Center U tank in SV211, worth $700 option?

[Mikeski]

I looked at a 211 at the boat show today. I had previously written that boat off because of the high cost but found it to be very close to my price range in a fairly stripped form at boat show prices so it's back in the mix. I am still not a big fan of the styling especially the transom but it seems to be pretty functional and maybe I can learn to love it.

Is everybody running the center U ballast tank or is there a bag that can be installed in this space? It's about a $700 option for only 330 lbs so I am having some difficulty swallowing this option. I will not get the rear tanks but plan to add my own higher capacity bags in these spaces.

How are you guys setting up your 211s?

[skinautique]

RE: Center U tank in SV211, worth $700 option?

I would get the tank. It doesn't take up any space in the ski locker and would cost a bit more to get it installed after the boat was built.

[clubmyke]

would go for it also....

have had really good luck with lead up front also (180 lbs)- tried it in the ski locker and it didnt work out as well.

will be trying 2 additional 500 lbs ballast bags and a 600 center and 500 lbs of lead.......

[surfsup]

$700 may seem like alot, but it's really represents only 1 - 2% of the total purchase price. If you're financing, that probably equates to something between 8-12 dollars more a month. One thing I learned on the purchase of my first Nautique was to option it out like I wanted - nothing less. My 211 has all three tanks. They fill and drain in a few minutes - eliminates the hassle of the sacs - definitely worth it....

[Socbum]

My '02 SAN has rear tanks and no center tank.

With the rear tanks full the boat porpoises (sp?) and makes for a very uncomfortable ride. To fix the problem while on the water I either have someone in the bow or empty the tanks. A bit of a nuisances either way.

I would get the center tank.

[Mikeski]

surfsup, I am paying cash, so I feel every dollar just the same...

The second part of my question. I know I could put a small bag in the ski locker but the U tank doesn't really take up much room that is the only reason I am giving it consideration. I was just wondering if any aftermarket bag makers had a better or cheaper solution. Clubmyke, how are you getting 600 in the center?

If I end up with this boat I will be putting bags in the back sides, the factory tanks are too small (light) and take up room when empty. I can use these spaces to pack stuff when I go boat camping. I figure I will end up running 100-400#s of lead in the bow, the 330#s center tank, and about 400#s in each rear corner. So about 1500#x total, I think this should work pretty well for boarding and surfing.

[AirNautique211]

If you have cash to pay for the boat - get it all. The 211 puts out an excellent wake with only the tanks and gate. Having the ability to adjust the wake with little to no effort is what the boat is all about. Not getting the tank options defeats the purpose of getting a 211. The 211 is built around the fact that it can go either way - easily! Jacking around with with lead and bags will only devalue your investment over time - no matter how you do it, bags and lead will have an affect on the boat over time. A 211 without tanks will not do well on the resale market. The cost of time on the water, wear n tear on the boat, and loss of resale value is much more costly than the tank options.

[clubmyke]

actually had really good results with 400 lbs of lead (evenly)...

mikeski- there is room in the ski locker for a ballast bag..