SN 206 vs. PS 197

[PendO]

Hi, I'm considering a SN 206 to replace my 06' PS 197 ... there are no courses near where I ski in N. Idaho, so we just free ski on glass water, typical line length 15-28' off, I'm on my 3rd PS (87, 98, 06), with an 02 PS 209 somewhere in the middle.

I'm guessing some of you have skied both an 06 197 and an 06/07 206, if so please give me your opinions.

Thanks

[SGY]

RE: SN 206 vs. PS 197

I saw your posting on the Nichols site. I've skied behind an 04, 05, and 06 197. All great boats. I owned a 2003 206. Loved the boat. I'm a 15 off skier and can honestly say I preferred my 206 to my buddy's 2004 197. The wake is softer behind the 206. The only caveat is that the 2004 197 has the big Cadillac motor with a different prop which may contribute to the harder wake.

My first successful pass in a tournament was behind the 2006 197. That boat is sweet. So, no complaints. I don't think you'll have a problem with either. If you're a barefooter, then I can't really help you. I agree with the Nichols post that the wake behind the 206 is more turbulent. Not sure how that fits in the equation for a barefooter, though. The 206 is a bigger boat with a little more room in the bow and main cabin. Both boats are solid.

Good luck.

[east tx skier]

Hey, Pendo. What speeds do you typically ski?

[PendO]

Hey, Pendo. What speeds do you typically ski?

Hey Doug, don't tell the others I'm over here Typically 36mph on the PP in August & September and outside of that 34.4, the only reason I bump it up is that since we have no buoys to ski around on the lake - it is the only way my younger brother knows I'm better (then he just jumps on the wakeboard and starts doing flips and I take pictures) I'm no pro ... but some guys like fine wine and cigars, I'm just preferential to glass and an ultra small wake.

If I had my druthers I'd own a 196 w/o a tower, but I need a boat that I can spend 4 hours in with my wife and 2 (almost 3) kids in ... and I have these things called student loans

Likely I will end up keeping my 197, but talking with the CC reps at the boat show really impressed me about their product.

[todda]

Hey PendO, I think you would really like the 206. I skied and drove an '06 197, and it felt a bit sluggish to me in comparison to the SN, although really between the two, you really have to split hairs. They are both beautiful boats. I think you would really like the add'l room in the 206, and fit and finish is really nice too.

I am guessing you are up in Pend O'reille (sp?), man it is beautiful up there. I lived in Spokane for 8 yrs going to PT school, and we spent a bit of time in N. Idaho up there and Priest Lk. Great water to ski on! You will have to get yourself a portable course to float up there!

Todd

[east tx skier]

No worries, Pendo. But it's not like half the people on the other forum aren't on here already. LOL!

I asked about speed because sometimes the 197 wake is a little harder at slower speeds, i.e., the speeds I'm skiing. I haven't gotten to ski a 206, but have had several turns behind a 196. My sets behind a 197 are limited to only a couple as well. So I'm really in no position to compare. Like most things, it probably largely comes down to what you prefer and, the ever so important, local dealer support factor.

[G-man]

Pendo welcome to the dark side. I skied an older 197 a 05 I think. It skied well. I do think the 196 is the softest wake at slower speeds. Drive with a skier in tow and ski them both to make a informed decision. Take customer service into consideration, the best boat without customer service is a barge when it breaks.

[PendO]

thaks for all of your responses ... I saw a good picture of a 196 lifted off its trailer, some of you might like the pics ... here is the link http://www.wawaseeboat.com/2006_ski_nautique.htm

I'm going to get our this spring and take a ride behind a 206 and see what I think ... I'm sure I'm splitting hairs .... for a closed bow boat I think the 196 is drop dead gorgeous

[MARK-S]

I have an 07 for sale in that same color pattern. Sep delivery as it is a Promo boat. 06-07 change would be a Chrome rub rail. The blue and black with metalic tape will make that rail look nice.

[M3Fan]

Pendo- awesome pic, thanks for posting. You rarely get to see what the hull really looks like out of the water.

[Quinner]

Pendo,

I had a thread "Footin with the PLBC Boys" which should have some shots of my 05' 206 wake + a 07' 197 wake. Most shots are probably 38-40mph but could give you some information. M3Fan (Joel) may be able to provide some insight as well since he drove both boats that day.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

[east tx skier]

Very cool pic, Pendo! Pretty boat.

[FLlongball]

Re: RE: SN 206 vs. PS 197

I saw your posting on the Nichols site. I've skied behind an 04, 05, and 06 197. All great boats. I owned a 2003 206. Loved the boat. I'm a 15 off skier and can honestly say I preferred my 206 to my buddy's 2004 197. The wake is softer behind the 206. The only caveat is that the 2004 197 has the big Cadillac motor with a different prop which may contribute to the harder wake.

My first successful pass in a tournament was behind the 2006 197. That boat is sweet. So, no complaints. I don't think you'll have a problem with either. If you're a barefooter, then I can't really help you. I agree with the Nichols post that the wake behind the 206 is more turbulent. Not sure how that fits in the equation for a barefooter, though. The 206 is a bigger boat with a little more room in the bow and main cabin. Both boats are solid.

Good luck.

What is the Nichols site?

[NHcrossfan]

Re: RE: SN 206 vs. PS 197

What is the Nichols site


http://waterski.nicholls.edu/waterski/index.html

[FLlongball]

Pendo,

I had a thread "Footin with the PLBC Boys" which should have some shots of my 05' 206 wake + a 07' 197 wake. Most shots are probably 38-40mph but could give you some information. M3Fan (Joel) may be able to provide some insight as well since he drove both boats that day.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

Quinner - Which pics were behind the MC? It looks like they are all behind the 206.