2010 Nautique Crossover Nautique 216V

By Mike Milne

The “crossover” concept in boats is certainly not new. Fish ’n ski runabouts were probably the first boat designs to intentionally try to meet the specialized needs of two very different sports. Many have failed. Other crossovers have followed – especially in the current boating market, where there are many specialized design sub-categories. But within the tow category, crossovers are usually aimed at marrying the best of two watersports worlds. One of them has succeeded.

The Crossover Nautique 216V is part of a three-model series by Correct Craft aimed at providing specialty wakes and amenities that will satisfy both exacting slalom water-skiers and wakeboarders. Don’t think for a minute, though, this means either the skier or boarder will have to compromise. Correct Craft, a leader in the tow boat business, simply ensures the 216V serves both sports very well.

The 216V is a genuine crossover in that it will keep both wakeboarders and water-skiers happy. It’s powered by a 343-hp inboard V8, driving a four-blade bronze propeller through a V-drive. That adds up to quick acceleration and a sports car-like turning radius.

Three electrically operated ballast tanks and a patented Hydro-Gate allow the boat to create a variety of different wakes, appealing to different kinds of skiers and boarders. The ballast tanks are easily and quickly filled or emptied using electric controls at the helm. They alter the size of the wake, while the Hydro-Gate changes the performance of the hull and the shape of the wake with what looks like a sluice gate in a tunnel aft of the prop. It works in conjunction with a hull that has carefully placed lifting strakes, stepped reverse chines and a dispersion tunnel where the propeller is located.

When the Hydro-Gate is up, in the wakeboard position, water pressure on the transom of the boat is reduced and the boat sits lower, building a bigger, more “ramped” wake. In the down position, the Hydro-Gate increases water pressure and minimizes the height of the wake, “softening” the wake for water-skiers. In short, the Hydro-Gate helps the 216V cross over between being a great wakeboarding and water-skiing boat with the pull of a lever.

Our test boat has a package of options that include an effortlessly folded FCT 3 tower, an integrated Bimini, three-speed heater (with hoses for warming chilled riders as well as the driver), and a stereo capable of rocking the waterfront – complete with tower speakers that rotate 180 degrees. The stainless steel windshield frame is beefed up for an ultra-modern appearance. The colours on the test boat (mint green hull with black accents) look much better than they sound.

The C-shaped wraparound seating in the cockpit is made possible by the V-drive, which moves placement of the engine right aft. There are two rear-facing seats, one in the companion position and another behind the helm. With more seats in the bow, the boat is a real crowd-pleaser, with room for you and 10 of your closest friends. The seat back at the companion position turns the port-side bench into a chaise lounge for the spotter and a filler cushion easily converts the forward bow compartment into a huge sun lounge. The hull colours are mirrored in the test boat’s interior, with striking mint green upholstery with black piping.

Practical touches include rubber tread walkways for bow and stern access, a portable cooler under the port-side cockpit bench and a trash bin in the walkthrough area, as well as cavernous storage space in the port console and in an aft starboard locker. A full fibreglass liner means easy cleanups while snap-in carpets add comfort.

The helm station is an ergonomic work of art, with throttle, Hydro-Gate lever and speed controls within easy reach. Analog gauges with blue backlighting, set in a brushed stainless steel panel, provide quick visual references.

A group of options on the boat called the “full throttle package” include the stainless steel windshield trim and steering wheel plus stainless steel throttle and Hydro-Gate knobs and trim.

Ballast tanks and the Hydro-Gate allow almost infinite variations of wake shapes and the tower, complete with spinner board racks, will also help wakeboarders get big air. But just driving the 216V is also a pleasure.

Handling, as with any good inboard tow boat, is crisp and tight. Acceleration with the 5.7-litre PCM EX-343 V8 inboard is awesome – 20 mph in under three seconds and 30 mph in just over six seconds. Top speed is 42.5 mph at 5250 rpm. If the waves kick up, pull back the Hydro-Gate into wakeboard mode for additional bow rise.

When it comes to precise towing requirements, the high-tech GPS-activated Zero Off control system will provide precise speeds. It is part of the “team edition” option package that also included twin batteries and an upgraded stereo.

Fit and finish are excellent and Nautique buyers have fittingly helped the company win many customer service awards. Correct Craft doesn’t publish suggested retail prices, but expect to pay top dollar. For top performance in two watersports, it should be worth the price.

TEST BOAT ENGINE
PCM Excalibur 343 inboard gasoline engine, 350 ci / 5.7L, V8, inboard V-drive with electronic fuel injection producing 343 hp, driving an inboard propeller.
ACCELERATION (mph/sec)
0-20 / 2.99 ; 0-30 / 6.3 ; 0-40 / 10.1
TOP SPEED (rpm/mph)
5250 / 42.5
CRUISING SPEED (rpm/mph)
3000 / 24.2 ; 3500 / 28.7 ; 4000 / 32.9
SOUND LEVEL AT CRUISE (3500 rpm)
Helm – 82 dbA ; Aft – 84 dbA
SOUND LEVEL AT TOP SPEED
Helm – 88 dbA ; Aft –  90 dbA