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WATERSKI MagazineAir Nautique 216 Team
OVERVIEW
Correct Craft pushes the limits of how far a direct-drive can go in becoming a great wakeboard boat with the Air Nautique 216 Team. It's a foot longer than the 206 models to offer more room for riders and their crew, yet it maintains the 91-inch beam to keep a premium on pinpoint handling. Loaded up with the Team package, the 216 has the features that scream wakeboarding, yet it quietly stays true to its skiing pedigree with the tunnel and strakes of its wake-softening hull.
In the boat, we found cushy seating that offers just the right amount of recline from the open bow to the rear bench, with lots of grab rails sprinkled around. Smaller wakeboards can fit in the front and rear storage, with the best bet stowing them on the tower board racks. We really loved cranking up the upgraded stereo with Polk MOMO components, Skylon speakers and audio inputs for our MP3 player. Complemented with superb fit and finish, the vibe was right for any and all water sports.
SKIING
Looking past all the wakeboarding amenities, the 216 is a solid ski boat. We found sweet wakes whether we were just doing open-water recreational skiing or tackling the course at 32 off, with minimal spray and bumps. For skiing, it has a quick hole shot and tracks well, just as you'd expect from a direct-drive by Correct Craft.
WAKEBOARDING
As our riders charged and soared behind the boat, we didn't feel any pull to throw the 216 off its track. The wakes had smooth transitions that weren't too steep, building to peaks that weren't too lippy for a soft kick. Landing zones were long and good for moves to blind. We had a soft drive powering through the clean, moderately sized, peaky double-ups.
LOWDOWN
• Direct-drive configuration and hull offer great skiing capability, while Team package upgrades the wakeboarding performance.
• Extra length makes way for good legroom in the open bow and around the engine box.
• The 400 pounds of ballast fills fast on the fly.
• Composite swim platform is seriously nonskid.
• Driver's console is primo, with the keyless ignition, digital dash, comfy seat and perfect control positioning.
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed 45 mph 4,900 rpm
Accel. to 30 mph 4.9 sec. 116.9 ft.
Accel. to 36 mph 6.4 sec. 188.9 ft.
Noise Levels (db) Neutral 61 D 62 R, 36 mph 86 D 89 R
SPECS
Length 21 ft. 7.5 in. Beam 91 in.
Seating Capacity 10
Fuel Capacity 30 gal.
Test Prop Acme 12.5 x 15.5 4-blade
Test Engine PCM Excalibur 5.7L, 330 HP
