Death of the 196... and CC?

[Hollywood]

I'll put money on the 210 over the 196.

[skijones]

I have a 99 open bow simply because I have kids. They don't sit up there when we are running, but it is nice to have the extra room when just hanging out.

Don't mind the slightly smaller cockpit and storage is not a problem on day trips. If I wanted to put everything in a locker, I would have bought a Bayliner.

My buddies and I are slalom nuts, so I feel I have the perfect combination.

I do like the quality of the CC better than any of the "other" boats. I had an 85 2001 that I sold to get a 93 Echelon Open bow. After one season, I sold the Malibu and got the SNOB. My wife is much happier now that I am not complaining all the time.

[slob02]

I remember reading somewhere on here that Mid-Ohio sold more 196's than any other CC? I am pretty sure that is what it said?

[SGY]

Great post. I've often debated with some of my Malibu brethern why CC continues to push the 196 when they have the 206. The 206 is a fantastic boat. It skis very well and compares favorably to the 196 and other open bow offerings. With that said, while its close, its not as good as the 196 in terms of wake size and softness. There is a hint of hardness at 22off that the 196 doesn't share and the rooster tail at 28off is a bit bigger than the 196's. None of these so called "negatives" affect one's ability to free ski or ski the course, for that matter. However, I can't help but imagine that if the 206 was objectively "as good" as the 196 in terms of wake size and softness, you would see it at all the tournaments--like you see the RLXI and the MC197. The problem that the 206 has is that its compared to the 196. I've never skied behind the closed bow Bu or the MC 190 but I've been told by folks that seem to be in the know that Bu's and MC's open bow offerings are as good or better--again referring only to wake size and softness for slalom purposes.

There is also the notion that CC wants to continue the heritage of the 196. I agree with SN's posting above in this regard. Thus CC continues to evolve the 196 hull design. And, it doesn't hurt that CC has a pretty good design to boot. Jeff Warner told me several years ago that CC has discovered after many years of trial and error that the 19 foot 6 inch platform is primo for three event. So, what's the answer? If CC had a open bow that was as good or better than the 196, you might see it go by the wayside. That probably won't happen as long as CC continues to innovate its closed bow design. I've always likened the 196 to the Ford Mustang GT. Not a huge money maker for Ford, but important in its heritage--which translates to sales in other areas.

With all that said, as long as my kids go to the lake, I'll have the 206. It's a smokin good boat. It pulled skisix@38off from themalibucrew.com site into 39.5 off and he had many good things to say about the boat. So, its capable to take me as far as I want to go in the course.

[SprintCar39]

Around Ohio there are many lakes with a length limit of 20 feet. Thus if you must have (family/wife) an open bow your choice is the Mastercraft 197. There has been talk at CC over the past couple of years to come up with a boat just under 20 feet that you can get either as an open bow or closed.....remember the rumor about the 200? The 196 ski nautique is what brought CC to the dance so I dont think it will go away anytime soon but the numbers are way down for production......so I have been told.

[SGY]

On 20 foot and under lakes, you could also use the 97-2002 SNOB.

[SprintCar39]

SGY.... Yes you are correct....I was more talking about new sales of the Ski 196 since that was the way this post was started "death of the 196....and CC". It is also very hard to find used older Ski NAutiques with open bows in our area. We have taken only 2 or 3 in trade.

[SGY]

I almost traded my 99 SNOB in with you guys about two years ago on a 2003 206. Didn't work out but I enjoyed working with James. Class act. Too bad you guys aren't selling CC's anymore. I was saddened when I read that.

[Richard-Howell]

SGY-How would you compare the 206 slalom wake with that of a 1996 closed bow?

[SGY]

I wish I could tell you exactly. I've never skied behind the 90-96 SN closed bow. But I had a 99 SNOB and two of my ski buddies have the TSC closed bow. The 206 compared very favorably to the TSC1. The 22off bump was about the same and the 15 off wake is a touch better on the 206. The wakes from there on are world class on both boats. I've read where the TSC1 was a substantial improvement over the 90-96 hulled boats.

Skinautique or another on this board might be able to give you more info on a direct comparison.

[MARK-S]

I have had 1996, 2001,2002 196s. I have had 2003/04/05 206s. Its been along time since I skied behind my 96, but it was a nice pull and wake. But the 2005 206 is a better wake and pull. If the 196 would go away, or would have never have existed, the 206 would be the best boat in the world. If we could blind fold everyone and have them ski behind differant boats, no one would be able to tell what they are skiing behind. All that wake stuff, perfect pass kx/px, 22 off bump, trick wake bla,bla,bla is just mind games. If you cant ski behind a 206, you have no business behind a 196. dont let a percieved bump at 22off sway you. just put another loop in your rope before or behind where you think the bump is and see what you think.
By the way, my 206 is still in my garage and is FS. 178 hours. flawless.

[bkhallpass]

SGY-How would you compare the 206 slalom wake with that of a 1996 closed bow?

I'm not slalom pro, but I've skied both. Both are great, 206 is better.
If I owned a 1996 I certainly wouldn't worry about it unless I was
a) a world class skier or b) in the market for a new boat anyway.

BKH

[skinautique]

The 206 skis better on many of the line lengths. Especially at the slower speeds. There is also more room in the boat with the trunk and the open bow. The keyless ignition and all of the information in the gauges are also nice additions to the boat. Take one for a test drive and/or ski ride.

[CHassmann]

We are on the 20' (formerly 19') limit lake also. We have an '02 196. My wife and three boys and I have a great time slaloming, barefooting, and yes, even wakeboarding with no problems with the room. Yes, one of the boys is only 4, but we plan to stick with our 196. We love it!!! We don't plan to upgrade to a 206 for that reason plus the boat is paid off. Hopefully we won't change our minds when the boys bet bigger. Oh yeah, the length limit......there's alway a way around that.......

[Richard-Howell]

The 206 skis better on many of the line lengths. Especially at the slower speeds. There is also more room in the boat with the trunk and the open bow. The keyless ignition and all of the information in the gauges are also nice additions to the boat. Take one for a test drive and/or ski ride.

It's on Order for a late May delivery- a rainy October cancelled the demo but we were convinced anyway....... thanks for the reassurance