sante 210 - 2008/2009

[TRO]

howdy all!

i'm new here, so i've been doing some searching threads and a lot of browsing on the web to find information available here.

i recently went to the Houston boat show back in January and was looking at some of the SAN's (assuming they were 08s and 09s). the SANTE is a sick boat and I really like almost everything about it over the VLX (my other possible choice), but I can't seem to get over my dislike for the height of the seats in the boat.

it seems like the seats are barely off the floor and would make it rather cramped if it were loaded down with 7-8 people. i'm not sure how high they are, but it doesn't seem they are more than 1 foot off the floor of the boat.

does anyone else have issues with feeling cramped with 7-8 people in one of the SANTEs? (probably looking at a 2008). I haven't rode in one yet so I might just be paranoid, but it seems the malibus are a lot deeper and would have more room for people and gear.

any thoughts would be appreciated. i'm really torn between possibly getting a 2009 vlx vs getting a 2008 SANTE. It would an easy choice if not for this seat issue.

[kaikane]

I went through a similar decision process last summer...ultimately went with a Crossover 236. Although the seats do sit a little lower they are very comfortable and easy on the little ones. I personally was more concerned with gunwale height for the little ones and the VLX sits too upright for my taste. I personally went with the 236 for the extra room but was originally targeting the 210. I regularly have 6-7 adults and 6-7 kids under 7 on the boat and everybody has more than enough space.

Have ridden on friends 210's and with 5-6 200+ pound guys, we have more than enough room. I personally think the ride and layout of the Nautique is the best on the market these days. I'm an MC convert so not totally biased but CC has been such a cut above other manufacturers the last couple of years it's hard to go wrong with them.

[gride300]

i prefer the seats in the 210's compared to my old 05 x-2. they might be a tad lower , but they are much more comfortable, the dual batteries are easy to get to, and the cooler is great. of course i'm bias, but you'll fall in love with nautiques and never get anything but after all you've done is break in the engine much less use it for years and years reliably

[xrichard]

I ended up with a 210 for a variety of reasons including the seating.

In favor of the 210:

1. Better for wakeboarding--the ability to comfortably sit 4 rear-facing (5 can fit) in the cockpit is a big deal. I didn't think it was a big deal until I actual rode in a 210.

2. No loose cushions in cockpit--all seats are hinged at the base. I hate having to pull up loose cushions to access storage spaces (which is why I use the bow storage for things rarely used)

In favor of the VLX

1. Better for families / lounging / cruising--just my opinion

2. More storage--you have to deal with a number of unhinged bottom pieces, but you get WAY more storage

3. Nicer looking--in fact, I think the entire interior is nicer looking

[TRO]

thanks for the help guys. after doing some more looking, it seems the argument about having multiple rear facing seats while riding is a huge selling point for me. i've been looking at 08s and 09s so far, hopefully i'll find something i like.