Ok so I am currently in Iraq soon to be home and am looking for my first boat. However I have read mixed reviews on all different types of boats. So please help me out. As far as wakes, power, and all around scoring which type of boat would be best for me again I am only looking to wake board and knee board. I have 12,000 to spend when all is said and done. I have found some master craft 190's, ski centurion, ski natique, or ski brendella. essentially the old style ski boats. or would a bow rider such as a bayliner capri, or reinell, or chirs craft be better for me. All information will be greatly appreciated. <BR>Also any info on wake plates and fat sacs such as weight limits and ease of install would help pretty much just give me all my options please.

Im sure others will chime in, but... <BR> <BR>The mastercraft Prostar 190 is a great boat, because you wont have to deal with any wood rotting, because it has fiberglass stringers. However its definattly a ski boat, so the wake is lacking... <BR> <BR>Im sure the answer most people will give will be get an older 2001. Has one of the best wakeboarding wakes ever, great older boat. <BR> <BR>Thanks for all you do in Iraq!

fist of all, thanks for what you guys do over in Iraq. second, look at the supra sunsport. one of the biggest inboards produced in the mid-80's to 90's with an open bow and a really high freeboard and a nice clean hull that will throw a great wake. lata!

Nauty.

So it sounds like contrary to what I hear the inboard direct drives are actually the way to go?

Yes. Get an inboard if your main concern is the wake/ride. <BR> <BR>Ski nautique 2001 or Supra sunsport is where I would start if I were you. The supra will have more room in it.

If you have 12K to spend, look for a 2001 nautique 88-89. You can find'em in good condition for 8-9K. Take the extra 2K and use for toys (ie wakeboard, tower, ropes, stereo upgrade, etc.). <BR> <BR>Thank You for keeping us safe!!!

I would go the route of the 2001 nautique. I had one last year and that thing threw an awesome wake with minimal ballast. If you want it to get rediculous put about 2k in it. It does lack storage, but is the best option if wake is important at 12k. Like Jared said find one for 7-10 and then throw on a New dimensions(if you like the factory look) or a Monster tower(if you just want a tower for cheap). Check the stringers and floor. If those don't have rot and the ingine and tranny are good you are set. Keep the boat for 5 years and when it is time to upgrade sell it for what you have into it. You can't say that for many boats. Check out <a href="http://www.the2001.com" target="_blank">http://www.the2001.com</a> if you are getting serious about an older nautique. Lots of good info. The 2001 was made from 1982 to 1989. All of them have the same hull, the interior got a lot nicer in 86 I believe.

Personally, if I had 12k to go with i'd get a Sport Nautique because of the open bow. The worst part about the 2001 is that it has a closed bow.

Ok so what about this one. <BR> <BR><a href="http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/boa/402529923.html" target="_blank">http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/boa/402529923.html</a>

That one looks pretty good. Depending on hours and condition, price looks reasonable. Open bow Sunsport with monster tower. Throw some racks and sacks at it and your good to go

I'd take the $12k and put down on a Sport Nautique. You might be able to find one around $12k, but you can get a real nice one around $15-$20K...

I feel your pain man... i am deployed there right now and luckily i get home in 2 weeks but i bought a 99 air nautique a month before i left and then got voluntold to be here and havent got to use it yet. I am so excited i cant wait to ride it when i get back home. At least i can squeeze another month or two before i winterize.

ok so now that I understand a little more about which boat i am looking for, Now could someone please tell me how much weight in fat sacs i should put on, where to put them, and does anybody have any info on after market wake plates i.e. are they worth it, where to get them, and how much do they help. <BR> <BR>Additionally thank you for all of your support

Oh and does anybody know any good lakes in washington? close to yelm? I haven't been out in washington yet.

What about a 95' ski centurion open bow falcon xp?