196 vs 200. Need advice.

[skaha1010]

I am looking for a ski 200 CB but haven't been able to find one that I like and that fits my budget. I did find a mint 2009 196 with a 409.
I have skied behind a 200 several times and it is nice. Also seemed good for my wife and daughter who ski at slower speeds.. 28 and 22 mph.
I could really use some input on the 196. Wake comparison for slower speeds? Overall is the 200 that much better to ski behind. Is it worth 20k in price difference?

[Nautiquehunter]

Ask that question at the CorrectCraftFan forum they had a 196 with 409 built as a CCF forum boat . They are mostly skiers and should be able to get you the info about wakes

[NCH2oSki]

I've skied both plenty of times, and if given the choice I will always pick the 200. If I get to ski in Florida during the off season I usually make the first few passes at 30 mph to shake the cobwebs off, and at that speed there is still no noticeable wake. I'm not saying the 196 is bad, just saying the wake is non existent for the 200's I have skied. Another consideration for slower speeds would be the carbon pro, I've heard very good comments about the wake being excellent at slower speeds. Its not a nautique, but it does have a pcm engine.

[swatguy]

I can't comment on the 200 but I have skied the carbon pro. One of the more versatile ski wakes out there from my experience that accommodates beginners all the way to pros with a consistant feel.

[TRBenj]

We own the aforementioned CCF 196/409. I've never had the pleasure of skiing behind a 200, but the TSC2/3 196 slalom wakes are excellent at all speeds. That said, I've never heard anyone who has skied a 200 claim that it wasn't an incremental improvement from the end of the ski rope. I've crawled all over many 200's and am not a huge fan of the certain aspects of the interior layout. I also find the larger size, higher weight and slower top speed to be a step backwards in versatility for the way we use our boats (skiing off the dock and plenty of barefooting mixed in).

My recommendation would be to drive and ski both and determine what works better for you.

[skaha1010]

Thanks for the input! I have skied behind a carbon pro many times and I agree it is a tiny wake at all speeds and a great boat to ski behind. However, I didn't find the interior, and general fit and finish to be nearly as nice as a Malibu or Nautique so I ruled that option out.

TRBenj, thanks for the comments... nice to hear from someone who is very happy with this boat!

I have tried a 200 with both the 343 and the 409 and I loved the 409... better sound and feel in the boat - smoother and quieter, better acceleration. I think I will have to try the 196 and hope it falls somewhere between my previous boat (Response LXI) and my dream boat... ski 200 with a 409. Now to wait for the ice to melt and hope the boat is still for sale then. lol.

[jp853]

I've been a part of the nautique promo team since 1999. IMHO the 200 is all around a better boat than the 196. Don't get me wrong, the 196 is an amazing boat. I would say that unless you and your family are competing, the differences between the wakes are not worth 20K.

[swc5150]

I ski both boats on a regular basis. The 200's wake is definitely not worth $20k more. They're both great, but definitely different. The 200 tracks better, but it's mainly noticeable with a heavy-line skier behind. The 200 has less spray, but most people will never get short enough to notice...me included Since you're looking at a 200CB, you would gain some space with the saddle bags, but you're not really adding any more space for passengers. Either way, you'll be very happy with your purchase.

[skaha1010]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate your input and advice! I put a deposit down on the 196 pending a test drive. I was pretty happy with the 2007 Response LXI we are upgrading from, so any improvement on that will be a bonus. I wanted more of a pure ski boat... no tower, closed bow, zero off, etc. I am pretty excited about switching to Nautique and will always have the option of trading up to a 200 in the future. Amazing how few used nautique 200's are on the market!

[swc5150]

There are quite a few 200's on ski-it-again, but not a lot of CB's. You'll love the 196!