Good Wake 1996 Nautique 187?
 

Im looking to buy my first wakeboard boat. I found a real nice 1996 Ski Nautique 176 with a tower. Does anyone know if the wake is good for wakeboarding. It will be primarily used for wakeboarding. I made a mistake on title :(

I doubt it. I have a 1992 Ski Nautique Open Bow and it is not very good for wakeboarding even with a lot of weight. I'd rather have an 80's Ski Nautique than a post 80's.

It's indeed not going to be one of the best wakes out there. Like John says the '80's Nautique 2001 models have a much nicer wake. However, it all depends on your skill level and what you expect from it. If you're just starting to ride you'll be doing just fine with it for the first couple years. If that's the case and you can get a good deal on the boat I wouldn't write it off.
What's your budget and where are you located?

My budget is 10-15k I live in Ca. We are beggener wakeboarders.

There are better boats in that budget. Look for a 1993-1997 sport nautique. NOT a 1992, not the same. The sport nautiques put out great wakes.

Also, 15k could get you a 1996 super sport nautique, another v-drive type boat, a 1996+ Mastercraft Prostar 205, Malibu Sunsetter or Sunsetter VLX. A malibu echelon will make one of the best wakes for a closed bow ski boat in the mid 90s as it has the same SV23 hull as the original wakesetters were built on.

Plenty of options, don't settle on that short small Nautique...

Its kinda like buying a Corvette to haul gravel. That boat was made for slalom skiing.

That budget, keep your eyes peeled but anything but a v-drive will leave you wanting more sooner rather than later.

Older Sanger V210s, Super Sport Nautiques from 1995+, Malibu VLX (Sunsetter or wakesetter), Moomba Mobius LSV, Supra Sunsport V, MC 205v will all knock on the door of 15k.

.... Get the V-drive, or you'll be looking for a v-drive a few years after you buy a direct drive.

Thats funny right there!!!

At 10-15K there are better boats. This boat is tiny. For 15K you should be able to find a pretty nice Sport Nautique that shouldn't require much love.

Thank you everyone for replying. I found a real nice 1996 Malibu Echelon with wakeboard tower for 9K 450 hours on motor. How is the wake on this boat?

For 9k, it's a great wake and a relatively modern boat compared to say an 80s nautique that will have wood stringers. Put a wedge on that boat and 1500lbs of weight and the wake will be all most on this forum would need.