(Newbie) DD SN/CC advice needed

Ive had an ‘83 SN 2001, a ‘94 sport Nautique, and a ‘95 super sport all set up for wakeboarding and each one can do the job. An important consideration in your decision is space and size of your typical crew. We slammed ballast and up to 6 people in my 2001 and it was extremely crammed for space but the wake was superb. Jumping up to the 94 sport (21’ long, not 19’) the open bow Makes things much roomier with people, even with ballast on the floor. The super sport (also 21’) is even better yet, and bags are hidden subfloor or in the engine compartment. I was never able to surf the 2001, but could do so marginally on the sport Nautique, and have no problem in the super sport.   Also as an fyi there is a low hour 97 sport Nautique on FB marketplace in need of a transmission for $8k which would make a great low overhead entry in to boat ownership and give you a great platform to start from if you are willing to put in a bit of elbow grease.

Kyle

Lots of good advice and opinions here, but it all depends on your goals and priorities. This is a bit of a pet peeve of mine, but I don't buy into the notion that you need a massive wake to have fun on a wakeboard, and in many ways it can be a hindrance to learning tricks. One of the reasons I started looking at the 82-89 2001s in the first place is because they are known for being capable of making a great wakeboard wake for an older direct drive, then I fell in love with the looks of them and wouldn't have it any other way. I get to ride behind much bigger, dedicated wake/surf boats regularly, and still have as much fun or more behind our 1989 SN2001, even with no weight in the boat. You don't need to add ballast to have a good time behind them, or even to do spins and flips, but the wake obviously gets bigger if you do, and that can be fun in its own right but definitely isn't a requirement. I also wouldn't rule out Prostars as a whole, the Prostar 205 supposedly puts out a decent sized wake for a direct drive, and I believe was the hull that the first X-stars were based on. The 190s though are definitely known for putting out as small a wake as possible, so maybe you'd want to steer away from them.

The boat on Craigslist is a Super Sport not a Sport.

Here is a video that shows the v-drive wake.  Same boat/hull as the one on Craigslist.

@Wilhelm, great advice! Good to hear from someone that owns one & not just ones input. What length do you have? I’m really leaning towards the 2001 models now especially after hearing that you can do both. Thanks again.

Yes, it is possible to board and surf behind an old school DD Nautique. I have a 1982 2001 and have a great time boarding and surfing behind it. I do have a lot of ballast in it (built in hard tanks), and use a home made wake shaper for a surf wave (the 'pocket' is quite small though).

The Super Sport in the ad above will do both of those activities better than a 1980’s 2001, but a 2001 does just fine in its own right.

I am currently on the search for a boat that I can wakeboard or surf behind. I have fallen in love with the look of the 1980-1999 DD ski nautiques & master crafts and almost pulled the trigger on one but realized I need to do more research if i’m going for boarding/surfing. With that being said, I am 21 years old and this will be my first boat as i’m on the hunt for a classic looking and somewhat affordable boat.

First off I would like to know if it’s possible to board or surf behind an old school DD ski nautique/ master craft 18ft+ even if it takes extra ballasts added since this is my top choice boat at the moment. Should I lean towards the pro star/ tri star 190/209 or maybe even a 2001 or sport nautique if i’m going for wake ? I know these are all opinions but at the end of the day as long as it puts out a good wake & I can still have my direct drive I will be happy.

Thanks for taking the time. Like I said this will be my first boat so any advice helps even a phone call to shoot the sh*t would be fantastic.