Nautique Boats
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Boat manufacturing |
| Founded | 1961 |
| Founder | Leo Bentz |
| Headquarters | Orlando , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Waterskiing, wakeboarding, and wakesurfing boats (Super Air Nautique, Ski Nautique series) |
| Parent | Correct Craft |
Nautique Boat Company is an American manufacturer specializing in boats designed for waterskiing, wakeboarding, and wakesurfing. Renowned for its Super Air Nautique and Ski Nautique series, the firm holds a prominent position within the inboard towboat sector. As a subsidiary of Correct Craft, the world’s longest-standing family-owned boat producer, Nautique benefits from robust organizational backing and visionary management.
Ski Nautique
The inception of Nautique dates back to 1961 with the debut of the original Ski Nautique—a pioneering fiberglass tournament inboard ski boat created by founder Leo Bentz. This innovation gave the company a strong foothold in the watersports market. During the 1960s and 1970s, Ski Nautique became a dominant presence at international waterski exhibitions and competitions, firmly establishing its brand prominence.
Noteworthy advancements include the introduction of the Ski Nautique 2001 in 1981 and the Silver Nautique released in 1986 to commemorate the company’s 25th anniversary. That same year, Nautique secured a major agreement to supply boats to SeaWorld ski shows, boosting its industry profile. The 1990s brought further progress with the adoption of fiberglass floor and stringer construction techniques and the launch of Total Surface Control (TSC) hull technology in the 1997 Ski Nautique 196 model, which maintained Nautique’s leadership position until 2009.
In 2010, Nautique unveiled the Ski Nautique 200, developed in collaboration with waterski icon Andy Mapple. This model has played a key role in setting 25 world records, including Ryan Dodd’s notable jump distance of 254 feet, highlighting the company’s significant commercial success and influence.
The latest iteration of the Ski Nautique, introduced in 2019, features carbon fiber hull layers designed to reduce overall weight while preserving structural integrity—reflecting continuous innovation that supports business expansion and sustains competitive advantage on a global scale.
Super Air Nautique
Nautique made history in 1997 by launching the first boat specifically tailored for wakeboarding: the "Air Nautique," equipped with the Flight Control Tower® and built-in ballast tanks as standard features. The company further advanced wakeboarding technology with Total Wake Control (TWC) introduced in 1999 and HydroGate® technology added in 2006, allowing real-time adjustments to wake shape. In 2007, they rolled out Zero-Off, a GPS-based speed control system. The market was transformed again in 2012 with the release of the Super Air Nautique G23, followed by subsequent G21 and G25 models. In 2016, insights from both the Ski Nautique 200 and G-Series were combined to create the GS-Series—an all-in-one multisport boat engineered for wakesurfing, waterskiing, and wakeboarding. The product range was further enhanced with the introduction of the Super Air Nautique G23 Paragon in 2019.
Nautique Surf System
In response to growing wakesurfing demand, Nautique launched the Nautique Surf System (NSS) on its Super Air Nautique models in 2013. NSS incorporates ballast tanks that increase boat weight, wave plates that channel water flow to generate larger and smoother surf waves on either side of the vessel, along with a fresh air exhaust system that directs carbon monoxide emissions downward behind the surfer. This advancement strengthens Nautique’s competitive positioning within watersports boat manufacturing by addressing evolving market needs while improving both safety and performance for users.
Events
Since 1975, Nautique has been the designated towboat for The Masters Water Ski Tournament, an annual event held at Callaway Gardens in Georgia during Memorial Day weekend. Originally centered on slalom, jump, and trick waterskiing disciplines, the tournament now also features wakeboarding and wakeskating. Additionally, Nautique acts as the exclusive towboat provider for prominent competitions such as the WWA Wakeboard World Championships, WWA US Wakeboard National Championships, Moomba Masters, Wake Open, and IWWF Waterski World Championships.
Models
| Model (2022) | Length (ft) | Dry Weight (lbs) | Max Factory Ballast (lbs) | Total Weight with Ballast (lbs) | Horse Power (HP) | Torque (ft-lbs) | Passengers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS20 | 20 | 4700 | 1700 | 6400 | 400 / 355 / 450 | 400 / 405 / 465 | 12 | Hull redesigned for 2023 |
| GS22 | 22 | 4900 | 2900 | 7800 | 400 / 355 / 450 / 475 | 400 / 405 / 465 / 500 | 15 | Hull redesigned for 2023 |
| G21 | 21 | 5800 | 2250 | 8050 | 450 / 475 / 600 / 370(diesel) | 465 / 500 / 608 / 595(diesel) | 14 | Supplemental ballast added and flight tower redesigned in 2022 |
| G23 | 23 | 6000 | 2200 or optional 3650 supplemental ballast | 8200 or up to 9650 with ballast option | 450 /475 /600 /370(diesel) | 465 /500 /608 /595(diesel) | 16 | Supplemental ballast added and flight tower redesigned in 2022 |
| G25 | 25 | 6400 | 2200 or optional3650 supplemental ballast | 8600 or up to10,050 with ballast option | 450/475/600/370(diesel) | 465/500/608/595(diesel) | 19 | Supplemental ballast added and flight tower redesigned in2022 |
| G23 Paragon | 23 | 7200 | 2200 | 9400 | 600 | 608 | 16 | |
| G25 Paragon | 25 | 7400 | 2200 | 9600 | 600 | 608 | 19 | |
| S25 | 25 | 5800 | 3150 or optional3650 supplemental ballast | 8150 or up to8650 with ballast option | 400/355/450/475/600/370 | 400/405/465/500/608 | 16 | Released June2022 |
| S23 | 23 | 5500 | 3150 or optional3650 supplemental ballast | 8150 or up to8650 with ballast option | 400/355/450/475/600 | 400/405/465/500/608 | 16 | Released August2021 |
| S21 | 21 | 5200 | 2650 | 7850 | 400/355/450/475/600 | 400/405/465/500/608 | 14 | Released September2021 |
| Ski Nautique | 20 | 2945 | 400 | 3345 | 400/355/450 | 400/405/465 | 7 | |
| Ski Nautique200 | 20 | 3400 | N/A | 3400 | 400/355/450 | 400/405/465 | 9 | Based on Ski Nautique hull with open bow design. |
G-series
The Super Air Nautique G-Series features a wide-body hull crafted to generate larger surfing wakes. Offered in three different lengths, each model weighs in excess of 5,000 pounds. In the year 2022, the G-Series surpassed the Paragon models in total ballast weight thanks to added supplemental ballast and the inclusion of a telescoping flight tower.
S-series
In August of 2021, Nautique introduced the S23 model, bringing back a pointed bow design that had been phased out after the earlier production of the 210 and 230 models. By June 2024, the S-series lineup includes three sizes: 25 feet, 23 feet, and 21 feet.
GS-Series
Designed for enthusiasts of wakeboarding, wakesurfing, and skiing alike, the GS-Series strikes a balance between hull depth and weight to produce optimal wakes suitable for various water sports. This series is available in two lengths: twenty-two feet and twenty feet.
Paragon
Launched in 2019, the Super Air Nautique G23 Paragon represents Nautique's first model surpassing a dry weight of 7,000 pounds. Marketed as an upscale variant within the G-Series lineup, it delivers superior performance and includes features such as a retractable flight tower, transom recliner seating, and a distinctive propeller design that sets it apart from other G-Series boats.
Ski
The Ski Nautique collection, which comprises both the Ski Nautique and Ski Nautique 200 models, is designed with lighter hulls and reduced drafts to create smaller wakes ideal for skiing. The Ski Nautique incorporates Nautique's signature "faceted hull" design, whereas the Ski Nautique 200 is characterized by an open-bow configuration.
Manufacturing
Nautique produces its boats at a manufacturing site located in Orlando, Florida, which boasts two private lakes dedicated to on-site testing. In January 2021, the company expanded its production capabilities by acquiring an additional 300,000-square-foot facility nearby and augmenting its labor force.
Wakeboarders
- Noah Flegel
- Danny Harf
- Mary Morgan Howell
- Tony Iacconi
- Rusty Malinoski
- Jeff Mckee
- Shaun Murray
- Cory Teunissen
Wakesurfers
- John Akerman
- Drew Drennan
- Noah Flegel
- Jodi Grassman
Water Skiers
- Josh Briant
- Ryan Dodd
- Pato Font
- Anna Gay
- Erika Lang
- Whitney McClintock
- Robert Pigozzi
- Neilly Ross
- Charlie Ross
- Jon Travers