Too much too soon

[jcl4y]

Bought a Maxum SR3 with a tower a last year to give wake boarding a go in an all round package including some sea use. Don't get out as often as I'd like and still lots to learn but both me and missus pretty hooked.

Thinking of upgrading the boat to something with a better wake and a few bells and whistles (including PP or similar) and have seen a nice 2006 SAN 210. i.e. last of older shaped hull.

For experienced riders I'm sure the wake is great but for beginners/intermediate riders will this actually make progressing harder?

I've ridden behind same boat at Ten-80 but was ballasted up, must be honest was a bit daunting compared to wake off my little Maxum, whats it like without the ballast?

Gut feeling is something less steep wake might be better, any suggestions, budget up to mid £30k. Something capable of very occasional sea use ideal, would only go out when relatively flat but want to be sure i can get back if it kicks up.

[1080]

If you really want a 'wakeboard' boat don't compromise - you will only end up buying one later.

A SAN will be fine for you unballasted and when you do fill it you will be grinning ear to ear.

Not sure how well they take the sea, but I've seen loads of nautiques operating in the Med all day long in wavy/choppy conditions so for occasional use it shouldn't be a problem

There are a couple of SANs for sale in the Midlands and I know they have both been looked after really well.

Good luck with the search!!!!

[Tower_boy]

Sounds like I might be worth chatting to.

amongst many other boats - I used to have a 2000 Maxum 1800Sr with a tower... then went to a brand new and loaded 2005 210 Super Air Nautique then in 2006 went back to a new 2006 Maxum 1800SR3 with tower and plenty of bells and whistles.

Basically the SAN was immense, absolutely fab and I have no regrets buying it. Everything was great quality, the engine was insane as was the wake and handling and it was dearly loved. However it did come at a price; more hassle, more maintenance, more worry but mostly emphasis on the hassle side. and it really wasn't great on the sea.. but then again, neithers an 1800 maxum so they draw on that point.

We are not pro-wakeboarders, 180's, 360's and grabs with an occaisional back roll attempt are about it and to be honest, as an all round package we've found the Maxum to be the best of all worlds. The wake is no where near the Nautique, but it's easy to launch, easy to look after, easy to tow and is relatively cheap to own and run. We were able to put £10k back in the bank over the SAN which makes a big difference.

At the end of the day, a newish (or new) Maxum 1800SR3 with Tower, PP, Stainless prop, Ballast and a few comfortable options works as a great boat and I can't complain one bit about ours.. which is why I'm back with them (be it in a pretty pimped form for a Sportsboat). Sure the Nautique was awesome, but it was a headache also.

As an industry worker I can have the choice of pretty much any boat upto £35k and I can honestly say that the Maxum hits all the right notes for us. The only thing I woudl consider is a 1900SR3 next year but again... do I want the extra hassle?

[jcl4y]

What do you mean by hassle, is that in regard to towing/launching or maintenance/issues?

I find the towing/launching a relative pain even with the Maxum, especially with a couple of small kids, this year I kept the boat on the water about 10 minutes from home, turn up, untie and go. The location is probably too small for anything much bigger so would also look at new venue but with docking or boat lift.

Sea use is secondary as I live in the Midlands, I took the Maxum away once this year but pretty much stayed in the ski zone of Poole harbour with the odd trip round to Studland/Swanage where it was really too rough to board anyway.

[1080]

If you serious about a SAN and docklifts these are the people you need to talk to

http://www.midlandsnautique.co.uk/

Its a great time of year to do a deal - but only if you have cash

If your looking to PX then I doubt if you will get much for a Maxum against a SAN or other 'Ski Boat' Obviously trading up to another Maxum would be easier.

I don't think there is much difference between any type of boat with regards 'hassle' if you keep it properly maintained and are sensible when using it.

One thing I would add is if/when your children start to take an interest in playing about in the water then it would have to be a 'ski boat' every time for me with the Prop tucked under the boat well away from the end of the ski platform its just that bit more safe than in I/O Drive.

[Tower_boy]

Hassle wise sounds like you have different circumstances to me..

My boats all get towed alot and have to fit in a garage. If your boats going on the water and you have access to calm water the Super Air is going to be a much better boat for you.

I assumed you were on the coast and boating out in the open...

1080 is right about trading in, you would be much better to lose the Maxum and buy your wakeboat with cash... sportsboats just aren't worth much to Nautique, Tige, Mastercraft etc.. dealers.