200 Sport vs Malibu VTX - fair comparison?

[DLarva]

DLarva,
You don't have to give specifics, but could tell us approx how much more $ was the 200V versus the Bu? You do get what you pay for!

Well, it depends on the options you are getting. I was looking at fairly fully decked out models of both. In the end, I'm paying about 2.5-3K more for the Nautique.

[swc5150]

I would've guessed more. You're getting a much better built boat for a small premium!

[fech98]

I just sold my 07 VTX and there were some things that I loved about it. I just bought a SV211 and I am satisfied. I have rode in the 200 and I would say they are pretty comparable. I love the storage space in the back on the malibu plus the wedge is an amazing feature adding so much extra weight for surfing.

[skobliska]

just a quick question....How's the wake at 34-36? Is it skiable?

[perry386]

Nautique is a more esteemed company by far and more widely known. I had a convo with a girl today and I saw a truck pulling a bunch of Bu and Axis and I pointed them out and her response was, "they make boats for wakeboarding?" and I said yeah theres a few companies like Nautique that do.....as soon as I mentioned nautique she knew what I was talking about. Plus my buddie has a Vride 21 and its very nice but the quality, look, and wake just don't compare to my 230.

[perry386]

Ok my previous comment said that nautique is a better brand (which is true) but I just checked out the VTX and it clowns on the 200......I personally dont like the 200 at all I think Nautique chinsed out on it this year.

[mcinmylo]

200 throws a great surf wake, and ski wake.
beats out the Bu for a clean surf wake with nice lip, its no G or LSV but for 20 fter that skis great cant beat the surf wake

[High altitude]

Ok my previous comment said that nautique is a better brand (which is true) but I just checked out the VTX and it clowns on the 200......I personally dont like the 200 at all I think Nautique chinsed out on it this year.

Don't take this the wrong way, but how did you reach that conclusion? Surfgate is clearly a VERY nice option on the 2013's but from what I hear the 200 has a great wave on either side for surfing (albeit you have to move around people and ballast) and I don't think the VTX can compare when it comes to ski wakes (200 is the only AWSA approved V-drive, if I remember correctly?)

I guess it's all a matter of preferences, but I want the best possible ski wake in a cross-over. I think the 200 Sport delivers that better than anything on the market. When I finally do purchase one, I plan to add an additional ballast puppy to use as a crossflow valve between the left and right sides. Thus, I should be able to reconfigure within 3-4 minutes for goofy and "normal" riders. Not as good as surfgate but not what I would consider too much of a hastle.

I will be very interested to compare how they hold their value. Right now they look very comparable when equipped the same. I also like the PCM motors better but that's just a personal preference. -Marc