Buying first boat, advice appreciated...

[dttheel]

I am looking to buy my first boat in the coming month(s). I have done a lot of research and talked to many people and have been convinced that a Nautique is the right option for me and my family. So, here's my question...

I have an opportunity to pick up a 2008 SuperAir Nautique 220 Team Edition. It looks in really good condition, has just over 400 hours and lots of options. I was wondering if any of you actual owners would mind sharing your opinion of such a boat. It looks like it will run right at $40k.

We are a family of 5, I've got some experience on the water and on skis and boards, but the kids will be learning all of it fresh. Am I way off base on what boat here? Does the price seem about right?

Lastly, the boat has a custom wrap on it. It looks pretty cool, but other than that is there value in it?

I would appreciate any thoughts you might have.

Thanks in advance. I'm looking forward to being part of this exciting club.

dttheel

[NautiqueJeff]

You're right up the road from me!

The 220 is a great boat. That being said, it does have some unique things about it that you might not be aware of.

First of all, it is a discontinued model, and being six years old, it is definitely out of warranty. It is also known to be the most weight sensitive (side-to-side) of any Nautique model ever made, meaning that if you want the wake clean on both sides, you need to have the boat weight balanced almost perfectly. The unique seating is also something that is thought of as a bit of a detractor for that model, specifically the rear hump where the engine sticks into the rear seat, making the rear seating somewhat like an I/O.

I used a 220 for the summer in 2009, and we really enjoyed the boat. It put out an outstanding wakeboard wake with stock ballast (for that time period), but it is nothing like what the G-series boats put out now. Weighted properly, the 220 can give a world-class wakeboarding wake, and a great surf wave (although NSS is not an option for this model). The 220 was my favorite boat to surf behind until the NSS came along.

This is a wakeboarding boat through and through, and water skiing (especially slalom) behind this boat will not be great.

The wrap, at least for me, would be a deterrent. I would wonder why they wrapped it. What are the base colors, and why did they feel the need to cover them up? It might peel off easily enough, but then you'd need to replace the stock lettering and decals as well as the emblems and badges.

$40K sounded a bit high to me for a 220, but looking around on the web, it actually sounds better than I thought. Which engine is in the boat? Got any pictures?

[hondaprlud]

Buying first boat, advice appreciated...

You've picked a great brand for a first boat.

Since it's your first boat purchase you might consider an inspection by a 3rd party. I'm not sure if there is a Nautique dealer near you but it might be worth your while. You can tell a lot from a careful inspection but if you've got "boat goggles" on. . .

The 220 should be fine for you and your kids. It is known for having a finicky wake when weighed unevenly side to side but you'll figure it out. The 210 and 230 are considered more desirable models mostly because of this. The boat will probably be above your capabilities early on with room to grow.

I would guess the wrap actually devalues the boat. But if you like it, So what.

I can't speak to the price. I've been out of the market for sometime.


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[dttheel]

Thanks, Jeff. The engine is a PCM 343. Let me see if this photo will come through.

[dttheel]

Thanks, Jeff. The engine is a PCM 343. Let me see if this photo will come through.

Here's the photo.

[NautiqueJeff]

Looks pretty good.

That appears to be a Ram-Lin trailer (which is great!), but it does have the wooden side steps that do eventually rot out. Most people replace them with diamond plate or something similar.

[uncalumx2]

Nice to see you on the site.

We're coming up to Wintergreen again next weekend with some neighbors.

Good luck with the boat search. Great people on this site to get information from.



Jon

[josemolino]

I still have a 2007 220 and works perfect.
Pro´s: Perfect for a family(seating, storage, trash bin, cooler...). Good wakeboard and wakesurf wake...room to grow your level. Low comsumption.
Con´s: Not a ski wake, takes a while to learn how to load it (use planetforum to find out)

To check: 3 party inspection is important, check rust, cracks or blisters on gelcoat, and upholstery condition that are the most expensive things to fix.
A new o refurbished engine is not so expensive at the end.

[s_kelley2000]

If a slalom wake is not a priority then the 220 is a great boat. The surf wave is awesome and the wakeboard wake is very good when weighted correctly. It is sensitive to side to side weight but as long as you balance your passenger load and have a small sac or some lead you can move around to dial in the balance it is a non-issue. The golden rule is the white side is the light side. If you see white wash on one wake then add weight to that side until both wakes look identical.

I never thought I would be a fan of the 220 interior layout until I actually spent some time on one. It is extremely comfortable and works very well especially with the reversible center seat. The rear "I/O like" seats are actually very comfortable when cruising around. The trashcan in the cockpit is great for keeping things tidy as well. Good luck with your search.

I'm not usually a big fan of wraps but that one looks good and as long as you like it that is all that matters.

[shag]

I'm not a fan of that particular wrap, but that's just my .02.
Ramlin makes very good trailers. The 220 is a good boat. Have you got room in your budget? Another 12k and you might be able to find an 08' 230 around......

[nyryan2001]

just FYI, I'm kind of edgy in my commentary, so take it for whats its worth.

that wrap is definitly an aquired taste.... and on the open market, parked at a dealership with 15 used boats, the seller would take a $3-5k hit for having that on there...as compared to another identical boat with a good conservative color scheme and shiney buffed out gel coat in great condition. Price should reflect with that wrap on there.

In 2006-2008 timeframe, that wrap would have been 'in season" parked or rafted up next to a bunch of mastercrafts with similiar loud 18-25yr old designed rasta wraps with everyone sporting black chunky Oakley sunglasses and Rockstar hats...

Not slamming or trashing the boat....but as a first time boat buyer, i just want to ensure you understand what dealers and others will say when you go to sell or trade, and it isnt a surprise to you.

Good luck and you cant go wrong with a Nautique wakeboat in great condition as your first boat, this would be the best summer of your life.

[migs]

Great, awesome boat that throws a GREAT wakeboard wake.
I too am a big fan of the rear seat layout "bump". Those 2 corner seats are uber comfy/cozy in comparison to the standard rear bench config.

[HS]

I say keep looking (I don't care for the wrap) and don't fall in love the first time out. Lots of boats will be hitting the market over the coming months, besides, you're not going to be hitting the water next weekend. Take a breath, and take your time.

That said, both of my Nautiques came to me pre-owned -- and were shown on PN or were owned by PN members as I recall -- and each time I have found what I wanted -- I just had to keep my eyes open long enough to know when I found the right boat.

[dttheel]

Thank you, so far, for everyone's thoughts, advice and comments. I sincerely appreciate your time. I have already learned a lot and look forward to learning more and more

This is an awesome group on enthusiasts.

[scottb7]

Just go buy this one: It looks awesome...http://www.planetnautique.com/vb3/sh...-210-low-hours. Have someone check it out and then have it shipped to you.