Opinions on a 2003 226

[Lvnspeed]

I have searched but kinda came up short on opinions.

I am looking at the following:
2003 Correct Craft Ski Nautique 226 Limited for sale. This Nautique has only 147 hours on the very powerful indamar inboard engine. Push Button Start, Custom Matched Correct Craft Tandem Axle Trailer, AM/FM/CD Stereo, Snap-In Carpet, Perfect Pass, Stereo Remote, Bow Fill-In Cushion, Docking Lights, and a Wakeboard Tower They are asking 33k sales guy already said they would take 30,500 OTD No ballest in the boat.

Ok so first off I noticed the tower looks to be and ad on it doesnt look like a factory tower. The low hours struck me as odd but maybe not a big deal. The sales guy doesnt no crap about the boat but that his buddy traded it in on a pontoon.

Here are my requirements, I have a family of 4 (2 little ones)and a wife.... I am getting older 40 is closing in and FATER! We are looking for a boat the will provide a good wake for surfing. We have been getting away from wakebording lately but still want a good all round family boat. No I am not a pro skier wakeboarder oe surfer and yes we still pull tubes for the kids. I really wanted something more of a fixer uper like with a blown motor or what not. I love the walk through area of the 226 and 211. I only want a V drive this time.

What is the weight of a 226? Whats it take to make a good surf wake on the 226? Is the 330 motor enough for this boat? If I can get this boat for 28k am I doing good?

Boats I have had in the past:
2003 196 LE
2003 206 TE
2005 206 LE
2000 Air Nautique Direct drive

[TxHr]

Lvnspeed,

I have a 226 and I can say without a doubt it's the best boat I have ever owned. I wanted a large boat for a large family. We wakeboard some but primarily surf. The lake we frequent has a lot of choppy water until you get into the coves behind the hills. That said, I wanted a larger deep v hull.

The LE didn't have ballast or a tower, as these were available w/ TE package. As for the motor, Correct Craft has never used an Indmar engine. In my opinion, the 330 would be fine if you didn't plan on adding ballast and were just planning on using the boat for a runabout, as it was designed and setup originally. If you add ballast you will want more power since the 226 is a heavy boat, 4300 pounds I believe. as for the low hours, check the tach for a replacement sticker. If none present, the 147 hours may be correct. I would recommend having it checked out be a Nautique dealer, as low hours are worse on a boat than high hours.

For valuation you should reference NADA trade and retail. The real valuation can be found by checking various sites:
Only inboards.com, boat trader.com, etc. you will want to compare what others are asking vs NADA and form your own opinion.

With the center locker and starboard ballast full the 226 throws a nice surf wake. The roominess is great on the 226 and ours will suit our family's needs for years. Hope this helps answer your questions.


Brandon

[ccs]

My family (me, wife, 2 children) and I owned a 2003 model 226 for 6 years, absolutely Loved it.

[Neverenough]

Another shout out for the 03 226. We have one and love it. Rides good in rough water unlike most ski boats. Only thing I'd do different is get a newer one with glass floors and snap in carpet.

[wake_fun]

A Limited Edition could be ordered with a tower/ballast/perfectpass.

[TxHr]

Two people that sell Nautiques on two separate occasions have told me the older 226 makes a much better wake than the newer. I agree, snap in carpet is the only thing I wish mine had.