x45 vs Air Nautique 226 Team- Purchase This week-end-Help !

[JFT]

Hello everybody

My neighbor is planning to purchase a new X45 over the week-end. I am telling him that he should also have a serious look at the A 226.

He is looking for a larger boat that will offer very good wakeboarding capabilities.

Has anybody heard anything about the X45 ?

Any pros and cons would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your help.

JF

[skinautique]

RE: x45 vs Air Nautique 226 Team- Purchase This week-end-Hel

I have been through the x45 pretty extensively. Refer back to the thread we had going with you when you were looking to purchase for a lot of info.
As far as the x45 specifically, my personal thoughts were that it is big feeling and a lot of room but I didn't like the way the rear sundeck is set up. It isn't very easy to get to the engine at all. I also didn't like how big the drivers seat felt. It was very wide and uncomfortable. My head also hits the windshield when sitting in the passenger seat and when I am in the drivers seat, I am looking directly at the windshield frame. Also, make sure he looks at the details of the warranty VERY closely. In my opinion, MC has a very poor warranty especially for the cost of the boat. I know that he can't drive the two boats right now but he will be blown away by the way that the 226 drives. There is absolutely NO bowrise and it drives like it is on rails. I would put the ZR6 engine in this boat just because of the size. Speaking of power, I think he would be very unsatisfied with the power of the Indmar engines in the MC. There is very little low end torque.
Sorry to sound like I am bashing boats but you ask for our opinions!

[Deuce]

RE: x45 vs Air Nautique 226 Team- Purchase This week-end-Hel

Pros....love the MC tower and racks. Love the pickle fork front.... Ton of room....

Cons....well....it's not a Nautique..... Yellow_Flash_Colorz: Kidding....I try not to have ownership goggles.

Actually I don't know much about the 226 or X-45 as far as on the water goes. But the X-45 is 7" wider....and almost 2' longer.....almost like talking about 2 different classes of boats. I "assume" just due to the size of the MC the wake is going to be VERY wide.....

Just as an outsider looking in, the best advice I could ever offer to someone thinking about dropping 60+K on a boat is they better take it for a spin. Unfortunatly with the time of year and both MC and CC having the ability to sell out alloted slots easily this time of year.....that may not be practable. Who knows....I still don't go in that blind. Everyone here will like the CC....everyone at the Mastercraftwhatevertheycallit.com will love the MC's.....

Has anyone even rode behind an X-45? Been on one in the water? How do we have an informed opinion on this matter?

WOW....how was that for a rant....

E.J.

[JFT]

Can anyone refresh my memory on the Mastercraft forum address ?

Thanks

JF

[NautiqueJeff]

http://mymastercraft.com/Forum/home.cfm

[AbunDiga909]

or try www.tmcowners.com

[jwhposon]

Not to participate in the MC discussion but my buddy bought a Tige and was wondering if anyone knew of some sites similar to this he could join?

My guess is since I have the SAN 210 w/no family, he has three great kids --- he too will have a Nautique soon .

[DRAGON88]

jwhposon, your buddy can join up at Tige Owners.com.

Where in Oregon do you live? It seems like Oregon is starting to see alot more CC action then I remember...

[gotwake]

Some things I noticed -
X45: (with ballast)
Plenty of room and storage. Love the built in cooler that lifts out of the boat. Drivers seat is big! The walkover sundeck in gel is great - no loss of a storage locker, and it handles rougher water better than most. Wake is wide, and plan on adding more weight if you like a taller wake. JL sound system is very nice for a stock boat. Tower and the racks are sweet. This is a big boat though and I agree with the "get the larger motor" statment.

226: (with ballast)
Drive the boat. It drives great and handles rough water very well. Bigger stock wake than most boats it's size and still has the "Nautique pop". Walk through to the swim deck is very nice. Vinyl is much softer and the overall fit and finish of the boat is excellent. Warranty is awesome.

They do need to drive both boats will tell you everything you need to know. AND... most importantly, what about the dealership?