Nautique Air 206 2005 vs Nautique SkiNautique Open Bow 2000 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Nautique Air 206 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Nautique SkiNautique Open Bow 2000 is certified for 6. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Nautique Air 206 2005 and Nautique SkiNautique Open Bow 2000 share an 91 in. (2.31 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Are the Nautique Air 206 2005 and Nautique SkiNautique Open Bow 2000 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Nautique Air 206 2005 and the Nautique SkiNautique Open Bow 2000 are built by Nautique. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Nautique Air 206 2005 vs Nautique SkiNautique Open Bow 2000

Nautique

Nautique Air 206 2005

2005

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Nautique

Nautique SkiNautique Open Bow 2000

2000

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Nautique Air 206 2005 vs Nautique SkiNautique Open Bow 2000 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Nautique Air 206 2005 vs Nautique SkiNautique Open Bow 2000 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Nautique Air 206 2005 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Nautique SkiNautique Open Bow 2000 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Nautique Air 206 2005 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Nautique Air 206 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 22,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Nautique SkiNautique Open Bow 2000 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeNautique

ModelAir 206

ModelSkiNautique Open Bow

Model Year2005

Model Year2

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam91 in. (2.31 m)

Beam91"

Beam - Meters2.31

Beam - Inches91

Draft [max] - Detail24 in. (.61 m)

Draft [max] - Detail24"

Draft [max] - Meters0.61

Draft [max] - Inches24

Weight - Detail2,975 lbs. (1,352 kg)

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - kg1349.44

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - lbs.2975

Weight - lbs.not available

Length - Meters6.81

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet22

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Inches4

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail22 ft. 4 in. (6.81 m) W/o Platform: 20 ft. 7.5 in. (6.29 m)

Length overall - Detail20' 8"

Length overall - Meters6.81

Length overall - Meters6.1

Length overall - Inches268

Length overall - Inches24

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail29 gal. (109.8 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters109.78

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal29

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Drive typeInboard

Drive typenot available

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,210 lbs. (550 kg)

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people9

Maximum peoplenot available

Nautique Air 206 2005 vs Nautique SkiNautique Open Bow 2000 — Common Questions

How many people can each boat hold?

The Nautique Air 206 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Nautique SkiNautique Open Bow 2000 is certified for 6. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Nautique Air 206 2005 and Nautique SkiNautique Open Bow 2000 share an 91 in. (2.31 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Are the Nautique Air 206 2005 and Nautique SkiNautique Open Bow 2000 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Nautique Air 206 2005 and the Nautique SkiNautique Open Bow 2000 are built by Nautique. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Nautique Air 206 2005 full specs ← Nautique SkiNautique Open Bow 2000 full specs