Nautique Club 200

Still no more info?

Yeah, maybe that's the idea. Thinking a little more about my worn-out "YOLO" speech, I have to say that even 2 years ago interest rates were lower (I think I got 4%?) and prices were what would now be considered basically free as even a Club 200 is probably going to be ~80K new. Even I wouldn't YOLO for 80 grand so I guess I don't know who buys those boats. Really wealthy people and clubs, I guess.

@Bakchose as for who buys these boats, I thought the same thing when I was shopping for one. Then I thought if not us, who? We're nuts about this sport and life on the water is where it's at. There's no "good" time to spend 60K+ on a boat and it will never, ever make sense if you're a financial advisor or accountant. So I got over the "logical" mental hurdles and over my fear/pride/ego and got a damn loan for the boat w/a decent down payment. If we fall on hard times, I'll sell it. In the mean time it's been a ton of fun for our family.

When I was shopping it seemed like there were 200's from 2010-2015 from 40-50K, and then you could get a promo boat with full warranty for 55-60K (boy, THOSE were the days, huh?). Seemed like a no brainer for such a big purchase to spend a little more to get WAY more, so the 40K range for an older boat with no warranty actually seemed like the worse option vs. 15-20K more for essentially a new boat. It's a weird market.

I have the "totally paid-for great boat that some folks say is the best hull ever" with our 2000, and I have the "OMG how-could-you-finance-a-boat-you-are-an-idiot" 2016 so I can put a foot in both camps, and both have their merits. Ultimately we have one life to live so it's all about what's important to you and what your family considers a priority here and now.

Honestly, a 98 SN will outperform about anyone skill set on this site. Quite a few guys are swapping zero off capable engines into that hull. A boat that skis/looks/drives that well with a modern drivetrain and speed control is a no brainer.

Post pics of the new rig.

Bakchose wrote: So all this talk and I’ve upped my search. Found a bare bones 2010. Love the color and have inquired about the hours and if it’s got a trailer. Let’s see what they say. I bought my 2000 sport at 9 yrs ago in the end of October . I’m courious of the inflation pricing

I'll be interested to hear your observations. I was looking at 200s when the new 2019 Ski Nautique came out. With the combination of changes to the long-time promo program, and the very high price of the new Ski Nautique, I found that the supply of used 200s went way down, and the price of those available went up.

I'm now talking to people who are thinking about parting with their 200s to buy the new model, but not many actually doing so just yet.

I was approached by many folks offering top of the line Mastercrafts at an attractive price.
Many moved from Nautique because of the changes to the promo program and high price of the new boat. The MCs are nice boats, with many features that I really like. But, I just couldn't bring myself to move to an MC.

I ended up buying a 98 Ski Nautique, which will be fine for our skiing needs until I see the right used 200, find one of the new boats used ( there aren't many in my geography and people are lining up to buy them), or make a decision to buy the new model.

I had also honed in on 2015 or newer, mostly because I prefer the drivers seat after 2015.

BKH

Half priced product usually sells poorly.

phatsat67 wrote: You haven't worked much in a dealership where used boats sell very well because they have depreciated 15-20K after 1 year and 100 hours.

Before you comment on people's experience you might want to know what you are talking about.

BKH

The saddle bag storage is something that appealed to me being on a bigger lake. When you are heading 9-10 miles to get to some good water you bring all the gear with you.   Keeping the skis in the boat all the time can also help you get in a nice session of evening glass on the way back from the restaurant.   But sure not of much use in a small lake slalom tractor.   I also swim off my boats a lot in the afternoons and evenings and like those blg flat seadeck gunnels for walking around and doing some sweet backflips.   Too bad I might be too old to do sweet backflips by the time I can afford one… of course maybe I might not be walking around the gunnels if my floor wasn't always covered with ski gear..

I don't see anything leaving a nautique dealership new for 50k.. 62 bone stock, no trailer maybe but I would doubt it.

Riley wrote: Tim, Brian's boat has a Velvet Drive? I would have thought that a plus?

Yup... and definitely not (IMHO).

At an out the door price of 50K I'll even install the horn myself. LOL.

Riley wrote: phatsat67 wrote: How often do you put 4+ slalom skis in a boat unless you are doing a barefoot step line. About all summer, we have 5 slalom skis in our Sportster. I wouldn't know what a bare floor is like.

Dang, slalom skiing on our lake is mostly useless. It eats up BF time in the morning which is very limited. I use it more now to go distance and wear out my forearms.

200 slalom lake guys (which is where they are primary used) couldn't care less about the lockers I am sure. Every time we ski with the local guys skis are on the floor.

I only know of 2 200s in Indianapolis that aren't used at private lakes. One is trashed and the other guy is a novice skier that started a few years ago.

If the rumored boat came stripped down like the old Sporsters and came in at 50K with a trailer I'd be right at the dealer. All I'd want is around 350hp, analog gauges, simple stereo, an open bow with a filler cushion, and maybe a tower pending on the additional cost. The less things to break and/or fail the better. Oh and must have a key and toggle switches. The 2000 sport has taught me that valuable lesson.

I've been looking to up grade and if it looks like a prospect it is either too far away and/or sold. Not too many 200s or 200 sports sold in NE. Seems like everyone opted to buy a SAN210.

The bags were weird and nonfunctional. How often do you put 4+ slalom skis in a boat unless you are doing a barefoot step line.

Tim is right, Nautique has gotten really good lately at selling not price point boats.

My point is, even a stripper 200 currently wouldn't be considered a stripper boat like the 93 SN standard was.

I dig those too especially with the factory rear seat.

Even a stripped down 200 won't be "stripped down". It's cheaper to make it with the gauge screen now (less wiring and interface issues). So, besides offering it with standard engine power and no storage pockets the only other things I could see that would be stripped down are limited color selection/graphics designs etc. It's not like they can put wood stringers in etc.

Maybe Bryant MFG line is more efficient? Not many people make Gel Cote so I can't imagine there would be much savings in choosing a different vendor. Lower quality glass/resin? Just not sure what there is to strip for a significant savings. Lesser quality vinyl? The design of the seats is pretty simple so I doubt any noticeable savings of labor could be had there.

You haven't worked much in a dealership where used boats sell very well because they have depreciated 15-20K after 1 year and 100 hours.

They hit the number the market really wants to buy at. 200s are produced in small numbers which means there is demand for them but not at the pricing levels. first time buyers take the depreciation hit and the guys who want but won't spend are ready and waiting cash in hand.

Hence why the market for new 200s got so screwed up with the promo program and why it was changed over the last two years to keep boats from being sold at pricing that makes buying new look completely idiotic. Why buy a new 200 at 70-80K when you can buy a less than 1 year old promo rig with 100 loving hours for 20-30k under MSRP. Promo market basically made for 0 sales through dealers. The market likes the pricing of the Promo boats so much that's about all they buy.

Also, owners who live on slalom lakes care very little about big old storage pockets out back. Their storage is their dock.