I currently own a 94 Nautique direct drive and I'm trying to research for a future upgrade. I will be looking at used boats between $25,000 - $35,000. Please post recommendations for the best wake at the best value...interested in detailed descriptions/comparisons of wake size and shape. I will most likely look at Nautique, Mastercraft, and Malibu

Hey Tom - I'm in the middle-end of boat shopping myself - my 0.02 is to get some pics as well - descriptions are very helpful, but like they say, a picture is worth.... I'd offer some, but since I don't have a boat (yet), it'll have to wait. ;)

Look at the Mastercraft X-2, or the older X-Star... They're the same boat. You should be able to find one of those within your budget. <BR> <BR>In my opinion... They make great wakes, with a really good transition. <BR> <BR>Good luck... I think any of those 3 will be good choices.

CC Nautique 210 (superair/supersport) -- Really steep wake, straight up pop -- def. in range <BR> <BR>MC - old x-stars/x-2's/x-1's..... <BR><a href="http://www.redlinewatersports.com/pre_owned_detail.asp?sid=03596918X10K21K2007J3I14I 58JPMQ2838R0&amp;veh=656254" target="_blank">http://www.redlinewatersports.com/pre_owned_detail.asp?sid=03596918X10K21K2007J3I14I 58JPMQ2838R0&amp;veh=656254</a> <BR> <BR>an 03' X-2, 70 hrs. for 33k, for that price it is hard to beat

they also have an 05' Mobius XLV...huge boat, huge wake... for 35k.... might be worth a look

Where are you? Check Boat trader and craigslist. Here's one in San Diego, although I haven't checked nada to see if it's a great deal or not. Great boat, though. I wish I had room in my garage. <BR> <BR><a href="http://sandiego.craigslist.org/boa/452100573.html" target="_blank">http://sandiego.craigslist.org/boa/452100573.html</a>

I would go witht the current X1 hull. Used to be the X2 and before that the Xstar. I used to have one and think that it has one of the best wakes available. The price will fit your budget nicely.

That 03 X2 has 765 hours not 70. I looked at that boat in person and it is clean, but 765 hours in 4 years with about 5 months of boating in a season. How much more can that engine have left

"How much more can that engine have left" You've got to be kidding - Right? If the maintenance has been done and the boat has been well cared for, 765 hours aren't a factor, and the price is right.

so far, I have heard mostly MC X1, X2, or older Xstar. I have bummed a ride behind a MC 205 that had a huge wake with ballast. I have also noticed more of a selection of MC in my price range. I'm trying to look in IL or WI. <BR> <BR>Anybody have more opinions for Nautiques or Malibu?

You'll be able to find a older SAN or a VLX in that price range, especially in the coming months. Both wakes are solid.

WATERSKI ONLINE Has an awsome wake review for each boat

this wake is from our 95' supersport - 2 people in the boat - 800 in rear lockers - 600 in bow <BR>23 mph <BR>the boat is awesome because it doesn't take a ton of weight to make it huge, we can add another 600 lbs in the ski locker but it isn't really even needed... we paid 18k for the boat w/ only 200 hrs, then after tower, speakers, and ballast we are at around 20k <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/513464.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/513465.jpg" alt="Upload">

Picture taken on a rough day 06 Vride/Old VLX <BR>2200 lbs total ballast, 3adults, no wedge <BR>rider is 80' and 23.5 mph <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/513489.jpg" alt="Upload">