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WATERSKI MagazineAmong the elite ranks of world-class ski boats, no name has gained more recognition or earned more respect than Ski Nautique.
It has been 37 years since Correct Craft brought the first Leo Bentz-designed Nautique to the market, and in the decades since, this best-known of inboards has not only evolved to keep pace with the ever-changing face of water skiing, but in many cases has helped to define and enable the growth and popularity of the sport. In competitive circles, the Ski Nautique is known as the boat that can provide perfect pulls, resulting in many a personal best.
In 1997, Correct Craft introduced a revolutionary hull design known as Total Surface Control (TSC), which incorporated a number of innovative hydrodynamic features. Within one year of its release, the new hull design set more records and personal slalom bests than any tow boat on the market. In fact, during its first tournament appearance, the TSC-equipped Ski Nautique pulled Kristi Overton Johnson to a new women's world record, and two men's world records soon followed.
Having perfected and proven the new hull in '97, Correct Craft engineers turned their attention to topside refinements for 1998. One of the most obvious changes comes in the human engineering department, in the form of a new rear seat. Designed to create additional interior space, the seat has a removable midsection for simplified platform access and can be removed to facilitate hard-core training sessions.
Another innovative feature found on '98 models is a bottom-swing tachometer that affords the driver faster at-a-glance scanning. Other aspects of the dash and driver's area remain unchanged, and continue to draw praise from veteran and professional drivers who appreciate the excellent ergonomics and overall “feel” one experiences behind the wheel of the Ski Nautique.
The Correct Craft commitment to excellence extends not only to the shape of the boats, but to the substance as well. Prime examples include the aluminum reinforcement stringers and one-piece aluminum engine/nylon frames that are incorporated into the wood-free, unitized hull and deck design. But while the construction philosophy embraces the latest in composite materials, it also incorporates generations of family pride and craftsmanship, as is evidenced in the details of fit and finish that become increasingly apparent over time.
On the water, the Ski Nautique racked up one of the test's best acceleration times and performed flawlessly throughout all phases of the driving and skiing evaluations. Our senior driver called it “consistent in all conditions.”
The slalom team gave near-perfect marks for wakes that were described as “soft and extremely low, with no spray all the way through world record territory.” The skiers also noted “awesome power out of the hole,” and labeled the boat an absolute dream to drive both in and out of the course.
We would expect no less from one of the world's finest competition tow boats, but what proved slightly more revealing was the solid marks our boarders gave the Nautique. Drawing on its three-event capabilities, the hull puts out steep, well-shaped wakes that are great for inverted tricks and spins. Additional weight in the form of passengers or water ballast increases wake size without destroying the clean shape.
Whether you buy this boat for the name, quality or performance, one thing is for sure: Every skier, boarder and footer you know will want a turn behind your new Ski Nautique.
