used 196 vs 200

[Waterskiflorida]

Looking to upgrade to a newer boat and one with ZeroOff. Since I don't have to much time skiing or driving a 200 is it worth a extra $ 10K+ more over a 07-09 196?

 

Does ZeroOff work better on the 200 over 196 since the boat was designed with ZO?

 

Mostly going to use the boat for slalom into 38 off and footing at times mostly off a boom and some longline, does the 200 with 5.7L have enough power for footing?

 

Thanks

[DW]

You might want to check the comments on engine configurations and correlation to acceleration and speed, there was a fair amount of conversation on this forum on that topic. The 200 hull appears to have more drag than others, therefore might not get the speed you want for footing depending on the engine choice.

[6balls]

I loved the 200 I drove and skied at a tourney, but I also love my 196. I don't ski longer lines so I don't need the better long-line wake of the 200, and the wake at 28-39 off is fantastic on the 196.

I barefoot some as well, and would be nervous about the 200 w/the 5.7 motor. I realize less speed needed for boom footing, but you will go long-line some, and in my experience when I do people want to get in and watch adding to weight. Would pick someone's brain about speed in the 200 with the 6.0 liter motor. Neither boat has what you would consider a great barefoot wake.(which is why I still have my 22 yr old Centurion Falcon Barefoot)

My .02 would be if you don't need the extra space and open bow, the $10K isn't worth it as the 196 is a killer short line slalom boat...especially when properly set up.

[A_B]

I thought some guys have said the 5.7 200 top speed was 42 mph, which is very low for footin. Also, if you are at elevation, the 200 may not even see 40mph.

Would need to get the bigger engine in the 200 for sure, (more$) and I would re-prop it with a little more bite to pull the rpms down, and probably adds some top end too, just a guess.

[JC McCavit]

The contours of the top deck on the 196 are a lot smoother near the back of the boat and prevent the rope from getting hung up when picking up a skier. The 200 has big flat rubber pads with hinges sticking up that the rope can hang up on. The drivability and wake are near perfect on the 200, but what is with the long windshield and those hinges. Function must have been traded for style. And what happened to the glove box storage and cooler on 200. Where are you suppose to keep the beer, tools, junk, buoy pump, etc. without getting out of the drivers seat.

[ctsmith]

I think the determining factor is price. Are you price sensitive like me? If so, you can't go wrong with the 196. Is price not an issue? 200 (probably), but the lack of a place to plant your azz on the stern really gripes me.

[thager]

I love the 196. Can't tell the difference ski-wise at 28 and shorter. 196 feels like a sports car, not a barge. Eats less gas. I also need a place to sit when I put the ski on. The 200 and some older 196's have the round back and they drive me nuts getting in the water. I don't hop in or do anything that is hard on the ski or transom.

[ScarletArrow]

I've owned 3 196's and 3 200's. Given your description for use I would say go with the 196.

[thager]

@ OB - Just sitting is fine on all 196s and the 200. It's the getting my bottom down to the platform gracefully with double boots on which is a PIA for me. I don't store anything in my boat either but I do start at one end of the course or the other since my home is about 1/2 way.

[Bulldog]

Go 196, its a no brainer. Less $$$ to buy and better fuel economy with a higher top speed and better handling.

[swc5150]

If you're strictly looking for a world-class tow tractor, save the money and go 196. If you're looking for a world-class tow tractor with the room and coziness for a family, go 200. A year ago, I was a kool-aid 196'r. Now I'm a kool-aid 200 guy, as I've found I really like lounging up in the bow. I don't think there's a difference in ZO performance between the two either. I also have to respectfully disagree that the 196 handles better. The 200 is extremely nimble, and tracks like a freight train. It also has pretty much zero bow rise out of the hole, and the view is incredible from the driver's seat. I do prefer the windshield on the 196 however, as the 200 wraps around too much. You lose the 196 right arm air conditioning. In short though, both boats are awesome!

[east tx skier]

 

19' Ski Nautiques Rule

[BRY]

I had a great 05 196 and now have an 11 200CB. I find both boats to be very nimble. I can place the 200 exactly where I want it, on plane or around the dock. My 196 did not have ZO but ZO works great in either. Differences I notice:

 

200 tracks better and is stupid easy to drive

The ZO on the side is surprisingly nice, thought I wouldn't like it but now prefer it

200 has a lower top speed but I rarely go 36 with it, much less faster. Barefooting ???

200 uses more gas, but not so much more I really notice

200 has more room to move around in and more storage (side compartments are huge but I rarely use them)

According to my wife the 200 has much better long line wakes (she was against it until she skied it, SOLD!)

From -28 on I think the 200 is slightly better, really hard to say, but both so good it doesn't matter

The 200 is more difficult to sit on the transom and then go to the platform. I just hop off.

I put a 422 prop on it just cause I had one, softened it up nicely but didn't make it squishy, still firm

I don't notice the revs, both seemed about as loud. Mine has the muffler, not Cat's though, quieter?

 

But did I say 200 tracks better and is stupid easy to drive?

Buddy drove mine while visiting and ended up buying a promo.

 

Worth 10K more? Evaluate the barefooting and resale. A good promo 200 '11 or '12 can be had relatively cheap (sorry promo guys), but does it hold the 10K to resale? I would think so but haven't looked at the numbers.

 

Started with my 2cents but ended up a quarter.

[eleeski]

Mastercraft!

[swc5150]

@eleeski

Maybe in 2013? I'm excited to see what MC has up their sleeve! Slightly modified 91-94 hull with modern technology?:-)

[The_MS]

Get a 196.

[Not_The_Pug]

Don't listen to Eric, his wife doesn't like the new Mastercraft. :)

 

But he is the best Ballerina skier at Squaw!

[swc5150]

I wonder if my brother just got a good one (2012TE)? Maybe it was built on a Wednesday;) It already hits 43mph, with only 10 hours on it. It feels like it has more punch out of the hole than my '08 196, and power turns just as easy, if not easier?

[h2oski]

Driven both a lot, agree that the 200 is easier in the course. I'm slightly bothered by the extra RPM"s on the 200, especially at 36, our clubs 6L

gets into 5000 pulling @ 36.