216 vs. X14 vs. Sunsetter LXI

[tgi100]

Sorry if I am restarting an old post, but I could not find one comparing these boats.

We are hoping to pick up our first DD ski boat this summer or fall. I am just getting into the course at about 15 - 22 off at around 30 mph or so. We also have two kids and friends who like to come along. Therefore, I am looking for the largest boat that can ski the course while having very minimal compromise on ski wake. I have read many posts about the 206 vs. 197, vs. Response LXI. They all sound like great options, but having sat in a 2000 air recently, I'm concerned these options may be a bit small.

Has anyone skied behind the 216, Mastercraft X14, and/or Sunsetter LXI to compare directly? Ideally, I would go ski all of these boats, but that is unpractical and I was hoping to get help narrowing down the search.

Also, any experience out there trying to surf these? Ski wake is priority, surfing is a nice-to-have opportunity for us.

Thank you kindly for any feedback. -- Tom

[swc5150]

206 sounds like a what you really want, followed by the LXI. The 216 wake really loses its luster in comparison. The X14, which was actually an approved towboat, is decent for a V drive, and the best option if you plan to weight it for surf. But getting into course skiing, you'll want a DD for sure. This one would make a great option in your case, of course I don't kow your budget.

http://www.ski-it-again.com/php/skii...t&postid=46273

[tgi100]

SWC5150 - Thanks for the feedback! I was actually thinking of the X14/214 DD version, not the V-drive. Have you skied that one?

I did see that 206, and it seems to be well priced too!

[swc5150]

I have not skied the DD. Is that one with the big wrap around rear seat?

The 206 deal seems really good, yes. Either I or a local Minni baller could probably put eyeballs on it if your interest increases? It was also very likely serviced at Son Watersports, so Mark (the owner) could have insight on it too? I'd go 206 before the Bu any day of the week.

[swc5150]

I've skied plenty of 206's though, and they're great. The bow is HUGE too (for a ski boat)!

[jharris]

I had a 2001 Sunsetter LXI with the diamond hull that I had in the course a fair amount. Was is a SN200, no. But I would have taken it any day over the 206 we skied at the same time. I always thought it was a great wake for it's size. For what you are looking at, it would be near the top of the list.

[swc5150]

I agree, the LXI has a great wake indeed. Just my personal opinion that the quality didn't match the CC's of the era, which is why I'd go 206. Take that for what it's worth I suppose.

[jharris]

I agree, the LXI has a great wake indeed. Just my personal opinion that the quality didn't match the CC's of the era, which is why I'd go 206. Take that for what it's worth I suppose.

Agree on the quality comment. Reason I’ve only owned Nautiques since then. To be fair never a single issue with the Sunsetter.


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[Ski-me]

Yea, there is the X14 or 214 which are DD boats, and then the X14V and 214V which are V-Drive boats. X14/214's have the wrap around seating. I have not skied any of them but the DD's are considered to be better ski boats than the V-Drives obviously.

[tgi100]

I have not skied the DD. Is that one with the big wrap around rear seat?

The 206 deal seems really good, yes. Either I or a local Minni baller could probably put eyeballs on it if your interest increases? It was also very likely serviced at Son Watersports, so Mark (the owner) could have insight on it too? I'd go 206 before the Bu any day of the week.

swc5150, I would indeed be grateful if you know someone who could put eyes on that 206 to see if it is indeed as advertised. The more I think about it, the more I like it. However, It is too far away for me to look directly and I would have to have it shipped. I'd be a little nervous doing that. Do you have experience shipping a boat for purchase?

[swc5150]

Sure I could take a look see or have a knowledgeable friend look at it. I’ve also used uship in the past, with great results. I bought a used 196 sight unseen from Texas, and had it shipped to WI for $660, using the name your price tool. PM me your contact info and I’ll help you out best I can. If that boat looks that nice in person, it’s a nice deal.

[tgi100]

Someone else outbid me on the 206. Dang. Sure was a pretty boat!

On a related note, can anyone share advice about purchasing a boat sight-unseen and then having it shipped? What should I look out for? Any ideas to verify condition? Call the shop that serviced it? FaceTime the owner?

Any bad experiences out there with this? That whole concept makes me a bit nervous...

Thanks

[srock]

I have shipped 2 boats last year and a Z5 Cargo from Illinois. A Whaler from Wisconsin to Florida and a used Nautique 230 from Missouri. I did a lot of research and I will say be careful of the Uship hauler. The are a services broker only and do not oversee their shippers whom you are in direct contract with. Many are not DOT licensed and insured you can run into trouble if there is a problem. PM me and I tell you what I learned and I can recommend a great guy who I used for my shipments and now the Nautique dealer in Missouri is using him as well. It is defiantly less expensive to ship one way than round-tripping it yourself. A shipper should have no problem giving you an insurance certificate.

I went a different route than site unseen. I did my best to confirm the boat condition and worked out my deal based on that. Then I jumped on a plane to confirm and it only cost me a frequent flyer ticket and a $32 rental car charge. The peace of mind was worth it.

With that being said, I am on the fence I getting rid of my beloved 2001 Malibu Sunsetter LXI I purchased new. It has 550 hours on the Monsoon engine and it has been flawless since day 1 and the boat rides very "tight" with not a single rattle. It's a terrific all around hull and the largest to have an AWSA tournament rating and the extra space and rear trunk is nice. It was much better boat and and better in the course than my prior Nautique 2001 and Ski Supreme. I have the wedge, ballast under the floor locker and a small bag in the trunk and it puts out a respectable and nicely shaped wakeboard wake. Like any boat, add more people or weight and it just gets better. I have no reserves recommending the Malibu hull.

[Mainframe]

[QUOTE=srock;n554708]

I went a different route than site unseen. I did my best to confirm the boat condition and worked out my deal based on that. Then I jumped on a plane to confirm and it only cost me a frequent flyer ticket and a $32 rental car charge. The peace of mind was worth it.

/QUOTE]

You can find a great rental deals in Orlando. car rentals in Orlando It was the best rental experience I had.