09 216v vs 08 211TE ?

[cedarcreek216]

There are plenty of options for under the tower biminis, we just happen to have an over the tower. The Z5 will fit just fine and give you more storage and a lower fit for better sun protection. I would not have any hesitation about making the move, especially if your having trouble with your 211. if you can give me you skiing speed I can get some photos of the wake at your desired speed this weekend if that will help you at all. I can do one empty and one with some weight in the belly tank, I'm sure that will help the ski wake some too.

[SkiTundra]

Does anyone know what changes were made to the 216v from '09-'10 and '10-'11? If I trial a 2010 or 2011 will that give me an identical slalom to the '09? Is the tower the same on all of them?

Cedarcreek, thanks for the very generous offer of pics. I usually ski at 32 but friends anywhere from 27 - 32. If my wife gets more comfortable w/ the 216 we'll prob do a test run sometime this week so please don't go to any big effort.

[briany]

The later models could probably still be ordered with the FCT3, but the FCT5 is the tower I've seen on them. Personally, I like the lines of the FCT3 tower better, as it is curved lines, while the FCT5 is more angular. My understanding is that the FCT5 folds a little lower to help with garage clearance. This is not an issue for me. The hull design is probably identical, as the cost of making changes in hull molds is quite pricey indeed. Therefore, the ski wake should be nearly identical I would think.

I am 5 ft 10 in and have to minimally bend when standing with the Z5 cargo rack. For me, this was the option that really completed my boat. I can stow skis up top or our daughters inflatable EZ ski trainer (which is really cool for getting the little ones comfortable with being towed behind a boat). I have been very happy with the shade it provides during peak sun hours. My family and I all now wear SPF50 swim shirts, as I share your concern about UV exposure. I must say, I am truly happy with this bimini and doubt any over the top could match it for coverage.

[SkiTundra]

briany, what boat & tower do you have?

At this point I'd lean heavily against a Z5, purely for cost. We're already quite unhappy with how much money we've spent on a new boat that we can't use.

[briany]

I have a 2009 216V Team Edition with the FCT3 tower. Pic is in this thread: http://www.planetnautique.com/vb3/sh...utique-216V%29

I knew I wanted the cargo rack and had negotiated a good deal for the boat, so I did not have problem making that decision. My guess is that there would be several other undermount biminis from other manufacturers, but I did not do any research into them when we made our purchase. I can certainly understand balking at the price of a Z5, as they are not cheap. The down side of the Z5 is I can't fold it on a cool day to get some sun! The whole thing has to be removed, and at my marina, I just don't have a place to leave it. There are trade-offs in everything...

briany, what boat & tower do you have?

At this point I'd lean heavily against a Z5, purely for cost. We're already quite unhappy with how much money we've spent on a new boat that we can't use.

[cedarcreek216]

Does anyone know what changes were made to the 216v from '09-'10 and '10-'11? If I trial a 2010 or 2011 will that give me an identical slalom to the '09? Is the tower the same on all of them?

Cedarcreek, thanks for the very generous offer of pics. I usually ski at 32 but friends anywhere from 27 - 32. If my wife gets more comfortable w/ the 216 we'll prob do a test run sometime this week so please don't go to any big effort.

It won't be a problem. We'll be out all weekend so I'll mess around with it and see if I can get some good shots for you.

[cedarcreek216]

The first is at 32 mph with belly tank half full and the second is at 32 with no ballast, completely empty. I had a full tank of gas and noone else on the boat. Not great pictures, and I did not mess with the hydrogate at all, just kept it in the forward position for all photos. Hope this helps.

[SkiTundra]

Great big thanks. Looks like quite a lip along the entire thing.

[cedarcreek216]

I was thinking the same thing as I looked at the pictures. We're not good enough to notice so it works for us. I think with a little work it can be a lot better than what I'm showing. I'm not sure it will clean up with the hydrogate pulled back or in the middle.

[briany]

I just pulled my wife on glass yesterday at 26mph with our 216v (we are not "serious" slalom skiers), but even at that slower speed, she was cutting well. I'm used to wakeboard speeds now, so I only get pulled at about 28 myself, and at those speeds there is definitely a bump, but it feels fairly soft. We ski at 75' and run empty to 1/2 belly ballast. I would relate that our wake appearance is consistent with cedarcreek's photos.

[das]

I also have the 2008 SV-211 bought new this year as old stock. I have had other problems with this boat. Long story short... please remove the little storage compartment behind the drivers seat and look up with a flash light at the wire harness the passes through there. Mine had been drilled through during manufacturing. I spoke to Nautique directly and they told me that ALL holes are drilled before the harnesses are installed. I sent them pictures to prove my point and got only this response, " We are sorry you are having problems with your boat you can take it to your local dealer and they will fix your problem". I repaired the wiring myself as I didn't trust my local dealer to do it. Just a thought to what might be causing your electrical problems. If they did it to mine I bet there is a lot of them out there.