Death of the 196... and CC?

[Richard-Howell]

Do you think you negotiated the best price on both boats? Often times when you committ to buying one over the other you end going very low on the one you boat because you showed the dealer committment. I recently had the same choice and there was not an 8.5k but the Malibu dealer was throwing out numbers to start the negotiation I'm sure they would have gone lower but I wasn't ready to committ. I showed the CC dealer that I was serious about buying and the deal was done.
Even still 8.5 sounds high. Either way good luck and enjoy you purchase. You got a great boat.

[Edwin]

Great point Richard. We decided to buy a second boat, I took a look at the big 3. Came down to the 206 and the RLXi. I really wanted to buy a boat from the local CC dealer more than anything. They've invested in the business, they all participate in the INT events, they're were the highest level CSI CC dealer in 2003, etc. Plus, they're just great people. I understand it costs money to have the doors open, lights on, and have a full time staff.

I decided what I needed in a boat - 206 LTD, PP, tower, single axle trailer. RLXi with Monsoon, bu option package to include stereo and others to equal the LTD, PP, tower, single axle trailer. Both dealers were given the description, understood I'd be paying cash w. no trade...what's the best you can do. Each came back with prices...I asked again about that being the best as I didn't want to come back the week of Christmas to bend em over a barrel, let's get to the bottom line. The RLXi was $8,500 cheaper.

After comparing the two boats, the RLXi is a better boat for us too. The small trunk, 3 cheek wide observers seat, ski locker / cooler configuration, and smaller open bow of the 206 really hurt the boat. We use our boats for day trips so the interior layout / functionality is paramount. I understand and appreciate why CC commands a premium, but the $8.5k was too much for me to swallow for a boat that doesn't fit the needs of my family as well as the RLXi.

Took delivery of my second 'bu that next week.

[jon4pres]

Edwin beautiful boat. I agree with him. Why is the correct craft worth 8,500 more?
I can not think of one logical reason to pay that much more for a boat that is very similar

[MARK-S]

Now compare the cost of a 1998 SNOB with that of the 98 LX. You will get your 8k back in the end.

[SGY]

Nice boat Edwin. If we can meet in Tablerock, you should bring it. We can compare notes.

[Richard-Howell]

Nice Boat

Edwin

Nice boat. The color combo is one of the nicest I've seen on that boat.

The storage isn't a big deal for me at all. It's sits on a mooring and is only used for short stints at a time.

Finances aside there is something less quantifiable.
I think there at CC people and Malibu people. Coke and Pepsi

Apeal of dash, driving seat position, the way the boat sits in the water to name a few.

One is not necessarily better than the other just personal preference.

I really tried to the like the RLXI but simply like the 206 better.

[Edwin]

Now compare the cost of a 1998 SNOB with that of the 98 LX. You will get your 8k back in the end.

Again, another great point. I looked and test drove a 2000 SNOB when the local dealer came on board with CC. When I test drove the boat, the local CC rep was there for the event. He joined us on the test drive and I even forced him to ski as I pulled him through the course to see how the boat performed. Boat was quite nice, no questions asked.

When it came to talking numbers, the regional rep had told the local dealer that they could sell the CC's for just under MSRP as the CC market demanded that kind of premium. At the time, I had an 18 month old Sammy Duvall PS190...deal that was offered was my boat and $20k. GMAFB. Needless to say, that dealer (great folks I might add) have become much more in line with pricing since then.

BTW - what do you think a 98 RLX cost back in the day? I looked at and could have bought one for $25,500 out the door. I looked at the SNOB in 2000, dealer wanted almost $40k. In my local market, I have believe that the RLX will bring a higher percentage of the original sales price comapred to a SNOB of similar era.

[Edwin]

Nice boat Edwin. If we can meet in Tablerock, you should bring it. We can compare notes.

Glad to bring it. I haven't decided which boat is going to be my T Rock boat, will make sure it's there when you come down.

[skisix@38]

I've lurked here for sometime because I didn't think I could add anything positive to the content of the threads, I'm still not sure that I can. 'nuff said there.
How many of you actually own or have bought a 196 in the last three years? The largest percentage of folks who buy the 196 buy them year after year and are made up of ski clubs, multiple ownership and promo's. They do this because the boat is used as a tool. What I mean by that is that the boat is reliable and will take a beating and still perform. It's easy for below average drivers to drive and sill give the slalom skier a adequate ride. A good driver can equalize the differences between boats to give the same ride to everyone.

All this talk about how a SN holds it's value better than anything else is just something dealers say to help convince someone to buy it new. The reality of selling a used ski boat is that the potential buyer is going to play all brands/boats against the other to get the best price they can- presumming the condition of the boats are equal. The thing that used boat buyers look for is how shinney is the boat, how clean is the carpet, how many hours? Not so much the stickers on the side. There are always going to be the buyers who are going to buy a brand no matter what.

Please, before you all start bashing me, let me say that I like the SN's, both the 196 and 206 do a fine job of driving and skiing, they do lack on interiors and colors and gel coat schemes which make them somewhat plain. My ski buddy has a 02 196 and it's a great boat! The bottom line is that I dont' score any better behind that boat than I do behind my RLXi and my buddy actually scores higher behind my RLXi. No better scores and more $$$ to buy up front and only speculation to sell for more money when I'm done with the boat? Hmmmm.

Edwin and SGY- I'll be at T-rock the second week of June- lets hook up.

[bkhallpass]

skisix@38.

I think holding value does get used as a marketing term that suits the seller of any particular brand.

I believe the top 3 boats of this era (cc, MC, Bu) all hold there value pretty well. If you go back 10 years, then you're probably only talking about CC and MC. However, it is relative. If you pay more up front, you're likely to get more at point of sale. Even if you beat the crap out of these boats, which I don't advocate, you probably get more for them in the market than other brands, because the buyer knows if he or she fixes it up a bit, they will have something worth having.

Every boat is going to depreciate, but the top three probably do so at a slower pace than some of the other brands.

BKH

[SGY]

Welcome skisix. I agree with the tool analogy. I would love to buy one, but my wife is stuck on the open bow 206. She loves it. So, as long as we have kids, we are going to need more than CC's waterski tractor.

T-Rock should be fun. Edwin says they have at least one nice course.

[skisix@38]

Welcome skisix. I agree with the tool analogy. I would love to buy one, but my wife is stuck on the open bow 206. She loves it. So, as long as we have kids, we are going to need more than CC's waterski tractor.

T-Rock should be fun. Edwin says they have at least one nice course.

Your 206 is still a nice "tractor" I should know, it's pulled me well.

We put our own course up in the little nook we stay at by Shell Knob. Early morning sunrise, coffee, and slalom!