Buying a cc ski-only boat - where to start?

[Noelb]

I want to invest in my skiing. I already have a new 211 which we'll use for WB and just cruising around. But I'm thinking of buying a second boat, something hard-core for skiing only. I figured I'll only live once...

I'm thinking of a used 196, but it seems there are other models out there that I'm not too familiar with, like the Sport, the 2001, the Barefoot and so on.

I'm hoping to spend around 15K or less. I want world class ski wakes (or absence thereof), and I want a trouble free boat, since I'm not too big on spending my free time fixing and refurbishing boats.

By the way, I once skied behind a 1993 Ski Nautique closed bow (not sure what it was exactly), and I was very impressed by how soft the wakes were. Felt like skiing through suds.

Recommendations?

Thanks!

[TRBenj]

RE: Buying a cc ski-only boat - where to start?

You can get a 90-96 Ski Nautique in very nice condition for $15k. That would be my recommendation if you want a slalom boat. The 97-01 Ski Nautique hull (TSC) boats put out a slightly better wake, but would be just out of your price range for a nice example ($17-21k). Boats made in 1993 and later have no wood in the construction, which is a plus. The TBI motor became available in '94, and the GT40 MPEFI debuted in '95. There are other minor differences in the years, so take a look at the brochures and decide what you would prefer. All 90-96 boats will ski the same.

[Mikeski]

RE: Buying a cc ski-only boat - where to start?

I don't see a huge difference between my 211 and my 1995 Ski Nautique. I would suggest you look for a 1997+ TSC boat.

[NHcrossfan]

RE: Buying a cc ski-only boat - where to start?

We had a 96 ski nautique and found the wake significantly better than the 211 especially at speeds less than 34 and longer rope lengths!

[NHcrossfan]

It would be nice to own both.

Coming at U

[Noelb]

RE: Buying a cc ski-only boat - where to start?

Mikeski, I'm only at 15 off 30 MPH and that thing is pretty brutal for my taste. My old boat is a DD Moomba Mobius and it's mucho better for skiing at that length and speed than the 211. What speed/length are you comparing at? Maybe I misstated the year of the boat I skied behind. I'll have to ask that guy.

[Noelb]

RE: Buying a cc ski-only boat - where to start?

NHCrossfan, you're nutz man! Pretty sweet.

[TRBenj]

Re: RE: Buying a cc ski-only boat - where to start?

I don't see a huge difference between my 211 and my 1995 Ski Nautique. I would suggest you look for a 1997+ TSC boat.

Ive skied behind 2001's, 90-96 boats, TSC and TSC2 196's. Theres no question that each generation of the Ski Nautique hull was noticeably improved from the one that preceeded it. That being said, I think the biggest improvement came with the 90-96 hull. Any 90+ boat throws a very nice slalom wake, IMHO. Buy the nicest/newest that your budget will allow, and you wont be disappointed.

Ive never skied behind a V-Drive, but if the 211 can match the slalom wake of the 90-96 hull at all speeds and line lengths, that is truly an amazing feat! More likely, it probably would be more comparable to the 2001 hull (as Ive read and common sense would dictate).