Suggestions for a smoother ride

[Ablackler]

We currently have a wonderful '82 2001 Ski Nautique but have realized the rough ride in the constant chop of Canyon Lake, TX is irritating my wife's bad back after her surgery. I'm looking for suggestions for a Nautique that will provide the boat occupants a smooth ride in chop to allow us to get on the water as a family. We have 2 kids, 12 & 8 years old, so we want something we can grow into, host friends or another family on. I'd like an open bow, multi sport boat for skiing, tubing and I'd like to try surfing. My body can no longer cash the waterskiing checks my heart wishes to write.

What do others have that cover my needs? I'm not willing to pop for a new boat price tag and wanting to stay in the $20k - $35k price range if possible.
Thanks for the help!



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[markj]

Hmm. If skiing is important, you'll probably want to look at a 211.

[Ablackler]

Thanks Markj - I just want to give kids a chance to ski. I've shelved my ski after blowing out my hamstring 3 years ago.


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[C.A.]

I used to have a 2004 210. My boat was a Super Sport with no factory ballast. I added ballast: 750lbs in each rear compartment, 600lbs in the ski locker (belly) and another bag under the bow seats (I removed the cooler). I was pleasantly surprised with how well it would "cut" into chop with the bow and the belly bags full (rear compartments empty). It wasn't fast, but it would ride as well as my current G23 in rough conditions. I had to be careful to avoid taking water over the bow when coming on plane when loaded that way, but once on plane it would just slice through the waves. The G23 doesn't ride bad in comparison, but the old 210 had a sharper bow that would part the waves when planted down. Should be able to get a 210 in your price range with room to spare to add ballast.

[Bevostein]

Your kids are going to want to wakeboard and surf. Go with a 210.

[swatguy]

Could possibly find at Nautique 226 at the top of your price range. That would be my go to in that range for rough waters, ski capabilities , hosting friends, and little surfing and boarding. The SV 211 would be the next logical choice .

[vanhanbr]

My new 08 210 rides so much better in the chop than my old 97 sport that I would also suggest you consider a 07 210. It had a seating arrangement similar to the 220 for one year and then was changed in 08. I've seen them sell in the low 30s. The 211 or 220/226 would be great options as well. 226 probably being the best option for rough waters. I would spend towards the top of your range to get into one of the models listed as they will all be a night and day difference from what you are in now.

[vanhanbr]

Also, you should be able to pick up one of these boats without going over your budget, but you are going into selling season...let us know if you see something you like and we can tell you if its a good deal or not.

[swc5150]

You may want to test out an SN 206, if your kids are leaning towards skiing? Find one equipped with a tower and ballast, and I'd think it would throw plenty of wake for an 8 and 12 year old?

[jjackkrash]

The 206 is a great boat (I owned one) and it is one of the smoother-riding slalom boats because of its solid build construction, but any flat-bottom boat is going to bounce on the chop. If rough-water ride is a huge concern, deeper v bottoms will ride smoother, but, of, course, the trade off is worse slalom wake.

[wakemaker]

https://wichitafalls.craigslist.org/boa/6066467219.html

[Neverenough]

Could possibly find at Nautique 226 at the top of your price range. That would be my go to in that range for rough waters, ski capabilities , hosting friends, and little surfing and boarding. The SV 211 would be the next logical choice .

Our first Nati was an 03 226 and rode better than our 08 220 and 15 230 in rough water. Ski wake isn't going to be very flat but would be fine to go out and play on. Surf was pretty good with a 750 on either side on top of factory. A little awkward when you have a bag in the transom walk through. I think you'll get more boat for the money on a 226 vs 210 as they are not as popular for obvious reasons. 210 is a legend for wake boarding. 220 was one of my favorites. Lots of storage but was a little hard to balance out wake. A solid surf wave can be made with a 220. Like the 226 it's not very popular and would be a better bang for your buck than a 210.

[Ablackler]

Thanks for all the feedback! I'm now on the hunt to look at best options. I appreciate the help and guidance!


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[DaveNH]

I hope you get a chance to ride in a few of the boats mentioned. One huge difference, beyond the ride quality, will be the room and seating arrangement. A 2001 was a roomy boat for it's time but a modern v-drive will feel like the Queen Mary with all the seating and storage and open cockpit without the engine doghouse.

[surroundsound64]

Could possibly find at Nautique 226 at the top of your price range. That would be my go to in that range for rough waters, ski capabilities , hosting friends, and little surfing and boarding. The SV 211 would be the next logical choice .

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