FCT 5 Picture (you're welcome)

[chris196]

That guy is definitely standing on the seat.

[210GA]

I will say this, that new crest logo is gnarley, I love it.

[migs]

my buddy who is having his 2011 230 built has the option of over or under the tower bimini.

that side pic of the black 230 - is horrible. im praying when we get that 2011 230 - itll change my mind!!!!

[shag]

I was physically there, in Reno, where this pic is from. He is standing on the seat, leaning against a moveable "cube" fat sack with handles. This boat was used on the last day of competition (I believe it was the last day).

Now, my opinion.
I understand the aspect of those who need to store thier boat in a garage, or making going under bridges easier - I just think someone could come up with a better, more appealing to the eye, design for a tower. I just think the new towers are unattractive, and as one person stated, limit access and socializing from the side of the boat. Also, somewhere, someone has made a case that the 4 leg towers are heavy for lowering/folding...... Are we not wakeboarders/skiers for the most part? Have we become weak as a whole? Anyway, I guess they look better than the new MC towers. Rant done....
Just my .02

[gride300]

there should at least be a 4 leg option. especially considering alot of folks don't need to fold their towers, and if so not for a 7' garage.

[tazz3069]

Again, this is the ONLY tower choice for the 210 and 230.

I really hope not. I hope that CC reads this thread and see how people are not impressed by the new tower. If there is an option for the tower, then I am good to go. If there is no option, then CC has built a beautiful boat with a hideous tower.

[tdc_worm]

I really hope not. I hope that CC reads this thread and see how people are not impressed by the new tower. If there is an option for the tower, then I am good to go. If there is no option, then CC has built a beautiful boat with a hideous tower.

it doesnt matter. look at the cost thread. they are not marketing the boat to the enthusiast user anymore...these arent uncomfy slalom boats. at 100k plus dollars, 90% of the their sales will be to people whom buy CCs because they are expensive, so they must be good (also known as wallies). more important to CC is reaching that other 2 percent of the market that will make their decision based on what fits in their garage than placating us whom are already owners...

on lake austin, lifts are littered with brand new 230s, 210s, MC X Stars...people with multi million dollar houses that pay cash for their wakeboard boat with the cool towers that tow tubes really well and turn the best power turns. i am in the heart of nautique country and see probably one late model CC being used for wakeboarding for every 10 that i see slipped on the lake.

[Shooter]

I think most of us are so enthusiastic about the ugly tower and outrageous prices because we are fans of the brand and don’t want to see the name go in the wrong direction. For me, Nautique once was the only boat I really wanted and everything else was a compromise (I had to compromise twice before I could afford my 03). It’s scary to think a new Nautique is slipping lower and lower on my list. It’s still a great boat, but there are a lot of amazing boats out there at lower prices. I really don’t think Nautique is truly interested in the true water sports enthusiast anymore.

I don’t think this tower will "grow" on me and without any other options it is a deal breaker. The tower does not appear to be visually pleasing or more functional.

[aarond0083]

I'm pretty sure MasterCraft is offering two towers this year. The new one and the one we're used to seeing since 2007. Also, Malibu owns Titan right? I would think you could get a Malibu with the Illusion tower or a Titan tower.

If I was in the market for a new boat right now I'd be buying a MasterCraft X-25 with their previous tower. As much as I love my 210, no way would I buy a boat with that tower.

[Latonkaboarder]

Jeff or somebody from CC, Can you guys chime in on this and say for sure that the new tower is the only tower being offered this year? It makes no sence to have the FCT4 designed last year and not even offer it as an option this year.
I personally like the FCT4 that was offered last year.

[NautiqueJeff]

As I understand it, the new FCT is the only one that will be offered, except on the 200, which will have the FCT3.

[etang789]

And just checked with my dealer the Z5 rack is not ready to ship with the FCT-5 yet ... will have to come later and no ETA time I hope hes wrong

[core-rider]

Okay I just heard back from a buddy of mine who just happens to be the guy in this pic standing by the tower. Here are his own words...

This is the 11' tower. The construction of the thing is amazing, welds are so clean. I think it folds down below the windshield. No visibility problems. Occasionally the rope gets caught on the board racks, but that doesn't happen if you have a board in the rack. The only problem I see is that it's pretty ugly.

He did not answer me on tower height, but he is about 6' tall so he is definately standing on the seat or something else as mentioned eariler.

[Hayden]

And just checked with my dealer the Z5 rack is not ready to ship with the FCT-5 yet ... will have to come later and no ETA time I hope hes wrong

Nautiques New Zealand waiting on about 8 boats to come in before November. We have been told November ish for Z5 racks.
Our summer starts Decemeber to about March. The sun is so dangerous that if we dont have a top its probably not worth using the boat and would never purchase a boat with a good bimini.

Not a great situation. I hope it comes in when they say it will
Another bad point about the fct5. this should have been sorted out before hand.

[Hayden]

I meant would never pucrhase a boat without a good bimini.