OVERVIEW
We’ve often thought of Correct Craft boats as sports cars for the water, with their nimble designs and exceptional handling. The Nautique 226 Limited departs from that mold, stretching to the longest centerline, 221¼2 feet, and widest beam, 961¼2 inches, of any Nautique. That pushes it more toward an SUV in terms of interior space — and attracts the eye of buyers shopping for stern-drive runabouts. As the Nautique 226 shoots over the water with quick acceleration, solid tracking and a smooth ride through chop, up to 12 people can stretch out in it. Four passengers fit in the cushy open bow, while more can lounge on the two separate benches in the center of the boat. When it’s time to ski or wakeboard or tube, getting to the swim platform is super easy with the transom walk-through. And everywhere, storage is big, from the cavern under the flip-up observer’s seat to the deep trunk to the 100-quart double cooler. Yet the Nautique 226 isn’t so oversized that it has lost the sports-car feeling.
WAKEBOARDING
There is a lot of potential here with the Nautique 226’s wakeboarding wakes. The hull sculpts excellent characteristics and loading up the boat with family and friends can provide ballast. Families trying out wakeboarding while cruising the lake will have a good time, but more serious riders will need the tower and other wakeboarding amenities of the Team package.
LOWDOWN
• Correct Craft’s biggest boat beefs up the onboard space while staying true to a traditional Nautique’s great handling.
• Walk-through transom makes for easy access to the swim platform.
• Grab rails are everywhere, even on the transom to pull yourself onto the boat.
• Cockpit seating is deep, and the open bow seats four.
• Limited package includes keyless ignition, digital dash and more.
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed 45 mph 5,200 rpm
Accel. to 30 mph 5.2 sec. 121.7 ft.
Accel. to 36 mph 6.8 sec. 205.4 ft.
Noise Levels (db) Neutral 61 D 62 R, 36 mph 86 D 90 R
SPECS
Length 22 ft. 6.5 in. Beam 96.5 in.
Seating Capacity 12
Fuel Capacity 50 gal.
Test Prop Acme 13.25 x 16 4-blade
Test Engine PCM Excalibur 5.7L, 330 HP
