196 Slalom wake quality

Hi, I am looking at changing slalom boats and am in the market for a SN 196 2003-2010. I have 15 years behind my 1995 and 1996 Malibu Response. Set my PB at 2 1/2 balls at 32 off at 34 mph behind these boats this year. I also owned a 2011 SN 200 for 3 years. Beautiful boat and miss the zero off PP, but am no longer in the $ 40-$50K market. I am currently sharing a 2002 196, TSC2 Hull, with a buddy and do not like the wake at 22 and 28 off with a 32-34mph speed. This is where I normally ski day to day.    I also have just skied a 1999 TSC hull and liked at a little more than the TSC2.   No issues with these boats at shorter line and faster speeds as one would expect. With this background in mind and assuming I can't get behind a 2006 or newer TSC3 Hull, any comparative inputs from slalom skiers would be appreciated.

I would suggest checking out Ball of Spray (Forums).com and they can give you the more specific advice that you are looking for. Just remember, everyone has their favorite boat maker in mind most of the time when they post.

Thank you, Now that was helpful I just checked it out.   Regards.

Keep in mind the 2002-2009 196's came in a couple different bottom flavors. Get a latter one where Zero Off is available as well as a hydrogate. Better bang for the buck. I commonly ski behind a 09 6.0 liter. Great three event boats!

RLX vs TSC2/3 196, I thought the wake was similar sized but much harder on the Malibu.

Never been behind a 200 but cannot imagine someone complaining about the 196. World class slalom boat even long/slow. Tracks and drives worlds better than the malibus imho. TSC2/3 rooster is reduced relative to the TSC1, but both are excellent.

Thanks to all for your responses to my question. This is all great info. While I am not complaining about a 196 (TSC2) wake, my experience has led me to see that 22-28 off, at speeds of 32-34mph is noticeably different on Malibu and SN 196 boats. These boats are designed for short line skiing and those of us at longer lines live with what we get.   While I wait for a ride behind a 2006 or newer boat, I am reaching out to those who can already make a knowledgable comparison about what I am looking to test ride/buy. I am also interested to hear about differences between the Malibu LX and LXI wakes at my line lenghts. This input is greatly appreciated. Regards, Jim

I have a lot of experience behind the LX and 03-06 LXI. Still have friends with one of each. IMO between those two hulls I prefer the LXI wake. It's the more modern hull variant evolution. That 03-06 RLXI hull was the first spacious walkthrough open bow boat among all the brands to be a real 4-event (great footing boat too) boat at the time. Think of the boldness Malibu had to say "you know what? This walkthrough open bow with plenty of space and storage is also going to be our primary 3-event boat and we'll set a slalom record with it in 2005 while we are at it". During that time you couldn't even put a 67" slalom ski in the trunk of a CC and the 206 promo owners were freaking out about their boats and switched back to the 196 ASAP in those years. Kudos to Malibu for making their 3-event boat the open bow boat, paving the way for the 200 and the 14+ MCs to be primarily "open bow"/convertible designs.

The quality and fit and finish and materials don't even come close to CC on those Malibus, and neither do the ergonomics but damn, from the end of the rope they are great boats and still very versatile. Hell, the 99-04 Sunsetter LXI has an amazing wake too for its size. Great boat.

Would never own one over a CC but I have to respect Bu for the stuff they did really well.