Open bow vs closed bow?

[bwana50]

I've started research to (hopefully!) get a mid-90's Ski Nautique this summer. Mainly casual skiing and family use; would like to try the course, and may venture into wakeboarding at some point. I'd like an open bow for the extra space, but I've heard that the layout of the open-bow is different than the closed-bow - engine and driver are further back on the OB. So, my question is: is the wake appreciably different between the two?

[SGY]

RE: Open bow vs closed bow?

I don't believe the SNOB wake is different than the CB Nautique. I had a 99 SNOB and everyone loved skiing behind it. The room in the SNOB, as you suggest, is a problem. There is less cabin room in the SNOB and less storage in the SNOB than in the CB version. The difference is quite noticeable. Besides, SNOB's are really hard to find.

I'd go with the CB version. You won't regret it.

BTW, I bought my 99 SNOB from an old promo guy in Topeka. He skied at Shawnee Res/lake. Nice place.

[tadelfio]

RE: Open bow vs closed bow?

I own a 97 SNOB. I chose the open bow mainly because I have 4 children and needed the extra seating in front of the pylon although it is not very comfortable seating for an adult. In my opinion, if you don't need the extra seating, then go with the CB. I love my open bow but you do loose noticeable storage as well as moving around room. Good luck on your search.

[882001]

RE: Open bow vs closed bow?

either go with a sport or a closed bow. the snob isnt a very good layout imo. but the sports have a ton more room. my next boat will be open bow. probably a ss or sport

[Quinner]

RE: Open bow vs closed bow?

Another consideration could be finding a boat with a tower, the tower allows you to have people in the back seat while towing and can also provide additional storage for boards, ski's etc. and pretty much anything but slalom and trick is a better pull from a tower anyways.

[ag4ever]

RE: Open bow vs closed bow?

IMPO, if an open bow is an imperative, go with the 216 as the extra space will be needed. The wake won't be as good, but it won't be bad.

If you want a hardcore ski boat, then go with the 196. I personally don't see a need for an open bow version of the 196.

I see the 196 being used on small private lakes where there is no need to carry a bunch of people. If you plan to visit a large public lake the extra length of the 216 will be needed to handle the rougher water.

If I was buying my boat agian (back in '02) I would get a 216 instead of the 210 I have, but my next boat will probably be a 196.

Also if wakeboarding is in your future, you will want to go with the 216 as the 196 is just odd with a tower on it.

[skijones]

RE: Open bow vs closed bow?

If money is a consideration, you can get a 97-99 snob for about 20K. I love mine. It is a little short on storage, but for the 50 or so hours a year I put on it, I can live with it.

I have skied mine and a brand new MC back to back and liked my wake better.

[chris196]

RE: Open bow vs closed bow?

I have a 98 closed bow. I love it.
We're on a very busy lake, but if you ski at 6:30 in the morning you get glass most of the time. That's how we use it, early morning skiing during the week. Then some weekend cruising with friends. I wouldn't want the open bow on my lake. It just seems like it would be a water collector.
When we're not skiing the boat is comfortable for 4-5 adults. Skiing is fine with 4 (1 skier, 1 driver, 2 in the observer seat).
Also, the 196 handles the rough weekend water better than I expected. You have to be reasonable though, not too fast or trying to ski. But I like the CB in those circumstances, just don't have to worry about it.

I think if you have to have the open bow, I'd look for a sport or a MC205. Of course, a 206 or 216 is good, but those are newer and may be harder to find for your price.

[dmiracle]

RE: Open bow vs closed bow?

Can't beat the classic look of a traditional closed nose SN.

I have a 92' and absolutely love it. Similar situation as yours....family fun with tubing and smaller kids skiing. Room has never been an issue for us. You can always hook the rope to the ski rope connector behind the backseat if you have more than the observers seat will accomodate. The kids don't care where their being pulled from. They do care about getting wet in the front.

Good luck to you.

[east tx skier]

I was in an open bow MC 205 for nearly five years before going closed bow with my 98 SN. We have a young son and may have another child at some point, but I just love the extra storage. Plus, I really don't want the kiddos in the bow seating, nor do I want to try to look around an adult sitting up there.

Needs vary, but we are getting a lot more out of the storage than we ever did the bow seating.

[ScarletArrow]

I have a 99 SNOB...I would recommend the 206 if you must have a tournament quality wake with an OB.

There are no real advantages to the SNOB...loss of storage, smaller cabin, etc. The bow area is just a place to throw wet life jackets or occasionaly let my kids up there when cruising.

[foiltravis]

I have owned multiple closed and open bow boats and I believe each have their advantages. Over the past year I have done just the opposite of east tx skier, I sold my 1998 Ski Nautique closed bow and replaced it with a Mastercraft 205 (a few years newer than east tx skiers). The amount of storage can certainly change depending on the year of the boat, I know that the earlier 205’s were a bit limited on storage but I believe in 1998 was when a change was made and they added the rear storage and a large in floor storage unit, this boat has a lot more storage than my old boat. However I really did not make the change for storage, I had been using the Nautique primarily on a private lake skiing the course and it was the perfect boat for this but I am now using a public lake exclusively and one big advantage of the open bow is docking. Our docks can be busy and with the closed bow I either had to wait until I could get the boat along side the dock or if there was only a small opening I had to back it in, if you have ever backed one of these inboards you know they pull to one side or the other and while I have many years of experience backing them it can certainly be a challenge, with the open bow almost anyone can bring the boat in to the dock and I simply step off the front. The open bow is also an advantage when you are out with friends to enjoy the day, simply more room to spread out. Now if I was going back to skiing a slalom course on a frequent basis I would be begging chris196 to sell my old boat back to me :grin:

[bwana50]

Thanks all! More things to consider.... Yellow_Flash_Colorz:

[SportNautique4Life]

For casual skiing and family use with the prospect of ventureing into wakeboarding, a mid 90's Sport is ideal. When I was younger and single I had a 79 SN and was on the lake at least 4 days a week. I'm 44 now and don't hit it as hard as I did then. My 96 Sport does it all for me and the family. The wake flattens out and is very slalom friendly at about 32-34 mph. There is plenty of room for family and friends. It still has good storage. It is not a bad recreational wakeboard boat either. I have seen a few with tower and bags and am considering those options myself. IMO you can't go wrong with a mid to late 90's Sport. It has the room, versitility and the price.
Good luck!

[efox]

Could I make this interesting and offer you mine???

It's a 92 Ski. I have done a lot of work to it. Rebuilt upper motor to clean cooling passages (previous owner in N.C) ran in a shallow lake. Tranny was rebuilt. New Carpet (floors and stringers are good). New interior no correct craft stiching but the materials and color are 100% correct. New infinity speakers. New Dimension Tower (really nice for boards and skis. And 200# of lead that fit nicely under the rear seat but don't take all the room. Gel is in good condition with few minor scuffs. I have been thinking about selling for 15,000 OBO...make me an offer I can't refuse. Oh and I am one payment from clear title from the bank. I could send you some pictures if you are interested.

Eric