Nautique 226

[CtxAggie]

I'm considering buying a 2003 nautique 226 team edition. I'm coming from a 1996 direct Drive Mastercraft ProStar 205. Can somebody give me feedback on a 226?

I need a larger boat, one that has good storage, handles better in rough water, and decent wakeboard wake and wake surf wave.


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[SkiNautique2001]

I just upgraded from a 1989 Ski Nautique DD to a 2005 226. I love the 226. The size is great, storage is great, handling is better than expected for its size. The ballast valves for the 03-06 models are hokey, but I replaced the helm controlled valves with electronic valves tied into the pumps.
My 226 has the ZR6 engine which seems to be sized very well for the boat. I have not driven one with the standard engine, so I can't speak to that. I also haven't surfed behind this boat, but the previous owner surfed primarily.

[CtxAggie]

Thanks for your feedback. The 226 I'm looking at has the standard engine. Hopefully someone can comment how well the standard engineer performs when weighed down with ballast.


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[BoardSkier]

I just switched from a 1996 Supra Comp to a 2005 226 with the Excaliber 330. It has plenty of power with ballasts full. A nice wake board wake. We're still dialing in the surf wake. Crosses choppy water well and carries lots of people and stuff. Love my 226 with the Excal! I agree on the ballst valve quirkiness. I dont mind "tweaking projects"! Probably switch to electric. Would like to hear more about the conversion.

[CtxAggie]

Thanks boardskier. Are you running a standard prop in your Excalibur? I'll have to get the lowdown on ballast valves if I get the 226.


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[Kenv]

CTXAggie,

I had an 05 226 with the 330 and currently own a 2010 with the 343. I really love both of these boats for what I use them for. Look up some of my past reviews in some of my posts. One I agree with from above...this boat handles better than expected for the size. I have never surfed off of either..we use a Malibu to surf sometimes but I have heard the first gen 226 hull is pretty decent for surfing.

[CtxAggie]

What's a fair price for a 2003 team edition 226 in average condition with 500 hours? Has a magnum tandem axle trailer but brakes don't work and lights need replaced.


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[Kenv]

$30,000 to 33,000

[acinomer]

I've had a 2004 226 LE for about 3 years and love it. It has PLENTY of storage and can host many people. It has the 330 and has a surprising amount of power for the size of the boat. I'm even more surprised at how fuel efficient it is. The LE doesn't come with the built in ballast so I added 2000 lbs (3 sacks: 2 rear, 1 locker) and integrated them into the stock dash switches. Beautiful wakeboard wake. I just finished a DIY surfgate and will be testing that next week. The rough water ride is very good and gets better with more weight in the boat. Based on your requirements I think you'd be very happy with a 226.

[CtxAggie]

Very good info Acinomer. I'm very interested to see and hear more about your DIY surfgate. Let me know if you already started a thread on that.

[CtxAggie]

Anyone know what size/type batteries are recommended for 2003 226 TE?

[4th ski-doo]

I don't have a 226 but I can say previously a 3 eventer and hard core DD guy I'd never go back! Rough water, guests, creature comforts etc just make our lake days so much better.


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[CtxAggie]

Skidoo, I'm sure I will say the same once I upgrade.

[BPSKI]

I own a 2006 226 LE. It has the standard engine and power is fine. Ours has the electronic ballast switches and they work great. Wakeboard wake is good, surf is good on starboard, but port can be a little difficult (it takes a ton of weight due to port prop spin). It handles chop well and handles very well in my opinion. When towing riders it LOVES smooth water. You must always be aware of where your passengers are to be sure your weight is distributed properly. Small changes make a huge difference. Storage is good and doesn't feel cramped. I have no experience with ones with the non electronic ballast, but if it is not user friendly that would make a difference. The boat needs the weight to create a good wake.

[BoardSkier]

How are 226 owners ballasting the 226 for surfing? We fill the P/S and center hard tank and 400 lb fat sacs in locker and walk thru. Pretty good wake. Any other ideas?