best slalom wake after SN 196 (want a slightly bigger boat)?

[smigforce]

Was about to pull the trigger on a 1999 SN 196 but... I am thinking a bigger boat is what we need. Have sat in a MC 197 (have not skied) - felt bigger inside and now rethinking my whole search - want to narrow which dd boats will have more space (could still be a closed bow) without sacrificing on the slalom wake. Thoughts on models/years would be great. service in area is MC, SN, BU, supra, and centurion.

 

Looking to spend sub $30k.

[bigskieridaho]

Love my 2009 Malibu Response LXi. Great wake and nice room inside. Could always go for a 197, SN 206, or TXi as well. The Malibu has a better wake IMO.

[Ilivetoski]

Under $30K Carbon pro

[The_MS]

2004 Nautique 206

[escmanaze]

From 97 to 02 Nautique made a step over open bow version of the ski. It is what I have. It gives space for another 2 small people or maybe 1 big person. You will probably start dipping the nose a lot if you put 2 big people up there. From a space perspective, it seems pretty comparable to the malibu LX of the time. I have enjoyed it for my family of 5. Once I get a tower on it, it will be even better for larger groups.

 

After that, it would seem your next best wake with more space than those two that you could still get for under 30 would be up to an LXi. Walk through open bow - bigger overall. The wake is definitely bigger than my SNOB, but in typical malibu fashion, it is also pretty soft, so it's a pretty good bigger family ski boat.

[brettmainer]

Unless you ski at -32 and shorter, you will be disappointed with the 197 wake.

Carbon Pro has the best wake, but is small and takes driver input.

Malibu has the best Open bow and a nice wake.

Nautique makes the best boat with great wakes, but the 200 sacrifices interior room for storage.

Depends on what you want out of a bigger boat.

[BraceMaker]

Imo the new prostar remains my choice for interior space and wakes particularly for lower speed action.

[Andre]

@BraceMaker

Sub 30k ?

I'll take one of each color! :)

[BraceMaker]

@Andre sometimes its worth ignoring the price parameter. Getting closer every year.

[Fatroll]

http://www.ski-it-again.com/php/skiitagain.php?endless=summer&topic=Search&category=Boat_3Event&postid=47818

 

This does it all. Slalom wakes a little larger at slower speeds, but at 32 and 24 they are soft.

[Lieutenant Dan]

1999 - 2004 Malibu Sunsetter LXI

[Chef23]

The Malibu Response LX has more room and a better wake at slower speeds and longer lines than the 196. I think the wake is better than the 197 also. I think the LXI wake is softer than the 196 also it is definitely bigger but the wake is a little bigger than the LX.

[UWSkier]

If you want versatility, Malibu Response LXi. If you're just looking for pure slalom boat under 30k and don't mind the closed bow, the CP is a good choice.

[escmanaze]

Here is a picture of it that kind of shows the size of the open bow up front. It has a back seat sitting in my garage. With the pole or a tower you could sit a bunch of folks back there as well.

 

 

 

And below is a link to my youtube page that shows it at a few various speeds and line lengths.

 

[CBR51]

If you want just slightly bigger. Go with a 206. Or Malibu LXI. The old open bow Nautique is no bigger and feels more cramped with open bow

[Horton]

Best slalom wake possible for around 30k? Carbon Pro.

[Drago]

He “wants a slightly bigger boat” than a 196

[Ilivetoski]

I swear our CP is bigger than our 196

[6balls]

SN 206 or Sunsetter Lxi. 197 is great if you are primarily shorter lines/higher speeds. Works great for trick/wakeboard, too.

[igkya]

2004 era 206 Ski Nautique. Slightly bigger than a 196 but still a great wake for slalom.

[shansen345]

I ski behind a buddy's 2005 Malibu Response LXI occasionally. Ton of space inside and I like the slalom wake. But oh boy, that low bow sure takes on water if you're not careful.

[shansen345]

Nautique 206 is another great option.

[skitexas]

1997-2001 Sport Nautique is your solution. It still has the TSC1 hull (best wake from Nautique) but 21’ & open bow. Skiing behind it is the same as a 1997-2001 Ski Nautique

[aupatking]

As much as I’m a fan of the 196 and Carbon Pro, that mid 2000’s Malibu LXI had a ton of room and great wake. Just my opinion but, I’d say better wake than the same years Mastercraft (longer line slalom or slower speeds).

[Joeprunc]

(1) 2003-2006 Response LXI

(2) MC 197

 

Friends 2006 SN 206 I cannot and will not ski behind.

 

 

[smigforce]

Somewhat related. I have a lead on a 2002 197 prostar TT with 400 hours. I know the owners and am curious what people think of this year and model and what I should expect to pay. I have tried searching around and the reviews don't look great....I would only buy if it were a "good" deal...and not a lot of sales info out there. Need to get handle on price before doing a test ride.

[UWSkier]

They're sweet-looking boats. People tend to dog the 197 wakes as not being that good but I certainly didn't mind my substantial time behind my buddy's mostly at 28 and 32 off, both 34 and 36 MPH. Where people tend to like them less is out at 15 and 22.

[Jody_Seal]

I ski behind a 197 at least once a week. I do tweek the boat myself but it is still a great skiing boat. Not sure why people tend to discount that model MC.

Last weekend had my best rd behind a 12 Malibu response. Another boat to consider also is the previous model Malibu.

The Nautique 206 skis well also provided it does not have a tower on it.