'00-'02 air vs '03-'05 air 206

[Dostoevsky]

I'm getting ready to make the switch from a IO runabout to a Nautique. I think I've narrowed down my choices to a 2000-2002 air nautique or 2003-2005 air 206. I'm trying to stay away from the v-drives, as they seem to have 4 more inches of draft, which can be an issue where I boat. This will be a "do it all" family boat (ski, wake board, tube, knee board, possibly surf). So my questions are:

1. Do these two models make sense for what i've described?

2. Are there any hull differnces between these models and years?

3. Are there any advantages between one model over the other?

4. Any model year I should avoid or other things I should watch out for?

Thanks

[wake_fun]

IF I had to pick an older direct drive boat for the family, I would look at a 2003+ 216.
The dash layout changed in 03'..........the earlier digital ones suck.

[74green]

There is a Pro AIR that is a DD with a different hull then the AIR at least on a 2001 yr model.
This explains/shows the difference: http://www.correctcraftfan.com/refer...ex.asp?page=33

Mine is a TSC and used mostly for wakeboarding…I love it. Also the digital gauges had issues in mine as wake_fun mentioned but the analog replacement kit isn’t a big deal to install if it hasn’t already been upgraded.

[bscott]

IF I had to pick an older direct drive boat for the family, I would look at a 2003+ 216.
The dash layout changed in 03'..........the earlier digital ones suck.

I would not worry about problems with boats that had/have digital guages. Most people have already been replaced the digital guages anyway.

[NCH2oSki]

If your a skier the 206 will have better slalom and kid friendly wakes, the sport nautique's will be next and the 216 will be the largest of the three.

I have a tower on my sport, and its actually pretty nice for holding the bimini, pulling kids on ski's and a few other activities.

[horkn]

I would not worry about problems with boats that had/have digital guages. Most people have already been replaced the digital guages anyway.

I agree, and if not, it's not a big deal. The 00-02 boats will more than likely have 5.8 liter gt40 efi motors in them, while the 03+ will have only GM engine options.

For that reason alone I would get the 00-02. The 351 5.8 motors are widely regarded for being the best marinized motor out there based on dependability and durability standpoints.

When I upgrade to a newer nautique, I will not go any newer than an 02 for these reasons.