216 Rationale

[NHcrossfan]

Does the 216 feel significantly bigger on the water in terms of interior space, rough(er) water ride and handling?

The bow appears larger but with the beam equivilant it doesn't seem like much of a difference. I wonder why they don't offer a tournament extention seat. Is their much more storage?

[redelf75]

RE: 216 Rationale

If you're comparing it to the 206, I don't think the difference in handling or interior room is overwhelming. However, the bow is much more comfortable for laying down.

[NHcrossfan]

RE: 216 Rationale

The above questions were comparing the 206 to the 216.

[Quinner]

RE: 216 Rationale

The trunk and bow are a little smaller on the 206, both these areas have storage so you would gain space there with the 216, the floor locker in the 206 will not fit an average ski, Elf may be able to tell you if the 216 will. the 216 overall is about 1 foot longer.
The 206 does handle and track better, feels more precise. Both are great boats with the 206 offering a smaller slalom and barefoot wake and I would guess the 216 would have a bigger boarding wake.

[ffmedic74]

RE: 216 Rationale

I just moved from a 196 to a new 05-216. The boat throws a descent wake when the ballast is full and a couple people in the rear seat. I had to add about 3 feet to my barefoot line. If you want to keep a direct drive, I would recommend this boat.

[NHcrossfan]

Re: RE: 216 Rationale

I just moved from a 196 to a new 05-216. The boat throws a descent wake when the ballast is full and a couple people in the rear seat. I had to add about 3 feet to my barefoot line. If you want to keep a direct drive, I would recommend this boat.

How would describe the slalom wake?

[krs0394]

RE: Re: RE: 216 Rationale

The 216 still has a hop in the middle, unlike the 196, not sure of the 206

[scottrob]

RE: Re: RE: 216 Rationale

Just wanted to chime in here. I bought an '05 216 and had all the same questions you speak of as well. It's a great boat and by far the add'l 12" in the bow is worth it. That said, the wake does have a fairly substantial bump in the center, even at 36 mph. Unless you are going to go with a 196, it's the trade-off. I do not believe it is much larger than the 206 though.

I love my 216 and handling / tracking - heck, I would challenge someone to be able to tell difference between it and the 206...just not enough to make / break the decision.

[NHcrossfan]

RE: Re: RE: 216 Rationale

This could be argued but for me the "bump" in the 206 is a non factor at 36mph. I can't speak for the 216.

[cb]

RE: Re: RE: 216 Rationale

[quote="NHcrossfan"]This could be argued but for me the "bump" in the 206 is a non factor at 36mph. I canWe have the '04 216 it does have the "bump" but I noticed essentially the same thing on the '05 206 I skied behind, both have factory towers. We don't have tanks for ballast so can't help you on the wakeboarding. The '05 206 had ballast so no equal comparison. We have three kids and love the extra room and storage capacity of the 216. I'll give up a perfect wake if the kids stay into the sport, good compromise IMO.
C

[NHcrossfan]

RE: Re: RE: 216 Rationale

By noticing the bump do you mean affecting a slalom ski or just visual. For us, no tower 3 adults the bump is apparent (barely) to the eye but doesn't affect an on angle ski getting pulled at 36mph.

[Quinner]

216 Rationale

I love my 216 and handling / tracking - heck, I would challenge someone to be able to tell difference between it and the 206...just not enough to make / break the decision.

I think the make break decision could also apply to the interior space you give up with the 206, regarding the wake IMO there is a difference and the 206 is definitely a better slalom boat with a smaller wake and softer table, skied both and there was no question the 206 wake was smaller/better, enough so I chose the 206 over the 216.