WaterSki Magazine

Kristin
2009-10-08 10:28:40 | 1027 views | 1 Comments

BOAT REVIEW
On performance, we’d say this Ski Nautique 206 has about 90 percent of what the extraordinary 196 has to offer. Skiers not getting deep into 39 ½ off at 34 mph may not even notice the difference. This is the TSC3 hull with Andy Mapple’s expertise engineered into it for one of the softest wakes in the world. But all skiers — and their families — do notice the open bow and the foot-longer centerline, both of which make this a more social boat than the 196 tournament machine. Correct Craft makes it easy to upgrade this ski boat by offering two packages of features: the Limited and the Team, which gets the Zero-Off cruise and upgraded Clarion stereo.

BEST FEATURES
Zero-Off
We found this new cruise control to be super accurate and easy to use, holding speed very confidently and true.

Open bow
This bow satisfies families better while skiers still get the world-class slalom wakes they’re craving.

SPECS
Dry weight: 2,830 lb.
Draft: 24 in.
Passengers: 9
Load cap.: 1,210 lb.
Fuel cap.: 29 gal.
Length: 20’7”
Width: 7’6”

Test measurements
Bow: 15 sq. ft.
Gunwale height: 1 ft. 9 in.
Main lounge: 69 sq. ft.
Sun pad: 7 sq. ft.
Platform: 8 sq. ft.

WAKES
The wake is slightly bigger than the 196’s with a slight bump at 22 off. There was a nice table that was easy to cross and very soft wakes all the way into shortline, where we found no spray.
Overall: With some modifications from the 196, this is still a top tournament-level ski boat for all three events.

ACCELERATION
With 375 hp engine (275 hp standard), Acme 12.5×15.5 four-blade prop
To 30 mph: 4.9 sec., 123.4 ft.
To 36 mph: 6.2 sec., 189.2 ft.
Top speed: 49 mph, 5,100 rpm

HANDLING
Bow rise: 22-degree angle during typical acceleration. Good visibility between top of dash and top of windshield.

Tracking: Tracks on a rail with the adjustable rudder wing, which allows for personalized tracking performance.

Turns: Very responsive, both at high speeds and low speeds. The maneuvering was easy and confident.

Maximum G-force crossing wake at 30 mph: 1
Vibration: A very slight whistle from the walk-through windshield was all we heard in this especially solid, smooth, quiet ride.