Baller duffbeerisgood Posted October 9, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 9, 2021 We are a family of 5 waterskiers looking for a bigger direct drive boat. We have a lot of wake boats on our lake and I would also like something that can handle the bigger wakes when cruising in the afternoon. But with ageing knees I don't want to sacrifice on the ski wake. I am mostly familiar with MasterCraft and have been looking at the 214 but they are hard to come by. Any other recommendations on a 20+ dd ski boat? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller jpwhit Posted October 9, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 9, 2021 What are you skiing behind now so we have a reference for your current expectations? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller duffbeerisgood Posted October 9, 2021 Author Baller Share Posted October 9, 2021 We currently have an outboard ski boat which actually is not horrible but does have noticeable bump when crossing. Also we are mostly recreational skiers as there is not a course on our lake and we typically ski around 30 - 32 mph. With that said some of my kids are starting to get good and I want to help them get to the next level. And as I said earlier my knees could use a break from the bump :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller blakeyates Posted October 9, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 9, 2021 Consider the Nautique 206. I'm not sure what year that quit making this boat but it may be back around 2004-2008? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Fatroll Posted October 9, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 9, 2021 I had a 03 Nautique 206. It slalomed very well except really slow speeds (under 25) for my kids. Footed great. Was just the right amount of wake when sacked up for wake and kneeboarding. I view that model as the best all around usage boat although my friends '19 Malibu TXI does it all very and is roomy. My 200 slaloms better, but we took a step back in barefoot, wake sports and general flow within the boat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller OREGON85 Posted October 9, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 9, 2021 We have an ‘00 Air Nautique, which is like a regular 206 plus ballast. It skis reasonably well and we occasionally even surf behind it. Room for up to 9. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Dacon62 Posted October 9, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 9, 2021 No one has said it yet so I will. Find a ‘99-‘04 Malibu Sunsetter LXi. 21’8” overall but sitting on a 20’ Response hull with lots more room. Has to have the LXi designation to get the notched hull. End of search. You won’t regret it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller jpwhit Posted October 9, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 9, 2021 @duffbeerisgood depending on the weight of your current boat, the wakes may not be that bad. A direct drive wake will also be a fairly different shape. I'd suggest you try actually skiing behind anything you consider just to make sure you're not surprised later. Good suggestions here on boat models by folks already. If you work on your own boat, you'll also be happy with a DD. By far the easiest boats to work on... The driving experience between a DD and outboard is also dramatically different. Don't let that freak you out if you've never driven one. With a little learning it gets to be very natural. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Clydesdale Posted October 9, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 9, 2021 I second the sunsetter recommendation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller 6balls Posted October 9, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 9, 2021 @dacon62 nails it. Drop the mic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller vtjc Posted October 9, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 9, 2021 The Malibu Sunsetter LXI ski great and are a fantastic option if Zero Off is a priority. I have always wanted to ski behind a MC 214. Checkout this 214 from a camp that has 4,600 hours! https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/994725821104821 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller UWSkier Posted October 9, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 9, 2021 @duffbeerisgood Malibu Sunsetter LXi as said before. Nothing else is close to the space, freeboard, and versatility with excellent wakes. It really is far and away the best family DD ever produced if wakes and space are both priorities. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller vtmecheng Posted October 10, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 10, 2021 What do you ski behind now? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller slow Posted October 10, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 10, 2021 1999 sport Nautique. 21 footer on the bubble butt hull. Feels the same as my buddy’s 2005 206. A little bigger an handles rough water a little better. Fuel injected gt40 is a great engine, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Shadave1 Posted October 10, 2021 Members Share Posted October 10, 2021 I second the 99 Sport Nautique. One of my very favorite boats of all time (and I've had a lot of boats over the years) . Great slalom wake and enough room to take family and friends. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Web Posted October 10, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 10, 2021 Another vote for SN 206. Full open bow and good wake. 15 is good, 22 has a bump, 28 and shorter is money. Mine is a 2009 with the 343 and zero off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller braindamage Posted October 10, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 10, 2021 @Dacon62 , @6balls and @UWSkier nail it. Largest boat to be AWSA tournament certified. I had one and it was the perfect ski, kid friendly, and public lake friendly DD. I still have pangs of regret from selling her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller andjules Posted October 10, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 10, 2021 If you're about to post about some larger boat you think is great, but you've never skied behind a '99-04 Sunsetter LXi, I'm not sure your opinion counts. Yes, in most boat categories, SN and Mastercraft come out on top. But not his one. And yes, I've skied a SN 206, a (meh) MC X14/214 and (augh) a Sport Nautique. None are in the Sunsetter LXi's league. I wished they'd kept making them, so you didn't have to buy (at best) a 17 year old boat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Web Posted October 10, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 10, 2021 Huh.... @andjules maybe you should look up the definition of opinion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller 6balls Posted October 10, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 10, 2021 @web I think @andjules is saying if you haven't skied/driven the alternatives maybe the opinion doesn't matter as much? I have a friend who has a Sunsetter Lxi, a nephew that has my brother's former Sport Nautique, and a friend with a Nautique 206--so I've driven/skied them all. I'm also old enough (ugh) that I skied tournaments behind the 206 during the short time Nautique used it as their promo boat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller slow Posted October 10, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 10, 2021 The Sunsetter LXI skis great. Wakes a maybe little smaller than the Sport or 206 Nautiques around that time. Having said that the ones I’ve been in don’t have the build quality of the Nautiques and are rattle traps in Public lakes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller braindamage Posted October 11, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 11, 2021 My LXi was definitely not a rattle trap. The fit and finish was excellent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ALPJr Posted October 11, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 11, 2021 I’d put the Gekko GTR or GTO on your list too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller buechsr Posted October 11, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 11, 2021 Don't confuse sunsetter LX with Lxi. Lxis were made between 99 and 04. Honestly I agree with @andjules , there has never been a "big" DD that skis like a sunsetter Lxi. I've had a couple. I can't believe I sold them. So big, so versatile, and skied so good. Do NOT consider the 05 and beyond sunsetter Lxis. Huge difference. They're more on par with the 209, 214, and 206 offerings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Rw3 Posted October 11, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 11, 2021 I am looking for similar type boat for family. Never have had the opportunity to ski behind a 99-04 sunsetter but sounds like it was a great boat I am curious of the wake size at slower speeds for kiddos on course also -22 and shorter at 34 compared to say a newer SN 200. Sounds like it is safer in rougher water and an overall good boat. Anyone ever use one at altitude >5000? Thanks ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller vtjc Posted October 12, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 12, 2021 I think it is worth pointing out that the Sunsetter LXI was the best skiing large boat at the turn of the century. Two of my friends have them. Since then, the TXI, Prostar and Nautiques have gotten larger. All are 20’ to avoid flotation requirements, they have added width for space and wake. Depending on where you want the space the late model boats may serve you well. Improvements in rough water handling will be limited given the goals in the course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller UWSkier Posted October 12, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 12, 2021 @vtjc that's a good point. But none of those boats are as comfortable for passengers, hanging out, etc if that's important. Sunsetter LXi has a large sundeck and trunk (storage), a rear bench that's not right down on the floor, observer and driver seats that are at a comfortable thigh angle, plush upholstery, etc. I get from the OP that he's looking for a boat that could sortof "do it all." If you rarely plan on having more than 3 people on board, then I agree 100% that the newer tourney boats could be a good option. They're big. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller jjackkrash Posted October 12, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 12, 2021 Sunsetter Lxi's in the right year-range are old and getting older (at least 18 years old). I looked for a nice one about a decade ago and came across a few that were not in the best shape and passed (granted I did not search high and low). If you can find one in great shape they have a great reputation, but I suspect finding one in great shape will be even harder as time wears on. I suppose it also depends on what kind of condition you are willing to live with and whether you are interested in restoring one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Hucklefin Posted October 12, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 12, 2021 How do these said boats compare to a MC197? I know the simple answer is going to be 'better' but is it not even close? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ MISkier Posted October 12, 2021 Baller_ Share Posted October 12, 2021 @Hucklefin, it's not even close. The worst slalom equipment I own is between my ears. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ironhorse Posted October 12, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 12, 2021 I used to have a MC 214. The wake isnt comparable to a tournament boat, but it is a great boat and has a lot of room for a direct drive. I'm currently searching for one for my brother. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller 6balls Posted October 13, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 13, 2021 https://www.onlyinboards.com/2000-Malibu-Sunsetter-LXi-for-sale-Crystal-Lake-Illinois-128413.aspx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drfred Posted October 13, 2021 Share Posted October 13, 2021 I really liked my 02 Malibu wakesetter xti with the ski hull. i bought it new with a third tracking fin and upgraded and lighter engine i added perfect pass. it's 22'6" and has wakeboat like "stadium seating." it ski's well up to 4 people. Its solid in the chop, the bow's 6 inches or more higher than my prostar. it holds a dozen people . I think it'd be perfect for you. I still ski behind it because I sold it to a friend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller jpwhit Posted October 13, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 13, 2021 I think I'm going to make an offer on the one on onlyinboards.com just because people here have made it sound like the holy grail.... Can't let a really nice one like that slip through my fingers. You think 50% over asking price would get it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller slow Posted October 13, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 13, 2021 197 would be way down on my list Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmyjamesbrown Posted October 15, 2021 Share Posted October 15, 2021 I love all the love for my SSLXi. I had similar wants when I was looking few years ago, was between this and a SN206. I'm very happy with my Malibu. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller DoubleD Posted October 15, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 15, 2021 I love my X14 (214) but I gave up one of the best wakes in my 94 ProStar 205 and I know it. My X14 (LY6 and 1:1.22) has some weight compared to a 214 (MCX and 1:1) and I feel it in the wake. A load in the boat or a full tank will also affect wake but I also think its the position of the weight in the boat and I have yet to find that sweet spot. A great skier can ski anything and once you get to 28 off, its totally different than 15 or 22 off. My brother has a 2004 Ski Nautique 206 SE so I can easily compare the two. The 206 has less space than the 214 but a bit more than my 205. I don't like the netting on the sides of the 206 compared to the pockets in the 205. The 214 has more storage space than all of them unless you have hard ballast tanks like mine, but my X14 has ample space. My 2 cents... Recent Video of my X14 https://rumble.com/vns1n3-stretching-the-beasts-legs.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller 6balls Posted October 15, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 15, 2021 @jpwhit there are holy grail bargain hulls...the 'Bu Sunsetter Lxi is one of them in the larger open bow class. Gotta go older and want a closed bow--'97 and newer Ski Nautique 196. Older yet and ok with some shortline spray '91-'94 Prostar 190. Arguement can be made for some others but if you want wake...and in the case of the Sunsetter Lxi space and wake--well... I wouldn't offer 50% more than asking, though...maybe $50 bucks :smile: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller duffbeerisgood Posted October 16, 2021 Author Baller Share Posted October 16, 2021 @DoubleD what's the difference in ski wake between the 206 and x14? Any noticeable difference? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller DoubleD Posted October 17, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 17, 2021 @duffbeerisgood The noticeable difference, in my limited opinion, is the 214 wake is wider, since it's a wider boat compared to the 206. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller vtjc Posted October 19, 2021 Baller Share Posted October 19, 2021 07 X14 in CT with MCX and 900 hours, $32k. Interior could use some attention. https://www.facebook.com/commerce/listing/274140567938868/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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