Opinions of sport 226?

[bamabonners]

I don't see the sport 226 mentioned much. What is everyone's opinion of the boat?

[wawasee]

We boat on Lake Wawasee in northern Indiana and the 226 and 211s are very popular. Our lake is a natural lake with sea wall all around it so the water is rough from high wind and boat traffic. Therefore most boat owners go with the 226 to handle the rough water. Also it is not much of a water sports lake so folks tend to stay with recreational nautique boats and pontoons.

[Kenv]

I'm on my second 226. Awesome boat inside and out. In my opinion...and this is just me....but there is no such animal as a "recreational" Nautique. A Nautique is a Nautique. It's more Slalom vs. Wake with the Nautiques. The 226 is just labeled "Crossover" by Nautique marketing...but if you were blindfolded and did not know what boat you were riding in or skiing or boarding behind...You would be amazed!!


Have a safe and fun Memorial Day

Ken

[ccs]

We ran a 226 for many years -- Loved It !! ....Loved the depth of the boat...went to a 230 for the bit of extra space and seating configuration, but never had one complaint about my 226

[bamabonners]

we looked at one last year when we bought the VLX. After having the VLX for a year now, we realize that there are some things we must have on the next boat: walk over transom, a place to put the cooler (we bring a hard cooler because the bag cooler stinks), need storage up front for anchor and other stuff, z5 (i love my bimini when up, but i hate putting it up and taking it down - big PITA), better driver's position (I have to ride around on the bolster now to see clearly). The 226 seems to fit all of those, but the price is more than I am wanting to pay right now. We will see how it all plays out.

[killen1970]

I may be interested in a 226 as well. What is the wake like on that boat. We mostly wakeboard but of course have kids so there is tubing etc. Just wishing for a bigger boat right now and there is one in the area thats in the right price range. Just wish I knew more about the boat and the hull.

[migs]

i rode a slammed 226 one time. Wake was sik! no complaints.

[SkiTower]

might want to specify older vs newer 226. It went through a makeover after the 216V came out.

you probably don't hear much because people tend to go for either quality (210) or quantity (230). Not many want down the middle. But if I HAD to get rid of my 211, the 216 would be my first stop (wife doesn't like DD's)

[Kenv]

Bama,

I know you were asking questions about the 226 last year before you went with the Malibu. Look up some of my old posts for some more detailed comments. I had a "first gen" 226 which was a 2005, and now a "second gen" which is a 2010. Definetly tons of improvements in the newer...especially the looks. Can't say the wake is that different between the two...because it's not..but the boat looks cooler, rides better, and has a much tricker interior and features. Ski Tower hit the nail on the head...this has always been known as a middle of the road boat...only because the 210 was/is so awesome for boarding..and the 230 is the biggest/baddest Nautique to own. Lots of folks overlook the 226 because they go to the dealer or buy used knowing Exactly what they want. Why go 22 when you can afford the 23?? Serious wakers won't even look at the walkthrough....lol The reason I went 226...I love the walkthrough...and just like the shape of the boat.