New to PN and looking to rediscover Nautique.

[Lars Jensen]

Hi all
Looks like a great forum. Over the last few years I've been able to reconnect with life on the water. I have a show ski background and have skied behind all makes and models but have always considered the Nautique as the best of the best.

I'm beginning my search for a used boat that has a great wake for slalom skiing, footing, low side spray for boom activities, and most importantly, plenty of room for a family of four, golden retriever and a couple of guests. A good ride is high up on the list as well.

V-drives seem to offer a lot more room but could be swayed either way. I've skied a v-drive Malibu LSV that was incredible and then a v-drive mastercraft and it was awful. My last experience with a nautique was in 1995. Most skiing today is behind a pair of 1995 and 1995 pro star 190s. Does Nautique offer something in furing the late 90s early 00s that might fit the bill? Would like to stay under 20k if at all possible.

Thanks and happy to be a part of PN

Lars Jensen


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[Quinner]

98'-02' Sport could be a great fit for what you are wanting to do. Differences in those years; 98' has a play pen, all others a walk thru open bow; 00'-02' have gauge issues so true hours are always suspect; Air and Sport are the same hull (TSC) while the Pro Air is not (TWC) - check out a 99' brochure to see the differences in those hulls - TSC would be my recommendation for you.

[a0128]

. . . most importantly, plenty of room for a family of four, golden retriever and a couple of guests. A good ride is high up on the list as well

I agree with Quinner's recommendation, however given the crew you are bringing along you might be better off with a v-drive (i.e. Super Sport). Of course the trade off is the wake for slalom skiing. I love my Pro Air, however when I get more than 5 in the boat it becomes crowded with everyone's gear and stuff. The Super Sport will give you more storage so you are not stepping over stuff inside the boat.

Here''s a Super Sport for reference.

[Lars Jensen]

Thanks guys! Greatly appreciated. All the gear, people and dog is a Max Plan scenario and won't happen too frequently. We live a mile from the lake and will simply splash the boat in the early am to catch some sets and then be the traditional boat warrior over the weekends.


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[s_kelley2000]

I think 98-02 Sport is exactly what you are looking for as the guys above have said if slalom is your main activity. Here are a few examples from a quick search:

http://www.onlyinboards.com/1999-Nau...xas-48712.aspx
http://www.onlyinboards.com/1999-Spo...ota-50648.aspx
http://www.onlyinboards.com/1998-Spo...hio-50524.aspx

[Lars Jensen]

OK, I'm gathering the difference between the Sport and Super Sport is that of Direct Drive vs. V-Drive, respectively??? I think my wife will VETO any direct drive for space and comfort....however, would adding ballast to the nose help reduce the wake size? Just a thought. Better yet, is there an OEM or aftermarket hydrofoil that helps reduce downward force on the stern to reduce wake or am I just smoking too much................? (I think I just made all the wakeboarder cringe....sorry) In all reality, I've never really paid too much attention to wakes until now and I don't necessarily want to fret about a wake that is just infinitely better on one model versus the other. Is the difference that big? Thanks for all the input everyone. You saved me from endless hours of research!!!!!

Great boat! I checked out the links above plus some YouTube marina sales videos. The boat meets every criteria, including the price point.

[SkiTower]

Is there a reason you're looking at those years other than price? Depending on your budget and wake expectation a 211 might fit the bill. At the time it was the only V-drive certified to pull ski tournaments (class C). The ski wakes don't compare to the new ones (200v) but are good compared to what you're looking at. And once you get a walk-thru, you will wonder how you lived without it. It's a true swiss army boat, good at all but great at none. Great family boat and comfortable all day long with 4-6 plus dog.


2007 SV211 SE

[Lars Jensen]

Thanks. Just learning all the various models. Price is a factor so I'm shooting for an older boat.

[a0128]

. . . would adding ballast to the nose help reduce the wake size?

No.

. . . Is the difference that big?

Not really . . . but it is relative and in the eye of the beholder (or in this case skier)

Best recommendation would be to get out on a Super Sport (v-drive) and evaluate the wake in person.

SkiTower's recommendation of an SV-211 is a good one, but you're going to spend a minimum of $35k which may be more than you have budgeted for.

[SkiTower]

there's a couple on onlyinboards for roughly $30K. Any boat that doesn't need love is going to be $25+


2007 SV211 SE

[Lars Jensen]

You guys are a wealth of information. Thank you.

I was sampling some of the threads from where peoe show picks of their new boats and saw a guy who had a 99 or 98 super sport. Everything had been redone. Even the carpet was removed and SeaDeck was installed. It was immaculate. I had now idea one could accessorize "pimp" their boat so much. It was incredible. I've remodeled my entire house myself and just about done with the Honey Do list. Hopefully this winter I'll have a new project. Thanks again!

[Quinner]

Lars how for north of the Cheddar curtain are you?? We are down just south of the border in Lake Villa. Between me and a few of my buds on the lake we have a SNOB, Sport and a Super Sport if you are interested in getting a pull behind one. BTW, what team are/where you with? Son skied on the Aquanuts for a bunch of years.

[Lars Jensen]

Lars how for north of the Cheddar curtain are you?? We are down just south of the border in Lake Villa. Between me and a few of my buds on the lake we have a SNOB, Sport and a Super Sport if you are interested in getting a pull behind one. BTW, what team are/where you with? Son skied on the Aquanuts for a bunch of years.

Small world indeed! I'm just south of Madison in a town called Stoughton (Stoughon Semi Trailers is based here). I skied with the Chain Skimmers from 86-95 or so. My daughter skied with the Mad City's Jr. Club last summer. I have had great run ins with folks from the Aquanuts over the years. Always a first class team and fun to be with. My childhood best friend and ski buddy all these years is Greg Weyers of Weyers Custom Handles. He remains much more involved with the show-ski circuit as my work has taken me off the water. Thank you for the offer to come visit and test out some boats. That is a very gracious offer. I would like to take you up on it but the next three weeks are a bust. I'm participating all week at EAA AirVenture and then head out to colorado for camping and a wedding the week after that. Hopefully we can squeeze in a few sets before the school busses takeover the roads again.