2012 Rumors?

[tdc_worm]

From selling MC's for a few years. CC and MC use higher grade resins, gel coat quality, vinyls, foam densities, carpet and general construction methods. (ie: shoebox decks; stringer adhesion methods; motor mounting methods) Compare how the motor boxes and hatches open and close on a Nauti - secure with a solid feel. CC's are expensive because they simply cost more to build than an Axis or Moomba. Ask any of the competitors if they recommend actually using the lifting rings, and see what they say. You are correct, they do share many electrical components, but it's often what you don't see that makes a big difference. Pretty much all cars are made of sheet metal too, but...

On the higher quality resins and gel coats: i am sure this is true, but have we reached the point of diminishing returns? can you site any common hull or gelcoat malfunctions of any of the other manufacturers that would exemplify the necessity of higher grade resins or gelcoat? My 2002 Moomba, which i still see regularly, spends its entire life without garage and covered only by canvas, and still looks like new.

On better construction methods: while they may indeed be "better" they are past the point of diminishing returns? can you cite any common build problems from any of the tow boat builders over the last 10 years?

I guess my point is this: If the mechanical engineering specs called for grade 5 bolts to be more than enough to secure something, and you elected to use grade 8 bolts instead, have you made the object better, or just more expensive?

One other note: out of all the tow boats i have owned, my Moomba was the only one that didnt have a single warranty claim placed, hahaha. i am not calling out CC, my last two boats have been CCs, i have a soft spot in my heart for them because i grew up on them in FL, but the fun i have had on them has never been measurably more than i had on my Moomba...

[RideButter]

I would expect a new model announced (not avail till 2013)....some new interior touch ups......1, maybe 2 new signature editions.....and maybe a new dash for an existing model.

All rumors of course. Doubt we will see a price point boat this year.

looking for that picture still....

[aarond0083]

Ok, I kinda agree with you guys so what the ****. Here is what I know about 2012 boats.

Not sure on price increase as I didn't buy a 2011. I am going from a 2009 to a 2012 and the price is significantly higher...then again this time it's a Coastal Edition version of the boat. Different engine, everything stainless, closed cooling, ILINC with maps, etc.

ILINC is now the ILINC2. I don't have all the details on the changes yet.

Some features that were extra are now included into Team package

New tower speaker amp, maybe in boat amp too?

New color options such as red and blue metal flake

No price point boat but there will be Byerly 2 and Mapple Icon Models

XS 550 HP Super Charged engine option for 230

If and when I find out more I'll be sure to post here. Our 2012 210 CE has officially been ordered as of yesterday.

[wake_fun]

"Feb 13, 2006

REDUCED USE OF AME 5000 RESIN
For more than 17 years, Correct Craft has touted the exclusive use of AME 5000 resin
throughout our boats. Recently we changed production to include AME 1000 for our
bulk resin while continuing to use AME 5000 in the skin coat.
As you know, both resins are extremely similar in composition in that they are both vinyl
ester/DCPD blends. Both provide excellent resistance to blistering, cracking and
crazing. However, these issues are isolated to the first layer of fiberglass. For that
reason, we continue to use AME 5000 in the skin coat because of the superior
elongation characteristics afforded by its higher vinyl ester resin content. However, that
level of protection is unnecessary in other applications and serves to elevate the cost of
the product without providing any additional benefit.
Accordingly, reduction in our use of AME 5000 resin has not led to any degradation of
quality, strength or appearance of our boats. Furthermore, it has allowed us to minimize
the dramatic cost increases many manufacturers have been forced to pass along."

HAHA, yeah right............

[AllianceBJJ]

Here's a few more bits I heard over the weekend from some folks at a boat show.....A few new flake colors, Linc2 system will have user settings that include ballast levels, Linc2 and gauges on all models will be set up off to the side like to 200 and there will be a Signature or Nautique edition of the 230 that obviously won't have all of the equipment of the Team edition....

[aarond0083]

I got to see the new ILINC2 as well as the new dash design. It's insanely good.

[Jbar]

Well I don't know about the better resin/gelcoat argument. My 2012 has spider cracks at all the cleat locations with 40hrs on the boat. There is a lot of older boats out there with virtually no gel probs!

[Shooter]

I got to see the new ILINC2 as well as the new dash design. It's insanely good.

good or not, I still think these screens are overboard. I would hate to have one break out of warranty!

[210GA]

I would hate to have one break out of warranty!

Let me edit that;

I would hate to have ANYTHING break out of warranty!

This, and this only, is why some of us trade or sell before the warranty runs out. For reasons like this, the juice is not worth the squeeze.

[aarond0083]

good or not, I still think these screens are overboard. I would hate to have one break out of warranty!

I used to think the same thing until I saw the ILINC2. Being into technology (also my career), I want the best of the best, latest and greatest, pushing the envelope etc....and Nautique is more than delivering. It is a HUGE upgrade IMO from the original ILINC. A lot of other changes have been done to the electrical system as well and it's all top notch.

[j2nh]

My thoughts on the LINC and LINCII.
What is going to be the possibility of repair or replacement as these boats age? These boats have a shelf life of 20 plus years but I am not so sure about the electronics.

I intensely dislike the trend away from a visible speedometer. No everything is driven with ZO on and it is important when delivering a consistent drive to have good visuals on the speed. Minor for some but we rely pretty heavily on the speedo/ZO display when driving show acts, practices or teaching.

[BKinSoCal]

Well I don't know about the better resin/gelcoat argument. My 2012 has spider cracks at all the cleat locations with 40hrs on the boat. There is a lot of older boats out there with virtually no gel probs!

I'm right there with you on the gelcoat. On my '05 210, I never had any issues. I am very anal about taking care of my boats. I had that boat for five years and never had any gelcoat issues. The very first time I parked my '08 230 on a dock (the dock had buoy/bumpers), the gelcoat was scratched like no other. I was sooooo pissed. I had parked the '05 on docks as well, but NEVER had an issue like this. Coincidence? My shop has told me the quality of the gelcoat is not what it once was...unfortunately.

[DanielC]

I still think the best readable speedometer for a ski boat, used in anything besides slalom is the Airguide.

I remember being at the boat show in Portland, in January of 2000, and the dealer showed me the mock up of the "NEW DIGITAL TELEFLEX GAUGES!"
My first comment, they are hard to read. little did I know how hard, until I got our into the sun, wearing polarized sunglasses.
And then the problems with the digital gauges started.

Ever see a post on Planet Nautique about keypad problems?

[shag]

I have to agree with not excited about the linc. While it is a nice novelty, and probably a brilliant designed instrument - I just don't like the idea of everything going through it. At a tour stop last year, one went out and they had nothing, no ballast levels, no fuel levels no Zero off. I personally like to looks of my 2009 230 without to linc, and think it may be a good selling point, years down the road....

[SkiTundra]

How much practical benefit is there in the LINC or LINCII?

Preset ballast levels and one-button push to fill/empty is nice, but I'm not sure it's worth the potential problems and costs. Even in-warranty it's a pain when a keypad or MPE has problems, but out of warranty? How about just plain out, as in no replacement parts available?