Nautique Sport 200 vs Mastercraft NXT 20

[dkimball]

I like the looks of the Nautique Sport 200's and the versatility of having more of the ski boat feel in a v-drive version. However, I don't really like the price tag that the used ones are still commanding. Has anyone compared the Sport 200 to the Mastercraft NXT 20? These boats seem to have a lower price point but offer many features. Anyone had the opportunity to check one out?

[Wayward]

If you aren't stuck on a 20 footer, I'd look more at the NXT22. It is way more boat than the 20, for only about 5k more. If you are going to be surfing quite a bit, it is a much better option than the sport 200 or the NXT20. I haven't skied any of them, but I doubt the ski wake is much different between the NXT20 and NXT22.

[Nautiquehunter]

Have you looked at the GS20?

[jondavis08]

I skied behind a NXT20 and was actually impressed. The problem was the wake boarding wake was sub par and the surf was so so. The overall interior feel of the boat felt of a much lower quality. Seats were stiff and not a great design. However this is how you make a $80k boat into a $60k boat. It’s a great option if you don’t mind the down grades. I’d still rather have a Mastercraft over any budget brand out there.


Sent from my iPhone using PLT Nautique

[Soul_surfer]

I think he looking at these boats for the price range.. a 2018 GS20 can’t be less than 100k. So maybe a bit out of range for the OP.
in the other hand sure it’s a much « better » boat.

It depends on what you want to do with your boat, sport Nautique is made for slalom. NXT20 is more of an allaround boat.
Skiing will be much better with the sport Nautique and could be ok for wakeboarding too for someone who never done it. Surfing almost forget about that..
it’s like trying to tow with an Honda Civic. You could do it but you’ll end up with pretty bad experience lol.

NTX20 is quite good for everyrhing, came with surf system.
So it will surf definitlely better, wakeboard OK but not a ski machine. it can slalom tho. but you got to adapt crossing the wave. it’s never gonna be flat like a sport Nautique but it’s slalom quite well.

in the other hand i really hate the NXT series (especially the 20) but it’s just a personal opinion.
it seemed so cheap, it’s like paying for the name and have nothing.. they cut up on everything to achieve a price range (finish, style, vinyl, parts, they cut everywhere)
Like buying a mercedes and strip down every options to come at a price range of a fully loaded Acura but you have the Benz logo!
im not that kind of guy haha.. prefer the fully loaded « economic brand »
In the 70K price range you have some other models that can be interesting. Like Moomba’s or Supreme (more comfy and styled but less branded named) and surely you can search for 2017 leftovers Nautique 210, Malibu, etc. With chance you could find some at your price range even a GS20 (but 210 is less priced)

personally I owned a 2017 Nautique 210. found a killer deal at the almost end of the past season ( the dealership owner demo).
paid 99k FULLY loaded. Every option in it, not one missing. Just the Bimini with surf pocket, the mx-premier with tower speakers (4x JL audio) And Roswell night wave underwaterlights is climbing the price almost 10k.
So finding a less loaded can be a fair option.
i found the Nautique a very good compromise. It surf very well (even for a pro) and the slalom wave is acceptable. Wich was one of my primary concern because I didn’t want to forget my ski. I surf 80% of the time but I still slalom sometimes.
the 210 hull is a straight mix of the sport 200 and G series. So you kind of having the best of both world (if it’s some like this you are searching)

[Wayward]

I skied behind a NXT20 and was actually impressed. The problem was the wake boarding wake was sub par and the surf was so so. The overall interior feel of the boat felt of a much lower quality. Seats were stiff and not a great design. However this is how you make a $80k boat into a $60k boat. It’s a great option if you don’t mind the down grades. I’d still rather have a Mastercraft over any budget brand out there.


Sent from my iPhone using PLT Nautique

This is exactly why I would make the NXT22 recommendation...... I found the wakeboard wake and surf wave to be "Meh" on the NXT20. The NXT22 is a whole different animal, even though it looks almost the same. With a quick bag swap in the rear, it puts out excellent wakes/waves, and is much better out of the box, than the NXT20.

I somewhat agree with Soul Surfers view above, but not entirely, and I don't feel MC really cheaped-out on general construction of the NXT. The vinyl is the same stuff as available in the X series, except I don't think they offer the cool feel. They do, however, come standard with the breathable carbon weave, and I am sorry, but that stuff is MILES better than what Nautique is currently using. It is more durable, it is cooler, and it breathes, so you don't get the slimey sweat spot on the hot days. They also didn't cheap-out on base construction. It is still a full grid stringer system, still a shoebox fit, still a one piece top deck, still has a full barrier layer, and still has fully tinned wiring, which are all things that most of other budget brands don't have.

That said, they had an atrociously cheap tower, until this year (ZFT2 for 2018 is a great tower for the boat finally), They don't put as much attention to detail like the XT and X series, they don't have clamping racks, as many hinged seats, and less emphasis on fit and finish. They are much more basically finished, like you would find on a Moomba, Axis, etc........But, they had to remove costs somewhere.

Basically, from a overall fit, finish, attention to detail, and beauty, standpoint..........yes, I agree they took a cheaper route. From an overall construction quality standpoint, I wouldn't agree at all.

No, they are not as nice as a GS, G, XT, X, LSV, etc....... But they fit very well into their respective budget range, and are probably the best built (from a base construction quality standpoint).

[dkimball]

Thanks for all the info. I currently own a 2003 Nautique 216 that I purchased last year and put around 90 hours on. I really enjoyed the additional space in the boat coming from a 196 closed bow. I also enjoy the direct drive handling but it seems like more and more the direct drives are becoming a thing of the past and the v-drives are taking over. I am ok with that but given the size of the river I boat on I don't want to move into some massive V-drive. I would like to stay in the 20' range and still be able to handle the occasional footing run. I am not really a slalom skier so that isn't to much of a concern but I do enjoy other activities besides just wakeboarding and surfing.

[swc5150]

The 200V will be much closer to what you're already used to in the 216. It's nimble, ski's great, plenty of space and the fit and finish is far beyond an NXT. The MC will feel like a big bloated tub behind the wheel in comparison...naturally, since the 200V is essentially the 200DD hull. If you want to foot, I'd recommend a 6.0 engine though. 200V's are also not the easiest boats to find on the market, so I suppose that tells you people who bought them like them.

[Wayward]

Not to defend them more..... but the NXT20 and 22 are only about 4000lbs (IIRC 3800 for the 20, and 4200 for the 22). They aren't like the 5000-6000lb average wake boat these days. They are very nimble, and don't feel like a "big bloated bathtub" at all. If he was looking at an X20, then I would definitely agree on the handling. For what I like in a boat, the lightness of the NXTs is actually a downside for me.

I think the best thing the OP could do, is just go and test both of them.

[Soul_surfer]

This is exactly why I would make the NXT22 recommendation...... I found the wakeboard wake and surf wave to be "Meh" on the NXT20. The NXT22 is a whole different animal, even though it looks almost the same. With a quick bag swap in the rear, it puts out excellent wakes/waves, and is much better out of the box, than the NXT20.

I somewhat agree with Soul Surfers view above, but not entirely, and I don't feel MC really cheaped-out on general construction of the NXT. The vinyl is the same stuff as available in the X series, except I don't think they offer the cool feel. They do, however, come standard with the breathable carbon weave, and I am sorry, but that stuff is MILES better than what Nautique is currently using. It is more durable, it is cooler, and it breathes, so you don't get the slimey sweat spot on the hot days. They also didn't cheap-out on base construction. It is still a full grid stringer system, still a shoebox fit, still a one piece top deck, still has a full barrier layer, and still has fully tinned wiring, which are all things that most of other budget brands don't have.

That said, they had an atrociously cheap tower, until this year (ZFT2 for 2018 is a great tower for the boat finally), They don't put as much attention to detail like the XT and X series, they don't have clamping racks, as many hinged seats, and less emphasis on fit and finish. They are much more basically finished, like you would find on a Moomba, Axis, etc........But, they had to remove costs somewhere.

Basically, from a overall fit, finish, attention to detail, and beauty, standpoint..........yes, I agree they took a cheaper route. From an overall construction quality standpoint, I wouldn't agree at all.

No, they are not as nice as a GS, G, XT, X, LSV, etc....... But they fit very well into their respective budget range, and are probably the best built (from a base construction quality standpoint).

Of course the basic construction is still MC, I can’t denied it. I love the new cool feel vinyl type on new MC’s. Way better than all other brand like you said. but I doubt the nxt 20 can have it even in option.. for the standard level, its kind of a personal preference I guess.
my step brother is a anti-theft prevention mechanic. He (and I when he needs help) install mini tracking devices on cars, truck, boats, motorcycle, everything that can be robbed on the road. We install them mostly in leather sewing.
We’ve done many boats over the years. And Nautique (for my experience) have the thoughest vinyl and the thoughest sewing. I’ve done some nxt22 last year and most models on every brand because my step brother bring me each time he does a boat because he knows it passion me and it give me the chance to analyse everything inside out lol.
up here (in Canada/Quebec) we just have one company that do this type of car prevention and every insurance company give huge discount when « cars » are tagged.

haven’t done any nxt20 yet, even seen anybody buy one in real. Just saw some at boat shows But it’s mostly like the 22

it was not the case to discredit MC In my previous post. Mc is still one of the best brand on the market no doubt about it.
For some reason I prefer a well equipped mondo over the NXT But it’s personal.
It’s sure that the NTX would be better engineered and a more reliable engine. But fits and finish MC strictly removed it.
and the tower like you said.. awful haha can’t stand it.

[Soul_surfer]

Thanks for all the info. I currently own a 2003 Nautique 216 that I purchased last year and put around 90 hours on. I really enjoyed the additional space in the boat coming from a 196 closed bow. I also enjoy the direct drive handling but it seems like more and more the direct drives are becoming a thing of the past and the v-drives are taking over. I am ok with that but given the size of the river I boat on I don't want to move into some massive V-drive. I would like to stay in the 20' range and still be able to handle the occasional footing run. I am not really a slalom skier so that isn't to much of a concern but I do enjoy other activities besides just wakeboarding and surfing.

Like i said earlier you really should take a look at 210. It’s the « sport car » boat. come stock with not so much ballast (1 800lbs and easily swap for more) and a total weight approx 4,500.
this is mostly why I opted for it (even if it was over my budget)
this thing speed and handle crazy. It turn on a dime like no other boat on the market.

like Wayward said both aren’t « big boat » like mostly all others.
That thing was a down for him but a huge pos for me.
My lake is restricted 3,999 pounds dry and it’s much snake shaped.
I never regretted pulling up the 210 over my other options I demoed too. Wich was Tige Rzr, Moomba craz, nxt22 and the 210.
i forgot all Axis and Malibu because I’m really not a fan of surfgate and a non mono hull boat. And like you 22ft boats was kind of too big for me. 20-21 was a better choice for me.

[Wayward]

Soul Surfer- A NXT can be ordered with rayo carbon weave, and it is a no cost option. I don't know why somebody wouldn't get it, but maybe the ones you saw just had regular vinyl in them.

I wish I had your experience with Nautique vinyl, but I had several issues with vinyl in both of my G's. That was a new thing for me, because I had never had any vinyl issues in any of my other boats before.

On another note, I am definitely going to agree with you on buying a Mondo/Craz before a NXT. I love those boats. That said, the Helix/Max line is a complete joke to me. They were doing so good.......

[swc5150]

They are very nimble, and don't feel like a "big bloated bathtub" at all.

Compared to a 200V it most certainly will. They're not far off at all from their DD counterpart as far as handling (or wake). But I suppose we all have our own opinions and definitions of certain characteristics, which is why you are 100% correct that the OP needs to test them both out.

[Soul_surfer]

Soul Surfer- A NXT can be ordered with rayo carbon weave, and it is a no cost option. I don't know why somebody wouldn't get it, but maybe the ones you saw just had regular vinyl in them.

I wish I had your experience with Nautique vinyl, but I had several issues with vinyl in both of my G's. That was a new thing for me, because I had never had any vinyl issues in any of my other boats before.

On another note, I am definitely going to agree with you on buying a Mondo/Craz before a NXT. I love those boats. That said, the Helix/Max line is a complete joke to me. They were doing so good.......

Hahahaha that was a good one!
totally agreed.. Moomba was in a such great ascension. The Helix/Max are just odd (to me) we debated about that a month ago on WakeWorld.
i just can’t stand these models. Never understood the few K’s inversement to have a such better boats with mondo/craz/mojo.
most people don’t see it but when you park a mondo and a Helix together and a mojo/Max their just look.. just have no look lol.
0 style, 0 finish, 0 all lol (not want to be rude tho, it’s just my personal opinion)

In the other hand Moomba launch these models for an economic way. (never understood either why launching an economic line from an economic brand haha)
but up here it really explode tons of Helix is sold, probably Max either since they just arrived.
we got to be honest tho. These days the hype is really on surfing, so big weight for a cheap price is what youngers gonna look at.
Helix/Max Directly offer that. The space in these models are crazy, you can easily add a 1100lbs fatsac in both rear lockers and a huge bow bag (that were built for doing that).
I never surfed behind a Max yet But the Helix can take much more load than the mondo (guessing the Max will be the same).
so you have a poor looking boat but with the capacity to create a monster wave ( we have to remember that a bigger wave not meens a better wave tho) for a really competitive price.

You said it’s not a price option to have the cool feel vinyl? Im no MC expert but I’m a bit septical. Your maybe right tho, really don’t know.
Like you I really don’t know why somebody would prefer the base over the cool feel. It’s up to each person preference I guess.
I always guess it was an option and poeple who buys the NXT line is kind of budget restricted so this option was forgot almost everytime for saving. I was guessing That’s why I never seen a Nxt22 with it or they just not offering the new vinyl for this line. And see all XT model with cool feel (or a mix of 2)

sorry for your issues on your G too!
To be honest it’s kind of sad seeing all 150K boats cost so much and keeping quality downgrade year after year. All brand included.
price tag always grow and quality always deperish.. every boat have their issues now. Some vinyl may be a better thing than some mechanical ones tho!
like my previous Tige (really understood why the dealership closed after 4years)

[Wayward]

Soul Surfer- I think you might be misunderstanding me on the MC Vinyl...... they have 3 choices on vinyl. They have the regular vinyls, that are available in most colors. They have the Rayo carbon weave vinyls, which are a breathable Vinyl that stays cool in the sun, but is limited to white, light gray, medium gray. And then they have the cool feel vinyls which are available in most all colors.

The NXT can have the Rayo carbon weave, and/or the regular vinyls for the standard vinyl. The cool feel is an extra charge. Any of them ordered down here seem to have the carbon weave for the interior base, and then have color coordinated welt cord and stitching for the boat.

As for my Gs...... yes, I had lots of issues with the vinyl, and i hated how scorching hot it was........but the rest of the boat was rock solid, and such perfection. I was absolutely not disappointed with any of my Gs.