Good wakeboard. Great all-around family boat.

All depends on what you're wanting. The 211 is a GREAT all-around boat. But if you're skiing the course, you want at least a 206.

[swc5150]

Definitely a 206, if you plan on skiing a course. Depending on your budget, and patience, you could likely find a used 200 Sport next year?

[east tx skier]

If you don't mind the slightly cramped cabin, a late 90s SNOB would be another choice. My wife's cousin just picked up a 99 with low hours and is loving it. He is a die hard course skier.

[Eric206]

I have a 206, ski into 32 and have a young family with kids age 9 and 6. I wanted an open bow, but did not want to sacrifice the wake quality. The 206 has a great wake, an all around family ski boat that fits my needs. You already know the ride and quality is world class.
Mine is a 2003 Ltd with Zr6

[SkiTundra]

My experience was very much like HS's. My wife just wanted something to get on the lake with a few friends and family and enjoy some relaxation and sun. After breaking her hip she's not allowed to ski anymore. My son and I went shopping for a 196 or 197. My wife liked the 196 but then saw a 211 and the 196 was history. Layout (namely no engine hump & port side walk/step), storage, seating overcame any objection I could raise. When the boat's running I have to admit I love it. Doesn't have the slalom wake I'm used to, but surfing and wakeboarding are a blast and I can still run a course. Far and away the best crossover available.

[srock]

Some will argue that the 210 has a comparable or maybe even better slalom wake to the 216 but it now sounds like the 200 sport is the cross over to compare. Will the 216 suffer from lack of sales?

[laker220]

All I would suggest is too know is to try it. Go for a ride behind what you are thinking of buying!!! There is no substitute for the actual experience.

[Mikeski]

I have a 211 and have spent quite a bit of time behind a 216. The 216 is a superior slalom performer with wakeboarding capabilities and reasonable storage space. The 211 is a superior wakeboarding and surfing boat with much more storage. There are times when I wish I had a 216 when I am driving around the lake or slalom skiing. When I have a social crew and we go wakeboarding or surfing I am thankful I have the 211. I would like to check out the skiing wake of a 216V, the Sport 200V is also a contender but it is quite small. One other boat you should consider would be the Malibu VTX, I really like the versatility and size of the boat, it is probably perfect for my needs but did not come out until 2 years after I bought my 2005. It's not enough of a difference to go through the trouble of changing boats though.

[SkiTower]

I've been reliably told the the 216V ski wake is not as good as the 211 and if you look at the VTX make sure it has the "diamond cut" hull. But I agree with Mikeski: for skiing and a small crew, I wish I had a 216 (DD) but the 211 is the ultimate all around family boat as long as you're not consistently putting more than 8 on it. I LOVE my walkthru and all the storage. In the starboard rear compartment (no tanks) I can get a knee board, both kid's wakeboards, several deflated tubes, and still have enough room to put all the wet lifejackets, ropes, towels, etc that we get. And with the side hatch I can access it from the boat and the platform. And under the spotter seat is plenty of room to add my 75" slalom ski, 146 wakeboard, and anything else I may chooses to take...

[DanielC]

"Sold my boat, now what?"
Go out in friend's boats. When done, fill the boat's gas tank. Fill the gas tank of the tow vehicle. Buy them dinner. Offer to wax, clean, and detail the boat.

And you will still have more time and money than if you bought a boat!