Sport 200 - Thank You Nautique!

[Dinsdale]

I just did the same thing, 2-400 lb sacks sit on top of the hard tanks, plumb them into your hard tank overflow to fill and hook the vent to the top of the bag. I used the quick disconnects so I can remove to service the engine. Only small issue is if you use user settings on the linc the bags are not recognized, you will need to fill them with the manual ballast controls. Not a big deal but sort of negates the simplicity of user settings. We also put an 1100# bow sack up front and fill it about 1/2 full, this along with the 400 on each side and all hard tanks full puts out a substantial wakeboard wake. For surfing we fill hard and bag on one side plus the hard belly and about 1/2 of the bag up front, surf wake is very nice with that set up.

Exactly. All you need for the rear bags is two quick connects, a couple of gear clamps and about 18 inches of hose for each side. Half hour job. Highly recommended. As said above, if you want to take them out just reattach the drain hose to the hull fitting or buy a union to attach the two hoses together.

[swc5150]

I suppose the 6.0 would be the optimum way to go, budget pending. It's too bad it's a $6,500k (retail) upgrade.

[81nautique]

I suppose the 6.0 would be the optimum way to go, budget pending. It's too bad it's a $6,500k (retail) upgrade.

These boats are so pricey you have to draw a line somewhere and since I really don't do much barefooting anymore I couldn't justify the $5000 my dealer shot me to go 2-3 mph faster. My boat has not run faster than 34 mph one or two times all summer so the 5.7 is plenty of motor for what we do with the boat. My old Nautique ran just under 55 mph and cruised at 42, now 42 is my top speed, I think I'm finally getting old.

[swc5150]

I agree. The 200DD is fine with the 5.7, I just wish it pulled fewer rpm's at slalom speed.

[TRBenj]

I agree. The 200DD is fine with the 5.7, I just wish it pulled fewer rpm's at slalom speed.

Put a bigger prop on it and it will. I cant imagine that the Excal is underpowered at slalom speeds.

If you dont barefoot, then Im sure its fine... but 43mph (unloaded) is pretty marginal if you do.

[swc5150]

We popped a new 422 on it, and it lowered the rpm's a little, but also caused a vibration. I don't think that's normal, but regardless, we put the factory prop back on. I'd wait until someone with unlimited funds figures out the perfect mate to the 343.

It's also not underpowered in the slightest at slalom speeds, it just revs at about 4,300 at 34. It takes some getting used to, listening to the motor working that hard at 34, after coming from a 196.

[TRBenj]

The 422 + Excal combo worked great for years and years on the 196. Theres every bit as much hull clearance on the 200, so that shouldnt be an issue. If the prop vibrated, then it was probably either a damaged prop, or an installation issue.

My underpowered comment was in reference to using the 422 with an Excal boat. Obviously CC propped it down to help with holeshot. Turning lower revs at slalom speeds (due to a taller prop like the 422 vs. the 1868) would have the engine producing less hp at that speed... but not to the point where performance should suffer much. It would also produce a softer pull, and possibly a softer rooster.

[swc5150]

Maybe we'll try popping the 422 on again. It's a brand new prop, so it should be in good shape? As Jody mentioned, he's never seen a new CNC prop that was faulty from the factory.

[High altitude]

In two years of ownership we've never had the rope get caught between the cushions. They fit pretty tight. The pylon does have a little play in it but as soon as there is pressure on it, it's solid as a rock. Try the boat. We absolutely love ours. Added two 450 bags in the back. Wake surf is now amazing for a 20 foot boat. They tie right into the overflow hose so once the tanks are full, they fill. Pretty slick.

I presume you surf it on the port side due to prop rotation? Have you tried the starboard side as well? Also, do the 450's fit in the storage compartments on either side of the engine? Lastly, a question about the slalom wakes...people have commented about a pretty big pop at 15 off....is that at all speeds? I usually run our course at 28 or 30 mph at 15 off. I would love to transition to a Sport 200 but I don't want to lose out on an occasional slalom run. I currently have a 99 SN with a triple pump system and about 1250 pounds of ballast. It's a real nice surf wake but I can go back to slalom is less than 10 minutes and needless to say that wake is beautiful. Since I spend about 70% of my time surfing now (used to be the opposite with skiing until this year) I wwould like to get something a bit better for surfing with a bit more room. Thanks in advance for any responses! -Marc

[Dinsdale]

I presume you surf it on the port side due to prop rotation? Have you tried the starboard side as well? Also, do the 450's fit in the storage compartments on either side of the engine? Lastly, a question about the slalom wakes...people have commented about a pretty big pop at 15 off....is that at all speeds? I usually run our course at 28 or 30 mph at 15 off. I would love to transition to a Sport 200 but I don't want to lose out on an occasional slalom run. I currently have a 99 SN with a triple pump system and about 1250 pounds of ballast. It's a real nice surf wake but I can go back to slalom is less than 10 minutes and needless to say that wake is beautiful. Since I spend about 70% of my time surfing now (used to be the opposite with skiing until this year) I wwould like to get something a bit better for surfing with a bit more room. Thanks in advance for any responses! -Marc

Most of our crew surf port but we have definitely had people on starboard side as well. Starboard appears to be a little cleaner than port. No complaints at all. The 450's fit easily in the rear compartments. We generally ski at 15 off at 32 mph. We love the wake. 22 off is quite a bit harder, mostly prop wash. 28 off is great. Wish I was good enough to really take advantage of it.

[High altitude]

Thanks for the quick reply. This boat really sounds like the "1 boat quiver". It can do it all. I probably need to set up a demo with a dealer and see/feel it for myself. Anything you are not happy with? -Marc

[Dinsdale]

Yeah, I wish the hem wasn't so nicely set up. Excellent visibility, comfortable seat, logical controls, heat ducts. Between my wife and my daughters I never get to drive Hull is quite sensitive to weighting so you have to make sure your passengers are spread out evenly. No major complaints.

[jharris]

A lot of talk here about the slalom wake on the 200v. How good is this thing for wake boarding or is it still a real compromise. I'm trying to talk my friend who is a die hard BU guy to give it a try. He is comparing the Malbu VTX as he is insisting on staying with a 20 ft boat. He really likes my 200dd but he is a wakeboard only family so no need for a dd. Would he be disappointed in the 200v as a pure wakeboard / wake surf boat?

Trying to be a Nautique supporter but don't want to push him down the wrong road.

[Surfsmith]

jharris
Well, the best thing would be for your buddy to take a 200 Sport for a spin...
How hardcore of wakeboarders are they?

[jharris]

Surf smith,

The main wake boarding is done by his son ans my son, both 9. Both are ok, going wake to wake and 180's. So far they are staying away from inverts (not sure I'm ready for that with a 9 year old). Both boys love it and will continue to progress. That was the basis on my question, if they progress to a more hardcore wake boarders, will they be disappointed. I will get my friend in a boat, but hard for the kids to really assess the wakeboard capabilities. Neither of the dads board.