Nautique vs. Calabria?

N.i.c.k. · Newbie Joined: 14 Aug 2003 Posts: 22 City: Youngstown, OH

We are looking at a Super Air Nautique and a Cal-Air Pro-V. What are the differences in these boat, meaning the quality in the exterior and the interior? Which one performs better and is better for wakerboarding? Has Mercury figured out all the problems with their engines in the inboards? They both are really nice boats just want some of your opinions on these two brands and models of boats! Later.....

waker · Newbie Joined: 12 Jun 2003 Posts: 35 City: Wildomar

There's no comparison in the wake, they are completely different boats.
The SAN is a small beam hull with limited space for people & gear, but the wake is prolly the best IMO. The Pro-V is a 102" beam hull with enourmous room inside, the wake is really good but it's considerably wider w2w than the SAN.

I don't think anybody compares to the Nautiques in quality period.
I own a Pro-V and would buy another, mostly because of the room, ballast system, overall great quality that I would say is in line with Mastercraft & Malibu. But if the wake is the highest priority definetly go with a SAN ! You might wanna take a look at the Malibu VLX, it's another great boat. Awesome wake & more room than a SAN.

Also, I've never had any problems with the 350Mag in our Pro-V. So not sure about Mercury, I know they come with a standard 2 year warranty.
BTW-SAN's come with a 5 year warranty on everything & lifetime hull warranty.

xxxl wake · Outlaw Joined: 19 Mar 2003 Posts: 138 City: Nor- Cal

Everything waker said is true we have a 2002 Pro-v we love the boat.
If all you do is wakeboard with 3-4 people and don't stay on the water all day the SAN is the way to go. but if youy want to have lots of storage and lots of room for people then the Pro-v is were it's at Not to mention the wake and ballast system The wake is Rampy with a vert section at the top
the ballast system is the BEST hands down nobody can even come close 45 seconds to fill 15 seconds to drain 900lbs. I find the fit and finish to be on par with the SAN,MC,Malibu. All I can say is drive them both and make your pick .Also have only had 1 small Mercruiser issue The Coil driver module went out at 9 hours had it fixed in 48 hours under warranty.

Todd Armstrong · Addict Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 758 City: Battle Ground

waker, set you strait. The San is a much better wakeboard boat but the Pro v is s much better lounge/party boat.

Phaeton · Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 572 City: Redding

Without a doubt the SAN is a great boat. Throws a great wake, has awesome quality. Bad part is the boat is very small, ballast pumps and bow rise.

The Pro-V is also a great boat. It actually is only 21.4" long 23.6" with the platform. It is wide but what I have noticed is it does not need a ton of extra weight to make a huge wake. The wake is wide but easily crossable. Storage and room to spare. Dealer may be hard to find in your area.

You are looking at two completely different boats. As with anything test drive and go from there. For some a good dealer is more important than the boat it self.

Good luck.

Eric Golsan · Posted: Sep 10, 2003 12:00 am Post subject:

Yes, I agree. Two different boats. Test drive them both. Owned a Calabria absolutely no problems, buying another one. Great factory support. But as Pheaton said, dealer is as important as the boat.

hlboatsnboards · Criminal Joined: 11 Feb 2003 Posts: 93

Nick...I am getting ready to deliver a ProV to a guy on Indian Lake in Ohio. That is west of Columbus by about 1.5 hours and slightly north. Anyhow...everyone on here has it exactly right....drive them both to see what fits you best. I personally believe Calabria has just as good as quality and fit and finish as any other manufactuer out there. I check all the boats out pretty well, and have not seen anything that beats it. Nice thing about Calabria is you can get a fully loaded ProV for a significant lower amount of money then a SAN. When you take that into consideration, then add the size, storage, and balast, and all the other unique features of Calabria, the choice becomes clear. If you have any questions about the line, give me a call or email me..which ever is easier. There is a dealer in Chicago that is probably your closes contact. However, when we sell boats that are a ways away, I usually set up something with a local marina to take care of everything. Mercruiser certified obvisouly.

logan · Posted: Sep 10, 2003 7:06 am Post subject:

What about resale value guys??

hlboatsnboards · Criminal Joined: 11 Feb 2003 Posts: 93

Oh yeah, glad you brought up resale. SAN will hold its value very well, I cannot deny that. But take a look at Calabria's resale value. I think Phaeton is a classic example of this. Maybe he will share with us the story. There is no doubt in my mind that if you get a good deal from your dealer that you will be able to sell your boat a few years later for a very minimal price decrease. Calabria has come a long way in the past few years, they are only begining to break out into the market...just wait till the 04 vdrives are released...it is SICK!!!

Funkster · Posted: Sep 10, 2003 7:42 am Post subject:

I would like to know what make's the pro V ballast system the best????

Nick,if you are looking for a bigger boat,take a look at the malibu vlx. You get all the room without sacraficing the wake!!!

captain freedom · Criminal Joined: 06 Jul 2003 Posts: 61

Funk, have you even ridden behind a newer Pro V? The Pro V has a TON more room than the VLX and the Pro V also has a very nice wake. They are very comparable with the wake. I really don't think you would have made that statement if you have ridden in a Pro V.

To answer your question, filling up over 1k in weight (don't know the exact weight of the ballast) in less than a minute and sacrificing no room in the boat makes it very appealing. Compare that to 10+ minutes of filling, and taking up most of the storage space.

Funkster · Posted: Sep 10, 2003 8:30 am Post subject:

Brent,I guess you read my post wrong or I wrote it wrong. I wasnt saying that the prov was a smaller boat. I was saying if he want's a bigger boat than a SAN check out the vlx. I have ridden behind a pro V,there is a differance in the two boat's wake,if you can't tell that than you are not a good source of wake info. The question is have you been behind the 3 boats mentioned?????? I dont think so since the knee injury,how long has it been since you wakeboarded????

As far as the ballast system goes,it's 900lbs under a minute. We all know that is not enough for that big/wide of a boat. You will be adding more weight via sacs,lead,whatever. Everyone says it's the "best ballast system" out there. I think the mb sport b-52 has one of the "best" systems. The most weight offerd on the market with auto ballast system.

The pro V is a nice boat,with an ok wake. Everyone that owns one over rate's the boat,that just MPO!!!

captain freedom · Criminal Joined: 06 Jul 2003 Posts: 61

Funk, I appreciate the personal attacks. WTF? For your info, yes, I have boarded behind all 3 of those boats this summer quite a bit. I just get tired of reading all of your threads that bash all of these beautiful boats. Every boat out there has great qualities and I don't appreciate the personal attacks. I have had probably 15 sets behind a 2003 VLX and just spent the weekend behind a 2004 Pro V and I thought both wakes were very nice. I guess that doesn't make me the expert that you are.

Funkster · Posted: Sep 10, 2003 9:03 am Post subject:

Brent,no attack's on this end just asking a question. I'am not bashing any boat. The title is not who has the most Beautiful boat's .The title of the thread is "Nautique vs calabria". People are gonna give their opinion's right??? Up until you're post their was not one "personal attack".

Nick wrote:"Which one perform's better and is better for wakerboarding?" Hand's down the SAN 210te!!! I'am no expert but every wake is different and people like differnet thing's about wake's. The pro V wake just doe's not do it for me,maybe I just need to learn how to ride!!!

kennethl · Addict Joined: 08 Aug 2003 Posts: 635 City: Champaign

NICK

The Calabria dealer in Chicago is Rockford Marine www.rockfordmarina.com. I just ordered my Pro V from these guys last month. This is my 3rd boat and this dealer is the best I've seen so far. They aren't listed on the Calabria dealer locator (website is way @#$ out of date)They ALSO sell Nautiques's so it may well be worth the trip. You'll want to ask for Brian (owner) ph. (815)-962-2930 they have demo boats you can drive and ride behind and see the wake for your self. I think there is a Calabria dealer in Eastern Kentucky & they may be a little closer to you but I the Chicago trip will allow you to test side by side.

Ken

captain freedom · Criminal Joined: 06 Jul 2003 Posts: 61

Well Funk, I am done with this post, but "if you can't tell that than you are not a good source of wake info" sounds to me like a personal attack.

You are correct, Nick wanted to know about the differences between the Pro V and the Natique and everyone had very good info until you said to look at a VLX. He wasn't asking about a VLX. You do bash on boats when you rip on the boats wake weather you realize it or not. You are correct, people like different qualities about a wake, so try taking that into consideration when talking about a boat.

My point is, try finding positive things about these boats instead of negative things.

Funkster · Posted: Sep 10, 2003 10:57 am Post subject:

Brent,It sounded as he may want a bigger boat,I see nothing wrong with saying check out the vlx,geshhhh take a chill pill bro!!! Plane and simple,all wake's are not created equal,IMPO the pro v wake is not as good as the big 3's. I did not rip on the pro v's wake at all.

When looking into boat's you will find positve and negative thing's,that is part of the process of choosing a boat. If you can't deal with one boat having a better wake or one boat having a better seating layout,than that is you're problem!!! Their are pro's and con's about every boat.

IMPO the pro V is a family boat that can do it all not really exceling in one field. It has plenty of room and the boat is overall built good. As far as the wake goe's,IMPO it is just OK!!!!

IMPO the SAN210te is targeted toward's the every day wakeboarder who live's,eat's and sleep's wakeboarding. It is not ment to have a boat load of people on it but can sit 8 compfy. The fit and finish of the boat is top notch and will hold its value better than any other boat. The wake is awesome,the best I have ever ridden. You're skill level will never outgrow the wake!!!!

Eric Golsan · Posted: Sep 10, 2003 1:59 pm Post subject:

As for both Phaeton and myself, we sold our boats for what we paid for them new. Outstanding resale, I don't think you will find that with other brands.
As far as wakes go, I found the Calabria Pro V doesn't need alot of weight for a very nice wake. The boat has a factory gravity feed ballast (no pumps ) of 900# plus a huge gas tank 65 gallons. Together you have 1350# or so. Remember wake size and shape are a personal choice. I love the guys who always want to know how much weight you run. Also the more weight the longer the rope. Most riders don't have a clue about this one.

Eric Golsan · Posted: Sep 10, 2003 2:09 pm Post subject:

my bad, let me clarify
more weight, faster speed (23-25) , longer rope (70-75 maybe up to 80 ) it depend on the wake. but thats what I found on the Pro V.
Thanks

whatcomRidaz · Criminal Joined: 14 May 2003 Posts: 67

I'm gonna hafto disagree with the funk on this one, I get to ride behind my buddy's sante all the time, and don't get me wrong its a good to great wake, and doesn't take much weight for it to pop up, 1000-1500# is more than enough, The Pro-V on the other hand has a decent wake that really starts to get great at 2000# on up, I would much rather ride a fully sacked out Pro-V than a Nautique, cuz then you can take em high and out into the flats. and of course more room for boat trophies.

whatcomRidaz · Criminal Joined: 14 May 2003 Posts: 67

oh yeah and the handling on the Sante is good at best, and mediocre when weighted

Funkster · Posted: Sep 10, 2003 3:19 pm Post subject:

whatcom,I think you need alittle more weight in the SAN. I run about 1500lbs in my old 2001. I was in a SAN this weekend with over 2400lbs and the wake was huge. I have never driven the pro v sacked out so I dont know how it handle's compared to the Super so I will take you're word for it. I have drivin a alot of other boat's sacked out and I thought the super handled better than most. The bow rise on the super is more than the pro V I will give you that but not as much as a mastercraft. I would like to ride behind a pro v that has close to 3k of ballast in it and see what I think after that. Until that day IMPO the super still is the biggest//firmest/best shaped wake I have personaly rode behind.

N.i.c.k. · Newbie Joined: 14 Aug 2003 Posts: 22 City: Youngstown, OH

Thanks for all you opinions guys! Do you think that dealer in Chicago will be at the Cleveland boat show? Me and my dad arent "die hard wakeboarders" yet... but the family is just starting to get into it and we want a wakeboarding boat. I am the oldest of 4 children. So that makes 6 of us out at the lake every weekend. My dad dont know how to use a computer so I am the one thats gathers all the info for him and I report it. We really want a Super Air Nautique, but the price tag is way out of are price range, unless we find a nice used one around here. What is the difference in price between the 2 boats? Later.....

Ralph · Posted: Sep 10, 2003 4:58 pm Post subject:

If your not a die hard wakeboarder (yet) and your looking for a boat for the family the Pro-V would be a better option for you than the TE210 IMO.

hlboatsnboards · Criminal Joined: 11 Feb 2003 Posts: 93

Funk.....you have been down playing the ProV's wake all this time and you have never ridden behind one that is fully sacked out? I am a little confused. Ride behind them when they are equipped or loaded the way they perfom the best. I now see that you are or previosly are a CC owner and that would explain some of your comments. You bleed CC, we bleed Calabria...now lets go ride with some weight in BOTH boats!

Todd Armstrong · Addict Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 758 City: Battle Ground

I don't have loyalty to either (or any) boat company. I have rode behind both boats unweighted, factory ballasted, and sacked out. You people are stupuid to think the Pro-V even cames close to the wake of the SAN. Overall i would prefer tthe price, seating and storage of the Pro-V and for the San the quality, resale and fit and finish. But come on the wake of the pro-V is a joke next to the SAN. THe SAN is crisp and verty with no roll over. The Pro -V is washy to close and way to rampy. I would buy a Pro-v of all around use but I would look at the SAN for a real wakeboard wake

The Hobo from Thailand · Newbie Joined: 08 Sep 2003 Posts: 17

ok sorry u guys for breaking the subject again, but i would have to go along with Funkster. I know that there is probably a reason that u didnt include malibu in your subject title but i would have to say CHECK THEM OUT! i looked at every brand of boat, excluding the mc xstar becuz i think that it is ugly as hell(sorry mc fans) but i ended up chosing my vlx which i just ordered today. I think that it has the best wake, next to a SAN, but more room. Unless u have 3 familys to take out to the lake, go with the san or vlx, and the san, to be honest, is comfortable for up to 7 ppl, sumtimes 8. I fit 10 ppl into a demo vlx just fine so that is why i went with the vlx over the san becuz sometimes i have quite a few friends to pack in there, and it has the wedge, which doesnt do MUCH, but it does help.

jumalian · Ladies Man Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 7625 City: san diego

I say you fools duke it out...all this because a guy doesn't agree w/ you.

bah!

BIGMAC · Posted: Sep 10, 2003 8:48 pm Post subject:

whatcomRidaz, i bet when there is 2000# and up in that Cal it will drive like the SAN with the 1500#. It takes more weight to weigh down a bigger boat.

kennethl · Addict Joined: 08 Aug 2003 Posts: 635 City: Champaign

Wow you guys are in rare form. Is this all about answering NICKS questions or is there somthing Fraudiean going on here ?

NICK

I dont know if the Chicago dealer is planning on being at the Clevland boat show. Give them a call.

If you are the oldest of 4 with a family of 6, I would personally steer your family twards the Pro V. Growing up I had a family of 5, and I know from expireience that it dosent take long to fill up a boat with supplys for a whole family's day on the water. If you want to bring a long the ocasional friend or invite the family next door, your going to be falling over each other in a smaller boat. I feel comfortable saying that with 6 or 7 peps in the boat in addition to the factor ballast the wake will more then suit your needs. As your skills progress you'll have room add a couple more soft sacks 250# in the lockers and a 500# in the front for more wake, & you wont have hard ballasts using up most of your storage (like on the Malibu's).

Good luck

K

The SANS are very nice

Funkster · Posted: Sep 11, 2003 7:49 am Post subject:

hlboatsnboards, When did I ever say I never rode behind one sacked out??? I said I never drivin one sacked out,their is a differance!!! See that is what is funny about you guys,I dont have boat ownership goggle's like you calabria guys do. If there is a negitive about a cc I will say it,you all will try to convince yourself that you have the cream of the crop when really the boat doesn't even come close to mastercraft,malibu,correct craft and even tige for that matter!!!! Take off you're ownership goggle's and give this guy some good info and stop trying just to sell a boat!!!!

Todd,could not have said it better!!!

Nick,like I said before,if you can't afford the SAN check out the malibu vlx,you will not be disapointed!!!!!

jumalian · Ladies Man Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 7625 City: san diego

Funkster, you should know by now, you're only supposed to say nice things about EVERY boat in forums. Otherwise, if you say something negative about a boat in a boat forum, your attitude needs adjusting. Laughing

jumalian · Ladies Man Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 7625 City: san diego

By the way, I've never seen a SAN's bow rise. And yes, all the SANs I've ridden behind were fully weighted.

The SAN's interior is really small, compared to some boats out there. If you plan on taking more than 4-5 people, pack lightly!

Though I've never ridden behind the Pro-V, it's a really nice looking boat. I saw one at the boat show, and aside from the graphics, it's a sweet and roomy boat.

calair03 · Posted: Sep 11, 2003 8:56 am Post subject:

jumalian, Maybe you haven't seen a SAN's bowrise because you are in it. Here's a clue! When you see keels out of the water, that means there is significant bowrise. Every SAN that I have ever seen on my lake that was weighted, was showing those keels off like a stripper with new implants.

calair03 · Posted: Sep 11, 2003 9:02 am Post subject:

By the way I sold my Calabria with 189 hours for what I paid for it ....after taxes.