Sport Nautique - 1998 vs 2001

[Liamfm]

Hi all, in the market for my first boat. Currently skiing on a 206 (2005 maybe?) and ski at 32 @ 36mph (freeski). In the course I'm down to 15-22 off at 32 or 34, but honestly I just like free skiing.

Targeting the sport nautique for the open bow (2 small kids, my oldest at 5 got up off a boom this summer).

Can anyone tell me differences between model years? '98 and 2001? I see the 2001 has the push button ignition vs a key. What else? Major differences in hull, etc? I think both have the 5.8 GT-40 which I read is a good engine and very reliable?

Lastly, anyone who can compare the wake at 28-32 off between these and a 206...

Thanks!

[MLars]

I think 98 was the year they changed the hull for a slightly better ski wake and added the rear trunk. Hulls should be the same. Main difference is the dashboard layout in the 98-99 vs the later ones. 2000+ have problems with the digital gauges. Can't comment on comparison of the wakes though.

[xlair]

Also '99+ has the walkthru bow, which is nice. They are all very similar thru the years. 00-02 had the digital gauges but they just need to be replaced.

I had an 01 and really liked it. My opinion is '99 is probably the best year given more reliable gauges, walk through and classic gel scheme.


Sent from my iPhone using PLT Nautique

[vanhanbr]

Food for thought, I had a 216 and no one ever sat in the front unless there was no other place to sit. With the boat at capacity and people in the bow, its all to easy to take on water and drench those sitting in the bow. If you are looking for a family boat, and I hate to say it, look at a v drive. I just got a 210 this spring, skiing at 15-22 off @ 32 is decent. 34,36 mph should be better. You will sacrifice wake, but the extra freeboard, roominess, and storage make up for it.