Tweet
Tomorrow, we are going to test drive and pick the colors for our Air 216 limited. Is it worth upgrading to the ZR6? Or is the Excalibur strong enough for this boat loaded?
-
-
Been there, done that. It's all a about the money. Do you believe you can never have enough power? Do you like having a large crowd on the boat and still having plentiful power? Do you enjoy hearing the rumble and feeling the out-of-the-hole power? And the biggest question of all, do you have 4 grand to spend (before discount)? My family happens to be one of those families that considered it a must. My family is the third to buy a ZR6 from our dealer withen the past two years. Yes their rare, and thats one more reason our family had to have one. Anyway, to answer your question, I frankly think they are not necissary. However one could say the same thing about the excaliber oppose to the 275 hp engine. It all depends on where the buyer draws the line. Also, I have to admit that if you do not fill your boat to the limit and don't require a lot of power and all of the above I mentioned before, I'm sure the exaclibur 330, and even the 275, will suit your needs. How much money are you willing to spare for 30-35 more horsepower and a top speed of about 4 mpg faster than the excalibuer? Again, it all depends on where the buyer draws the line. Our line is very high...
One day, everyone will have an engine comporable to teh ZR6. Remember when 220 was a lot?[color=blue][size=2][b]I Nautique, therefore I am.[/b][/size][/color] -
Take a look at the Motor Comparision Topic and the Chicago Boat Show Topic (last two pages specifically) for more info and talk about that engine...[color=blue][size=2][b]I Nautique, therefore I am.[/b][/size][/color]Comment
-
Reallistically no! The 330 will satisfy 95+% of the nautique owners. The only real reasons for the motor are for jumping or maybe barefooting or just for the sake of saying you have it. I have never had an issue yet when I have been out. What colors are you thinking?Comment
-
It would be a nice option. Not sure it is worth the money though.I own and operate Silver Cove Marine, which is an inboard boat restoration, service, and sales facility located in Mooresville, North Carolina. We specializes in Nautiques and Correct Crafts, and also provide general service for Nautiques fifteen years old and older.
If we can be of service to you, please contact us anytime!
Current Boats —> 2025 Super Air Nautique G23 -- 2001 Ski Nautique -- 2000 Nautique Super Sport PYTHON -- 2000 Nautique Super Sport -- 1999 Ski Nautique PYTHON-- 1985 Sea Nautique 2700 (Twin-Engine, 1 of 13) -- 1981 Fish Nautique (Twin-Engine, 1 of 4) -- 1980 Fish Nautique (Twin-Engine, 1 of 4)
Former Boats —> 2024 Super Air Nautique G23 PARAGON -- 2023 Super Air Nautique G23 -- 2022 Super Air Nautique G23 PARAGON -- 2021 Super Air Nautique G23 -- 2021 Super Air Nautique G23 -- 2020 Super Air Nautique G23 -- 2019 Super Air Nautique G23 -- 2018 Super Air Nautique G23-- 2018 SAN 210 TE -- 2017 Super Air Nautique G23 -- 2016 Super Air Nautique G23 -- 2015 Super Air Nautique G23 -- 2014 Super Air Nautique G23 -- 2014 Super Air Nautique 230 Team Edition — 2013 Super Air Nautique G23 — 2012 Super Air Nautique 210 Team Edition — 2011 Super Air Nautique 210 Team Edition — 2010 Super Air Nautique 210 Team Edition — 2008 Super Air Nautique 230 Team Edition — 2007 Air Nautique 236 Team Edition -- 2007 Air Nautique SV-211 -- 2005 SV-211 -- 2003 Super Air Nautique 210 Team Edition -- 2003 Air Nautique 226 -- 2003 Sport Nautique 216 -- 2003 Ski Nautique 196 -- 2003 Ski Nautique 196-- 2002 Ski Nautique -- 2001 Sport Nautique -- 2001 Ski Nautique -- 2000 Sport Nautique -- 1999 Ski Nautique Open Bow -- 1999 Air Tique 176 -- 1998 Ski Nautique -- 1998 Ski Nautique -- 1998 Ski Nautique -- 1997 Ski Nautique -- 1997 Ski Nautique -- 1996 Ski Nautique Open Bow -- 1994 Ski Nautique -- 1993 Barefoot Nautique -- 1983 Fish Nautique (TWIN ENGINE, 1 of 4) -- 1981 Fish Nautique (SINGLE ENGINE)
Need something for your boat? Please check out our site sponsors! Not only do they offer the best products available, they also support this site.
Silver Cove Marine - NautiqueParts.com - Phoenix Trailers - SkiSafe - PCM Marine Engines - C&S Marine - OJ PropellersComment
-
I have the the excalibur in my SANTE, and it is just fine.
While the ZR6 does have more HP, does it give up some torque down lower to get it?
I would say that $100/HP is kinda steep, but if ya got the extra cash and test the 216 with both engines, get the one you really like.
If you don't have the power you want, and don't mind giving up top end you can always reprop.
If I was buying tomarrow, I would get the excalibur, mostly so I can get the shower though.Comment
-
Shower is more important to me than the few extra (45 hp.) Then again 260 hp was/is more than enough for me.
The extra $3,000 in my pocket is not so bad either.Comment
-
Unless you really need the horsepower, or feel a huge difference when you do your demo, (I didn't) save the $3000 for equipment and stereo or whatever. I have the 330 hp in my SANTE and it does great, pleanty of power, and great torque characteristics. Plus, we all love the hot shower on those chilly mornings!! :lol:Nautique... The final step up.Comment
-
We barefoot a lot, so that is main reason that I am considering the upgrade. Yea, $3,000 is pretty steep. Decisions, DecisionsComment
-
Whether the excalibur or the ZR6, you wont regret getting either...[color=blue][size=2][b]I Nautique, therefore I am.[/b][/size][/color]Comment
-
ZR6
A couple thoughts:
a. I had a dealer tell me that if he was going to buy the 216 he would have the ZR6. Not sure I put much stock in such comment given the markup.
b. A promo guy with a 196 (I think his name is skinxis? posted some very favorable comments about the ZR6 in the following post:
http://www.planetnautique.com/index....viewtopic&t=51
I know there is another discussion but I can't find it right now. I'll keep looking.
c. The ZR6 is a closed loop system. But I recently read that you can put a shower on it--using the lake water from the heat exchanger. You might call the guys at Skidim--www.skidim.com. They know their boats. I believe I saw a posting on MBO regarding such a shower. Again, can't find it right now.
d. I have the 6.0 liter in my Sierra p/u. The truck runs great empty but suffers in pulling. Seems a bit peaky to me. Also, it is a gas pig. Oink oink. I'm getting 11 mpg., empty. Also there is the issue relating to the piston slap that GM is taking alot of heat about. I know reasonable minds can differ, but I'm not thrilled about the tink tink tink I hear every morning on cold start up. Metal on metal contact can't be good no matter what GM says.
So, what would I do? Test drive them both if you can. If the ZR6 floats your boat, so to speak, and you have the money, buy it. I was really amazed how much faster the 196 was with the ZR6 than the Excalibur on the Waterski Mag testing. Witth the ZR6 the 196 0-36 times were under five seconds. That is smokin'.
Good luck.Comment
-
More info on ZR6
Here is another thread on the ZR6
http://www.planetnautique.com/index....490&highlight=Comment
-
Barefooting would be the only reason I would consider this, and since you said you do a lot of this, I would seriously consider spending the extra $. You can always make more if you need it, and certainly don't want to look back once you have the boat and need to go faster with a few more footers back there.Comment
-
Thanks for all of the comments. I'm testing a 216 with the Excalibur on Saturday. They don't have anything less than a 226 with the ZR6. I'll know if it is enough after Saturday. I'll try to figure out how to post pictures and let you see my color combos.Comment
-
Did you get to test the 226 by chance? If so, how was it?Comment
Comment