Nautique, Mastercraft, Malibu, Tige'. WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

DaBigKahuna · Criminal Joined: 20 May 2003 Posts: 60 City: Honolulu

Wassup everyone,

Aside from the hype, which is probably the most influential aspect of the Wakeboard boat industry, what's the real difference between the most popular boats?

Nautique - Yes, we all know they are the bomb, but why??

Mastercraft - Are they any less of a boat than Nautique??

Malibu - I love the fact that this economical boat is getting great reviews - See, you don't have to spend a fortune to get a good boat...or do you?? Is it Malibu or Shapiro that's so good?

Tige' - Is the Convex hull and TAPS2 system any good? I hear from some people that this boat rocks, but it isn't on the same level of Hype as the others. What's the deal?

So people, really, what is the real difference with these boats, besides $$$ and Hype?

Bowen · Posted: Sep 19, 2004 1:11 pm Post subject:

They are all AWESOME boats...I don't care what anyone else will tell you. The only thing I will tell you besides that is to GO TEST DRIVE/RIDE them. Its all PREFERENCE. I would decide the wakes I like the best, then look at everything else. This will be an interesting thread...I can't wait to see whats written.

SKIDD · Criminal Joined: 21 Nov 2003 Posts: 51 City: SoCal

I agree...they are all awesome boats and you will see some people have very strong opinions on why one boat may be better than another, but I have seen the gaps close quite a bit between the boat companies performance, quality, etc.

I actually heard all the reps say you can't go wrong with any those same boat choices when I was looking.

Choosing is getting much more difficult and that is why you must test drive and realize what purpose you are buying for (i.e. family or friend space, multi-sport, board only specific, etc.)

S

jryoung · Ladies Man Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 7664 City: Man Jose

DaBigKahuna,

wakeflopper · Outlaw Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 120 City: Davis

I test drove a 211 Nautique and an x-2 this weekend: best wake: x-2, but it really was frustrating to drive, the x-2 seats/vinyl were more comfortable, but the shear mercedes sports car effect from the Nautique was unbelievable. The x-2 I drove did not have perfect pass, but the factory speed control, I did not like it at all. the throttle seemed ridgid and there is a high pitched whislte from the engine air intake. these were our negatives, whereas the Nautiques wake was steep, and really forced me into the air, it was scary at first, and very unforgiving, but.... it is hard not to go w2w on anything. it drove like a sweet sports car, but the x-2 wake was to die for. I am still debating, I don't know which one I'd go for, the euro-sports car comfort of the Nautique, or the perfect wake of the x-2, I think if I were comparing x-stars and 210 SAN I may have the same questions,,,,,, what do you want. (10 years from now, I think I will enjoy the nautique with all my fractured ribs). decisions.

Wakebrad · Ladies Man Joined: 11 Dec 2003 Posts: 12257 City: Dallas

yeah the Nautique wakes are definately the steepest. It takes getting used to and is less forgiving but it will pop you straight up in the air. The reason I prefer them is because you can land on the transition and still go huge. I hate landing in the flats.. tears up my knees.

Hockeyplayer · Posted: Sep 19, 2004 10:03 pm Post subject:

DaBigKahuna, You have no Idea what You just got yourself into with that question.

onthewater · Posted: Sep 20, 2004 6:09 am Post subject:

another outstanding post from Hockeyplayer.

Like everyone said, you need to drive as many as you can and ride behind them as well. It is all personal preference, creature comforts, and $$$. Sure some are made a little better/different than others but it doesn't make the boat that much better or worse. There are certain characteristics I'd look for in a boat, I like smaller boats(more so a narrow beam) and the overall fit and finish to be top notch. I also won't buy anything but a DD(the cliche crossover boat), unless I have enough dough for another boat which probably will never happen.

wake_fun · Criminal Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 50

The difference is how they are built..................Nautique is the best BUILT boat. Go watch the factory video on their web site.

chavez · RIP MHL 04/25/1958 - 01/11/2006

wake_fun, I'm going to place that post in the same category as Hockeyplayer's.

dustin S · Newbie Joined: 20 Oct 2003 Posts: 40 City: Fort Worth

What about Supra???? You left out a major contendor especially considering Tige made the list.

chavez · RIP MHL 04/25/1958 - 01/11/2006

dustin S, very true. There are too many other manufacturers to list so people tend to pick out only the well advertised 'national' brands.

This leaves out so many good names. It is a complete disservice to yourself if you are not checking into the other manufacturers when purchasing a new wake/ski boat.

TKuzma · Newbie Joined: 13 May 2004 Posts: 5 City: Murrieta

All the boats are great. I agree with Skidd. The gap between these boats have narrowed considerably. That is good news for consumers because the boat companies need to add newer and better stuff on the boats to attract customers. You really need to test drive them all. I personally own a Tige and love it because it is a good fit for my family and me. You need to be careful of comments like "Nautique is the best built boat" because I'm sure most of these bozos have never looked closely at other boat builders. Most of the hype is from customer loyalty or kids who seem to know everything but their parents own the boat. The MOST IMPORTANT thing is to find a good dealer.

Bruky · Guest

chavez, like SANGER...I'd rate them higher than 2 of the brands on that list....

chavez · RIP MHL 04/25/1958 - 01/11/2006

Bruky, you said it.

SKIDD · Criminal Joined: 21 Nov 2003 Posts: 51 City: SoCal

I would like to see a REAL boat review. There does NOT seem to be a PROFESSIONAL, honest, non-biased boat review out there.

I think this could help all the boat companies improve as well as close quality/performance gap even further...I do beleive the gap is closer than many people would like to admit. Wink

S

chavez · RIP MHL 04/25/1958 - 01/11/2006

Get2TheRiver · Posted: Sep 20, 2004 5:37 pm Post subject:

Get2TheRiver · Posted: Sep 20, 2004 5:40 pm Post subject:

I agree though -- you really can't go wrong with all the boats mentioned in this thread. For me personally, there are a couple I would stay away from and a couple I would gravitate toward... Again, personal preference!

DavidHoff · Posted: Sep 20, 2004 5:43 pm Post subject:

Another thing, Don't limit yourselves to these brands just because there might be more hype around then. Supra, Moomba, Sanger, Centurion, etc. are all other great brands that make great boats with great wakes. Demo and Ride behind as many as possible and leave all options open.

DaBigKahuna · Criminal Joined: 20 May 2003 Posts: 60 City: Honolulu

I've heard Nautique Freaks talk major CR@P about MasterCraft.

I've heard tons of $h!t about Malibu boats too (the wedge...ahh this is a great topic).

Really, what's the deal? How can the same boat be Awesome in the view of one person's eye and Lame in the view of another??

Is it Hype, is it reality, a combination of both, what!

One thing is for sure...We humans are pretty stupid (myself included). We are so damn impressionable it makes me sick. But at the same time, it's fun to "ride for the brand", just like the cowboys did back in the ranching days. Circle K is the best ranch. No!!! Circle L is the best ranch! Bang! Bang! Bang! Yeee Dogggy, mount up! Sorry…I got a little carried away.

So what's my point??? Simple, what is the real difference with these boats, besides $$$ and Hype?

There IS a scientific approach to this question. You know WHY there will never be a REAL boat review in the magazines, it's MONEY, pure and simple. The boat manufacturers who contribute a lot of money to the magazines (i.e. advertising dollars) are the ones who more often than not get the best reviews. It's human nature man!

So what's a future boat buyer supposed to do? Well, I know what I'm doing...I'm looking for real world feedback from real people who are not subject to the worldly influence of money. But...I'm pretty disappointed with my quest so far. Although I've heard from many people who have had actual experience with a certain brand of boat (valuable), I've heard more from people whose opinions are based on hype (invaluable).

Please, Please, Please...let us come together as an educated and well informed group to actually discuss FACTS. Is there a problem with the Tige' TAPS (1st. generation) system, is there a problem with fit & finish with Centurion, etc., etc., etc.

If your only experience with a certain brand is associated with something on a forum, in a magazine, or on a video… don't bother replying to this thread. On the other hand, if you have actual experience with a certain brand boat, by all means chime in!

I know that this is a little gruff, but someone has to say this stuff. There are a lot of people out there who have REAL questions, and I think that it's a service of forums like this to give them REAL answers.

Tyler O · Outlaw Joined: 20 Sep 2004 Posts: 150 City: San Diego

One more thing to consider DaBigKahuna, you should hit the local water scene and/or boarding shops in your area to get the scope on the local dealerships. Sometimes the best boat may not match up with the best boat dealer! Imagine shelling out large coin for a pimpin boat and fighting with the dealership about service or warranty! Trust me, I've lived that nightmare and am looking for a new boat and dealership....

Tyler O

lcap · Ladies Man Joined: 13 Nov 2003 Posts: 10973 City: Homeless

Here are the rumblings from a guy who has owned a few boats.

In my waterskiing days, I owned Mastercraft because the wake behind a CC was like hitting a curb stop at 52 mph.

After an injury I sold my ski boat and looked for a better all around boat: knee boarding, wake boarding, and Air Chairing in 95. MC had problems with management and the dealership went in the tank. Looked at a Malibu and was not impressed. Less impressed with the dealer. A typical used car salesman. Never got over it, never have liked or looked at them since.

Found a small Nautique dealer who was selling out of the back of a grocery store. Dealer would let me demo new products, fixed things out of warranty refusing to charge me because they believed it should not have broken. In ten years I never missed a single weekend because the boat was in the shop.

During this same time frame MC helped put one dealer out of business and went through two more. Before I bought my SAN I thought I'd look at the new MC dealer. I test rode/skied behind an X-2, loved the boat, loved the choices but before I plunked down the money I talked to the service shop and got some phone numbers of current customers. Called a few and heard horror stories of new boats being in the shop for six weeks for warranty work. $20 part and a few hours in labor but MC does not pay the shop rate. Consequently, warranty work gets completed last. My season is short enough and I don't need it reduced further.

After Gonnasons and MC parted ways, Gonnasons picked up Skiers Choice. Moomba and Supra may be the best boats on the planet but Gonnasons isn't worth two hoots in he_l!!

So I sold my Sport last December for what I originally purchased it for in 95. It was in the same condition after ten seasons of use as the day I bought it. Stitching, carpet, mechanical, and gel coat were perfect.

The $$ is a joke. Both the MC and BU were more expensive than my SANTE. The pricing across the country and from dealer to dealer fluctuate. The MC and BU dealers in my area know exactly how much a CC will fetch and they adjust accordingly. However, MC and BU should be less than CC: Warranty Cost, Keyless Ignition, Fiberglass Vs. Teak Platform.

The bottom line is once you decide which one suits your riding style look at the servicing dealer. These are long term relationships that have a HUGE impact on how you view your boat ownership---despite the brand. See how long they have been a dealer for the boat your looking at.

Finally there is no "branding" about a boat. 99% of the population couldn't tell you the difference between a Boston Whaler or an X-STAR.

If you want to hedge your bet is how people vote with there dollars. Look at the NADA for trends--find out the reason behind the anomalies.

Not many people on these boards can be honest about what they have, hate to admit the shortcomings on such a large purchase. I've owned two Nautiques and I do not like the DHM Trailer, the Tape, the Limited Ability to Customize, Not a big fan of the 04 tower, Less of a fan of the 05 tower, the Graphics, not sure of the keyless ignition--I'll let you know when I'm 25 miles up Lake Chelan with no one in site and no cell phone coverage and it goes out.

ben746 · Addict Joined: 04 Aug 2003 Posts: 560

DaBigKahuna, quit getting all bent out of shape because people wont tell you exactly what you want to hear. If you dont find a REAL answer from what someone says get over it. Im not sure what any of this has to do with cowboys but, a SANTE throws a nice wake FROM WHAT IVE SEEN, EXPERIENCED, FELT, RIDDEN BEHIND

Bowen · Posted: Sep 20, 2004 10:01 pm Post subject:

DaBigKahuna, No one wants to have buyers remorse about a boat they just dropped anywhere from 40 to 70 G's on. That is why people think their boats are the best. When It comes down to it it is about what fits THE PERSON. Like Price, Wake, Space, Ride, Dealership, Warranty, Resale, Plushness of Interior, Standard Options... Get it.

As far as the rest of the "fit and finish" goes, NO ONE is going to be able to answer everything. The wedge works...and no it won't grab a stump. They had a bad batch toward the beginning. Tige's TAPS DOES WORK, and it works well, I've driven w/ it and ridden behind and it does what it is supposed to do. I have driven and ridden behind Nautiques, Mastercrafts, and Malibu's too, on top of that I've ridden behind Supra's and Moombas. ALL are excellent boats, but like I said before its about the person. Moomba's Put out a decent wake, I wasn't a fan of the interior, but I have seen the '05 stuff and it looks much much better. I am not huge fan of Supra even though I did like the wake of the SSV, I didn't like how I could hear every little ripple hitting the hull.

Once again, I go back to my original post and say TEST DRIVE/RIDE EVERYTHING YOU CAN, AND TRY AND DO IT IN THE SAME WEEKEND IF NOT THE SAME DAY

Bruky · Guest

lcap, the trailer set aside, you're right about the keyless ignition. Ours went out for the first time 2 weekends ago. We weren't on a moving river with no cell reception, but it was bad enough being towed back behind our friend's boat to find that the keyless ignition was being cut short of power. That wiring problem wouldn't have happened with key ignition.

It's definately all about the dealer. You can have a piece of crap boat that needs to be put into the shop every other weekend and is out the next day and in my opinion is better than having a great boat that has its keyless ignition go out on you once and sits in the shop all season. Our Nautique dealer is a couple hundred miles away, and ain't too great, so we get our boat serviced at the local MC dealership and they're great. Been doing it for the last 2 SAN's and haven't had a problem. When we lived down south, just the opposite. Had our X-Star service at the Nautique dealer.

DaBigKahuna · Criminal Joined: 20 May 2003 Posts: 60 City: Honolulu

Brit Rider · Posted: Sep 21, 2004 3:06 am Post subject:

OK so your position is this:
-You want the best boat for you
-dealer is not an issue so its ALL about the boat.

Then theres only like 3 things you need to look for.
- what is the most reliable engine.. yes they are pretty much all the same V8 vortec block but some companies seem to do a better job of marinisation. who is performing better - PCM, Indmar, Mercruiser etc... if you have no dealer this is important.
- which has the best over all build, looking at hull thickness, quality of vinyl, carpets, and fittings etc... if you don't want to be piling in a stack of warranty claims look for whats going to last longer
- where is the boat to be used - ocean or lake? match your boat to the conditions.

After you have been through this, just ask yourself the final question, which one stand sut to you? which do you really want.... I know which one i'd go with if money and branding was no object. but you need to decide for yourself

DrewT · Newbie Joined: 07 Sep 2004 Posts: 26 City: Columbia

DaBigKahuna, I have never skiied or wakeboarded behind a modern direct drive I didn't like. They are all a lot better for skiing and wakboarding than a I/O or outboard. To sell these boats, the manufacterers have had to make their boats with the quality of Correct Craft. Correct Craft has been around a long time and they continue to improve their product. It has given all the other manufacterers a good target to shoot for.
To me it is all boils down to what you get used to. Give me any DD boat and in a couple weeks I will be used to the wake and all others will not be quite right. All boats that have been mentioned have good mechanics and interior finish. Some interiors are more complete because some buyers want very plush. Others just want the basics in interior, which is still pretty good in the above named DD's
You just have to look at them yourself and decide.

wake_fun · Criminal Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 50

Get2TheRiver · Posted: Sep 21, 2004 8:33 am Post subject:

I have an 01 X-Star and love it. It is great for boarding and great with the family. However, now I know I would be just as happy to be driving a SANTE or BU. Oririnally, when I was looking for my first WB boat, I limited my search to CC, MC and Tige.

I looked at the Tige because I thought the TAPS system would be good for the place I use the boat, but decided against it simply becasue of the tower and board racks. In 01, the towers wobbled and the I didn't think the racks would hold boards very effectively. I have a bud with a Tige and these are the only things he complains about...

So it came down to CC and MC. I looked at several and ended up with the X because of the $deal$ I found. Had I found a great deal on a CC, I'd be driving a Natique right now.

After using the X for a few years now, I can honestly say I am very happy with it. However, my next boat will not definitely be a MC -- I would look at CC, MC (again) and BU. There maybe others I also look at, but these are the top of my list.

TKuzma · Newbie Joined: 13 May 2004 Posts: 5 City: Murrieta

Wakefun, I didn't infer that YOU were a Bozo. I meant that comment for all the OTHER Bozos out there. They know who they are.

lcap · Ladies Man Joined: 13 Nov 2003 Posts: 10973 City: Homeless

wake_fun

Only given out a handful of A+'s and never an A++ but that explanation and backup was brilliant!

jryoung · Ladies Man Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 7664 City: Man Jose

wake_fun Awesome post extremely informative, but why not say that in the first place instead of making a statement and referring us to a slanted factory video for support.

chavez · RIP MHL 04/25/1958 - 01/11/2006

wake_fun, wow. When Nautique tossed all of their propaganda your way, you definitely listened.

Question: why do they use a chopper gun? I think most of us here will agree that hand-laid fiberglass is superior, so if Nautique is the "best" built, why don't they hand-lay?

Oh wait, I know why - it's so they can sell more of their overpriced boats to folks like you.

I agree with jryoung. Why not cut and paste that in the first place?