Pontoons
Ski Nautique 196 Boats for Sale
The Ski Nautique 196 is one of the most respected tournament inboards ever built by Correct Craft. Known for its precision handling, soft slalom wakes, and exceptional build quality, it became a benchmark for ski performance from the late 1990s through the 2000s. Designed for competitive water skiing yet comfortable enough for family recreation, the 196 delivers a balanced mix of efficiency, responsiveness, and craftsmanship that few boats have ever matched.
The Ski Nautique 196 was introduced in the late 1990s as the next evolution of Correct Craft’s long running Ski Nautique line. It replaced the previous 196 model that had been based on the popular 1990 through 1996 hull and brought major advancements in hull design, engine technology, and construction quality.
At 19 feet 6 inches long with a beam of 91 inches, the 196 was engineered for minimal wake size and perfect symmetry at tournament slalom speeds. Correct Craft used a refined hull design with lifting strakes and an efficient running surface that kept the boat level and produced some of the softest wakes ever measured in competition. The result was a boat that quickly became a standard towboat for national and world level events.
The 196 was powered by PCM engines, most commonly the 5.8 liter GT40 in early years and later the Excalibur 330 5.7 liter multiport fuel injected engine. Both engines provided smooth acceleration, precise speed control, and excellent reliability. Many models were equipped with PerfectPass for tournament consistent pulls.
From 1997 through 2002, the 196 retained a traditional layout with a center mounted engine and simple, functional interior design. In 2003, Correct Craft launched the Total Surface Control (TSC2) hull, improving tracking and reducing spray even further. The TSC3 version followed in 2007 with additional refinements to chine and strake geometry. Each version maintained the same focus on precise wake shape and low drag performance.
The Ski Nautique 196 was also available in open bow and closed bow configurations to suit both competitive and recreational buyers. With a seating capacity of about six, it was compact and purpose built, yet built with the same high level of fit and finish that defined every Nautique of its era.
Production of the Ski Nautique 196 continued until 2009 when it was succeeded by the Ski Nautique 200. Even after production ended, the 196 remained one of the most beloved tournament boats ever produced. Its balance of driving feel, reliability, and wake performance still makes it a favorite among serious skiers and collectors who value classic Correct Craft engineering.