BUYING A 210

[Shooter]

I have been in the boat market for a while now and Im close to pulling the trigger. I would love to get a 210 but have not decided on a year or model (LE or TE). Im afraid if I go with an 03 I will wish I had purchased an 09 for the added extras. The flip side is that I dont want to pay an extra 30,000 for a few useless novelties that dont get used.

I live in California and need the Catanium engine to get it registered (I don’t know what year that requirement started). The reversible seating on the 07-09 is a big draw for me, but I wonder how often I would really use it. Obviously the much lower purchase price for a 03 is huge. I know it will ultimately come down to what I prefer, but any input would be appreciated.

A lot of people feel the 03 is the sweet spot. What year and why? Here is my uneducated list:

2007-2009
Wake-less steep but needs weight
Snap in carpet
Reversible seating
Crest graphics
Hydro gate
FCT 2 or 3
Warranty

2003-2006
Wake-Rampy and needs less weight
PRICE
Pop rear locks key-less entry
03+ should have wrap-around seating

[crowland]

RE: BUYING A 210

Here are a couple of more reasons for the 03 in particular over the previous years -
New Faria Digital/Analog Gauges
New Engine Options (Not sure if the Cantium falls into that bucket or not), mine does have a california emissions sticker on it though and it is the 5.7PCM
Classic Flight Control Tower
Last Year of the AIR Logo - Claissic version
Floor dropped a couple of inches for a larger-feeling interior than previous years
Push-Button Hatch Releases (Two-Year-Only Option) 02 and 03 only

The 05 would be my other choice in 210s if you stay with the older hull design - due to the chrome tower and windshield frame. Those are the only 2 things I would like on my 03; other than a solid color deck.

I know there was also a year after 03 that the ballast was upgraded, not sure what year this was. There was a recall in 03 so this might be worth checking into as well if you are leaning toward the 03-06 210s.

I am sure there are other pros and cons - but those are at least a few to add to your list.

As a side note: the 03-06s 210s do not have full wrap around seating. The '07 was the first year for that, and in my opinion it wasnt perfected as a wrap-around until '08 when they took the engine bulge out of the middle of the bench in the back. Also the beam in 07 was widened by 8-10inches over the 03-06 210s, so they are more roomy on the interior.

I think either way you go you'll be happy since getting a Nautique!!

[apexrig1]

With my experience with buying anything in general, spend the money and get what you want. If you don't you will have to make it what you want, and that will again cost your time and money.

[aarond0083]

If you can afford a new one go that route. They are both great boats but the newer ones just have so much more room. I prefer the wake on the newer hull as well. Also, if you must have the Catanium engine it started in 2009.

btw, I have owned both the classic 210 and a 2007. Have a 2009 on order.

[saceone]

I think you guys are forgetting about the 2002 model..

it's the first year of the ''new'' ''old'' 210 LOL.

[AuMDLST]

If you must have the Catanium your decision has been made for you by the emissions regulations of California - gonna have to purchase an 09.

[NCH2oSki]

Would you have to have the catanuim engine if the boat was purchased in CA and all you had to do was transfer registration?

[bchesley]

Personally I have spent time in a new model and my old model/version. I cant imagine spending 30k plus more to have the features on the new models. Are they really worth that much. You could buy a sick truck to pull you older boat, buy a hotrod to tool around in on the weekend, buy your family dirt bikes for alternative activities and this list could go on and on. Think about the amount of money you are actually spending.

[bkhallpass]

You don't need a catanium to register a used boat in CA. What you cannot do is purchase a new boat outside the state, without the emissions control equipment, and then expect to register it in California.

See this article:

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...rds-10998.html

BKH

[INVNO1]

Pretty sure msrp on the catanium upgrade is like 10K. Don't know what you can actually get it for,but that may drive the price up quite a bit. If you can purchased a used 08 and bring it in,I'd look into that if you decide on the newer hull. Good luck in your quest, either way you'll get a great boat.

[aarond0083]

Definitely not a 10K upgrade. The Catanium upgrade is $2000 MSRP. Should only be about $1200-$1400 in actual price paid.

http://www.aarondenny.net/msrp09air.pdf

[Shooter]

Thanks for the help everyone! Crowland gave me exactly what I was looking for.

BKhallpass, im still a bit confused regarding the California emissions requirment. I read your attachment a few times and its not really clear. I read it as from JAN 2008 forward ANY boat (inboard less than 500 HP) will need to meet "appropriate emission requirements" to be registerd with the California DMV. You are saying I can purchase a out of state 2009 SAN (as long as it is used) without the Catanium engine?

"The new law is designed to prevent Californians from purchasing a recreational boat outside the state with a non-compliant engine to circumvent the new emissions requirement and is similar to its vehicle registration requirements."

[gride300]

i know the epa decided not to let cali enforce stronger emissions regulations. not sure if that helps. i think you could have alot more fun with the 03-06. first of all are you goofy or regular? if you're goofy go for 03-05 team. if you're most important want is the new seating(which i love) then get a new one. both wakes will be as lovable as a puppy. just make sure everything is koscher with the engine/electrical and sea worthyness of a used one. and with the extra money you could add anything you want to it or keep it for reitirement.

[bkhallpass]

Not that difficult.

California passed a law that says for boats and specifically engines manufactured
after Jan 1, 2008, they must have certain emissions equipment, and certain tags
to prove compliance.

In order to preven folks from buying out of state, and bringing the boats in without
the emissions controls, you must either, 1)prove you were a full time resident of the other state when you bought the boat, or 2) prove the boat meets CA standards.

At leas for now, CA emissions laws have no impact on boats manufactured before Jan 1, 2008.

Perhaps this article is better.

http://dmv.ca.gov/vehindustry/vin_me...08/08vin08.pdf

BKH

[bkhallpass]

Gride is correct. California emission laws have been disputed and pushed back a couple of times. I am not sure where they stand right now because I've not been in the market for a new boat, and thus I haven't paid much attention.

BKH