Long-term success of the 226...

[Erik]

Does anyone know if the 226 does well these days in terms of sales?

Or is anyone connected enough to know if the boat is a solid performer in their lineup? I know the 211 is a complete "knock it out of the park" success - but does the 226 follow suit or is it severely upstaged by the 220, 230 and 236 now?

Thanks,
Erik

[onlyinboards1]

RE: Long-term success of the 226...

I have to say I think that is a pretty funny lookin boat personally. The tower seems so short and stumpy.... am I the only one?

[Erik]

RE: Long-term success of the 226...

Well with the tower equipped I 've always thought of it as the Tyrannosaurs Rex of boats. It is this big hulking thing with a tiny tower - just reminds me of the T-Rex's weak little arms.

But that could be dealt with easily by putting one of the newer towers on it. Aside from that I actually like it a lot. I like the open back - and the general layout is appealing. I'm just not sure how it fits long-term.

[BHog]

RE: Long-term success of the 226...

How is the wake on the 226 for boarding. Looks like it could put out a monster. Does it have ploblems washing out on one side like the 220?

[OKWAKEBDR]

RE: Long-term success of the 226...

The 226 I rode behind last summer (a 2006 model I believe) had a terrific wake. I rode at 22.5 mph 70 ft rope with full ballast and about 6 people in the boat (no additional ballast). I was very impressed. [I own and normally ride behind a 2005 210 with stock ballast + approx 300 lbs of lead + people, 22.5 mph @ 70 ft.]

[tourpro]

RE: Long-term success of the 226...

A quick look through the new catalogue online makes me really appreciate the 2003ish SANTE with black hull and white stripe. That SANTE was dead sexy and the new offerings .... not so much.

[NautiqueJeff]

RE: Long-term success of the 226...

Love that boat above. I would totally get a black deck on my '08 230 if it was available.

Murray had a 226 for a couple of years, and his put out a great wake. It did have a bit of additional ballast though. It pulled the Masters for a couple of years too. Not sure how it fits long-term though. Personally I have never been a huge fan of the design.

[Kenv]

I've got an '05 226 and IMO, It really gets the job done for what I use it for. The look kinda grows on you. The 226 and 211 really make all the square boats look Sooo old. I do like the look of the 230/236 better, the butt is not so big. I'm just not ready to trade yet. Yes, the 226 is a monster, but it looks way better when it is in the water compared to sitting on the trailer. Color combo's also make it look bigger or smaller. It's unique styling makes it stand apart from all the other Euro-look boats out there. Yes, the tower is a little bit lower, but it is not so hulking as the first 220 or 06/07 210 towers. I think because the boat "humps" up in the middle, that the lower tower suits it fine. The tower is really solid by the way. I was really surprised that when the 236 came out last year that they didn't stop making the 226. It is even going into 2008 with the introduction of the 230!!! Someone must be buying them. There aren't too many 226's on this site, from what I've seen. This hull has had a pretty good run. I believe it was introduced in 2003 - going into it's sixth season now. I'd like to see the total nationwide sales for each year of the 226. In closing, all I can say is this boat is a pimp sled. Drive, ride in it and ski behind it. It is really a great boat.