SN 206 or Response LXi

[FLlongball]

I am in the final stages of purchasing a new ski boat. I am debating between the 206 and a Response LXi.

I have driven them both and frequently ski behind a 2003 BU.

I test drove the 206 and skied behind it breifly, but not in a course. The wake seemed much harder and more noticeable than the Malibu. The 206 seemed to track much better and felt like a more solid boat in the chop and when crossing through your own wake. The interior of the Malibu feels more plush and comfortable.

I must have the open bow, as I have small kids and need the boat to be family friendly as well. It seems that CC tourney boat is the 196 vs. with Malibu it is the Response.

If I was in the market for a ski boat only, I think that I would definately choose the 196. Since I need more than that, I am inclined to choose the Malibu due to the wake, but the CC due to the quality of the boat.

Without starting a brand war, I would love to hear OBJECTIVE comments.

Thanks

[Hollywood]

RE: SN 206 or Response LXi

This has been discussed here many times, did you try searching?

[Quinner]

RE: SN 206 or Response LXi

I have a 206, it's an 05 and we have put about 130hrs on it. Primarily ski and foot. Most of my Ski buddies have Malibu's, either LX or LXI between 02's and 05's.
IMO the only things the LXI has on the 206 is the Slalom Wake, it is a bit smaller and the table is just a bit softer and the Bu's generally turn tighter at idle speed, like the rudder turns to a deeper angle than the CC's. Outside of that IMO the 206 is a better boat, the tracking is WAY better as is the ride and general feel of the boat, the interiors also seem to hold up better on the CC and they are definitely not as loud.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[MARK-S]

RE: SN 206 or Response LXi

If you can tell a wake differance, you are a stud. I ski into 39, and the only thing I notice are at 28 behind the LXI you hit a wall at the wake. The 206 out tracks the LXI. They both ski great. If you get a LXI, go for the 07. It tracks much better, skis well and it lost the wall at 28. But the **** pit is still way to big for my 5'4 wife to see through or over the windshield.
For the extra $$ in a 206 you will get the following.
An oil filter right out front for ease of change. A fresh water strainer at the intake. Solid resale market not flooded with boats. Great wake. An interior that will last.
I owned an 03/04/05 and they were all great slalom boats. Go for the 206.

[G-man]

RE: SN 206 or Response LXi

Are you really sure you have to have an open bow? Test drive the boats with people in the front and see if your comfortable. For me people in the bow blocked my vision to much. I think you have more storage with a closed bow and you can seat two across in the observers seat. Choosing between the 2 boats you list of course I'd pick the 206. The 206 is going to also have gear reduction transmission, something that once you have have it you won't go back to a 1:1 tranmission.

[MARK-S]

RE: SN 206 or Response LXi

I forgot about the gear reduction.

[Hlymons]

For the money it’s hard to beat the Malibu, however with since you did not mention money being a factor I would defiantly go with the 206.It handles rough water better and with small children it makes it an easy choice.

[Edwin]

I compared both these boats extensive, went with the RLXi. The RLXi has a much larger open bow area, two full size slalom skis will fit in my trunk, the observer's seat will easily accommodate two passengers (the extended 206 obs. seat wasn't avail when I bought mine), and it was $9k cheaper.

The 206 is a beautiful boat that seemed very well built, tracked nicely, and was quieter than the RLXi. Also, local CC dealer support is outstanding in my area.

As for the comments above:
- gear reduction isn't required on the RLXi...it's got a great holeshot, strong pull, etc with a 1:1 trans...just a more efficient hull that rides on top of the water vs plowing thru it like the CC.
- I've skied more than a few RLXi's, find that the wake behind my brother's 03 seems softer than the wake on my 05. Changing the prop to an OJ XMP has made a noticeable difference.
- oil filter location is important for those that put tons of hours on a boat each year. If it takes me an extra 30 seconds to reach the side of my engine, how much is that worth? I have 4 small screws to remove the raw water pump cover, making impeller changes a snap...just might make up the 30 seconds I lost when getting to my oil filter.

Best way to choose is to drive and ski both boats as you would normally use it. Take the crew along, load the dealers boat with gear, etc. I would also strongly consider which brand's dealer will offer you better support before, during, and after the sale...never know when you'll need some help. Best of luck...both are great boats.

[MARK-S]

just a more efficient hull that rides on top of the water vs plowing thru it like the CC.

I would not agree with hull efficiency as I got more sets per tank with my 206 then our LXI.

takes me an extra 30 seconds to reach the side of my engine, how much is that worth? Thats 30 seconds on the way back out with a dripping oil filter loosing oil all over the bilge. I change oil in both my PCM and our LXI. Hands down the PCM is easy and clean.

4 small screws to remove the raw water pump cover, making impeller changes a snap...
Thats 4 screws to many. Just open the engine cover twist off the see through shell and empty. You only need to get to the 4 screws when the impeller goes out. With the strainer, you will get longer life out of your impellers.

All that said the RLXI is a nice boat and skis well. Its just that there is a reason why CC cost a little extra and those are just a few.

[Hollywood]

just a more efficient hull that rides on top of the water vs plowing thru it like the CC.

I'm not sure "efficient" is the correct word to describe this difference.

[Richard-Howell]

I haven't sat in an 07 LXI but the seating position in the 06 wasn't very good. In the 206 the ergonomics of the seat, driving position, dash throttle was much better than the RLXI. The seating in the RLXI appeared more plush but the 206 is just as comfy if not more.

The 36mph slalom wake on the 206 is tremendous as I'm sure the LXI is as well. The LXI wake has a softer smaller appearance (I've never skied behind one) but I can't imagine it being a noticable upgrade while skiing as the 206 is that good.

Another difference that I'm not sure was addressed that in the 06 with 2 persons seating ing the observers seat the passenger on the outside had the windshield rested against the upper back. I highly recommend the Tournament Love Seat.

Our kids are 10,8,6. Most of the time we ski with the bow closed by windshield and curtain, and use the bow for the kids while we cruise around. There is room for adults in the bow just not ideal during for 36mph slalom for weight and vision purposes. The access for mooring and docking make the open bow an asset.

[MARK-S]

I for got about this.
two full size slalom skis will fit in my trunk.
I own a 1k ski. The last place I would put my ski is in any trunk.fit or not. My wifes ski will fit, but it is also a Monza. It is on her feet, or in a case on the dock.
Trunks are over rated. I wish CC would get rid of them and bring back the skier friendly space of the late 90s 196s.

[Edwin]

Mark - not everyone gets to ski from the starting dock...some folks have to take everything with them, maybe even use their beloved boat in public water (yes, it's true...not everyone has a lake in their backyard), and deal with all the gear in the boat for the day.

As the original poster mentioned, he will be using the boat with his FAMILY. Getting skis off the floor and put away in the trunk just might be helpful to him.

[Hollywood]

Edwin, do you store your slalom skis in the trunk or on the tower?

[Edwin]

Depends on the crew for the day but we normally put skis in the trunk first, then up to the tower ski rack when we need the extra space. I haven't used the tower ski rack since Sept.