Starting to Shop for a SN. Wanting a 196 or 200 OB. Looking for Advice

[aswinter05]

I think I finally sold my Mastercraft yesterday.... which means it's time to SN shop

Really interested in the newer 200's (OB). Also kinda interested in a 2008 or 2009 196 if it's at the right price. I've got at least 3 months to shop around so I'm in no rush to make a purchase just yet.

When it comes to a 200, I'm sorta confused on some of the options and whether or not they are necessary. For instance, I heard after January 2011(ish), SN had to start making all the 343's with Cat Converters. What does this mean about the engines that DO NOT have the Cat Converters in 2010? Do they still perform the same way? Is a converter supposed to be installed in order to be "legal"?

I'm also trying to decide if it's worth looking at a Team Edition versus an SE. Is it really worth the extra money? If so, what features come with a TE that aren't included on the SE.

I guess I'm looking for all around advice from those of you with experience owning these boats. What should I look for, and what should I stay away from when purchasing. Were there any design flaws (minor or major) with any years from 2010 to present?

The new boat will be on a private ski-club lake 85% of the time (running the course).

Thanks for all your help and input. I love this site.

[Sullivan]

The boats without the cats are better in the sense that its less to go wrong and no they don't have to be added to a 2010, those are grandfathered in. They perform about the same as far as I can tell.

I'm still new to SN so thats about all I can offer. Good luck in your search and be sure to post some photos when you find your new tug.

[swc5150]

Cat or no cat won't make a difference in performance. The only design flaw, IMHO, is the 2010's had raised hinges on the saddle bags that would tend to fray ropes. 2012 will give you standard keyless ignition on the both trims. If you like goodies, go with the TE. The Linc is awesome, with the 2012 forward Linc 2 being even better. I could write a rather large paragraph on all it offers/does. The TE will also give you standard ZO, however most SE's will likely have it as well. For 2013, the new std prop for the 343 is an Acme 654, which should solve some of the high rpm issues people have complained about. It does rev much higher than a 196, but there is also much more hull surface area in the water that the motor needs to move. The perfect engine for the 200 is the 6.0, if you plan on barefooting. We're running the 343, and it does everything we ask it, and then some. Fit and finish are incredible in the 200 as well.

Between my brother and I, we've had 4 196's, and loved each one. You will find the 200 a completely different boat, and encounter many opnions regarding which is "better". I prefer skiing behind the 200, but also love the 196. To me, the major difference is the level of comfort. If you're strictly looking for a slalom tug on a private lake, the 196 could be your answer. If you're looking for a plush roomy boat, with gadgets galore, and unmatched fit and finish, the 200 is your ride. The 200 will set you back more $$, but you get a lot more boat for your money.

I encourage you to get in each decide for yourself. If you're in Wisconsin this summer, stop by for a pull. One thing I assure you is that you won't regret making the switch from MC. We switched from MC to CC in '07, and regret not doing it years earlier.

[njskier]

http://www.offshoremarinenj.com/new_...95&pov=3065926

Clean, low hours 196 for sale in NJ.

[swc5150]

Nice 196. The asking is crazy, but nice boat just the same. I paid less for my brand new '06 back in the day.

[Zach@n3]

Andrew!!! Got the deal done, Congrats!! Look forward to meeting you at the shop sometime tomorrow.

[slob02]

Used 206 is another option!!!

[swc5150]

Hey Zach, did you sell him a boat?

[aswinter05]

He's trying . Zach, my wife and I are planning on coming up in the morning to check the place out. See you guys then.

[swc5150]

Nice! Welcome to the CC family

[Zach@n3]

Get em sold! We will see you today.

[slob02]

Good for you GUYS..........Need more Nautiques in these parts!!!!

Get em sold! We will see you today.

[Sullivan]

Lets see the results already!

[Zach@n3]

Andrew came over to the shopped and looked at a few Saturday. It was great to meet him and his wife and hopefully Mark and I supplied him with a lot of helpful information.

[TRBenj]

Nice 196. The asking is crazy, but nice boat just the same. I paid less for my brand new '06 back in the day.

Price is definitely on the high side for a '06 but doesnt seem totally out of whack for a nice TSC3 196. I think the price youre referencing on a brand new '06 is way out of bed with what is typical... I know that back in '03 that a decently optioned 196 LE was pushing $50k (MSRP), and that typical selling prices were in the low to mid 40's. Low 30's on a similar brand new boat 3 years later would not have been the norm- so thats a bad comparison, IMHO.