Open bow w/ barefoot capabilities

[TSchimizzle]

I'm researching open bow, DD boats with decent barefoot capabilities. 45-50 MPH with minimal chine spray for skiing on the boom are important. I prefer a walk-through bow as well. The Malibu Crew is pointing me toward an 03-06 Response LXi and I'm looking for similar models in both Nautiques and MCs. What models should I consider? Which motors? Budget is $20K-$30K.

Thanks!

[vanhanbr]

In open bow models, you have the 206 or the 216 (sport) that would fit your budget. Up until 2003, ford 351 was pretty much the only option. After that, the chevy 350 is/was the only option. If you want to barefoot, skip the 5.0 liter. I can't tell you if these particular boats would be better/worse than the Malibu for your usage. I had a 97 sport and it was a great boat for me, but I mostly waterski/wakeboard and didn't have a boom. I currently have an 08 210 which some regard as Nautique's best, current barefoot boat option. Nautique's current 3 event boat, the 200 is not known to be a great barefooting boat due to its hull restricting the higher speeds, its also most likely not in your budget (neither is the 210.)

[Quinner]

Vans response may be a bit confusing, 2002 and prior a Sport or SNOB would be an option, GT-40 351 ford or Apex 350 Chevy would be more then capable of pulling a footer but you are not going to get much more then the low 40mph range, Big Block Pythons were also available and would provide about 120 more HP and lot's more torque however Pythons are somewhat rare so could be tough to find. The table of the Sport is a bit hard for footing otherwise just fine.
2003+ a 206 is a totally capable BF boat, 5.0L is going to be good for just 1 guy and 39-40mph, 5.7 will get you closer to mid 40's and capable of pulling 4 guys, 6.0 should be even more capable of course. 216 would probably be OK, being a foot longer/heavier then the 206 would likely not preform as well.
If footing is your top priority have you ever footed behind a Barefoot Nautique?? It's like a magic carpet back there.

[dhskier19]

206 with the stock (343) won't do it unless the tank is half empty and you weigh 150 with size 14 feet. Malibu with a monsoon will do well with the right prop. That being said fit and finish of 206 is far superior IMHO and I would go with larger engine 206 every time.


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[vanhanbr]

Yeah, I wouldn't say it doesn't exist, but 206/SNOB's are rare enough, let alone one with a 6.0 or python. Might have slightly better luck finding a 216/sport with a bigger engine, but I've never seen one. I've seen a few 196's with the bigger engines, but then you don't get the open bow.

[TRBenj]

99-01 Sport with a python or a '03-09 206 with a 6.0L are going to be your open bow DD options. Probably the 216 6L as well though those seem less common.

The other options with GT40 and Excalibur aren't going to break 45 unloaded, let alone with a footer in tow. All should be decent boom boats with minimal side spray that would affect a skier. Wake/table won't be world class but certainly tolerable with a longer rope.

[Orange Leader]

I barefoot of a boom on my 2004 SAN with the 330 hp 5.7 L PCM motor. I'm 220 with size 10 feet and it pulls me with 4 people and fully loaded with gear at 42 mph. Gunnel spray in minimal. I live in Colorado so we have thinner air and less HP because of it. Great boat with only 390 hrs on it. We've also tandem barefoot off the boom with my friend who is 195 lb.

[Quinner]

Orange, what boat do you have, sig says 206 & SAN, those are 2 different boats?? Boom vs Long line speed are not comparable, boom footer has less resistance.

[NautiqueJeff]

Yeah, something doesn't seem quite right there. A SAN 210 of that vintage with the Excalibur would likely struggle to hit 42 with a barefooter in tow, especially at altitude. With a 206, I could see it, but probably not a SAN.

A SAN with a fast hull and a strong engine may hit 42 unloaded without a barefooter in tow.