Hydrogate on the sv 211

[rli2]

Does the hydrogate really work? I wonder if this would get fouled with weeds (our lake can have a fair number of weeds). I am debating whether to buy an sv 211 or a 216- At present it seems like the sv211 might be more "family friendly", but the 211 is likely less fun to drive (V drive) than the 216 (direct drive)? Any input would be appreciated.

[FatBoy]

RE: Hydrogate on the sv 211

Yes it really works.

No weeds don't foul it.

I used to own a MasterCraft ProStar 190 and I love the way my 211 handles.

[NautiqueJeff]

RE: Hydrogate on the sv 211

I'd trust what FatBoy says. When it comes to the 211, he's the expert. He's one of the few people who can already say that he's owned TWO.

[FatBoy]

RE: Hydrogate on the sv 211

And if my new one burns up tonight (knock on wood) I would order another one tomorrow.

[AbunDiga909]

Only boats that drive like the 216 are the 206, 196, and another 216. If you are not like me and are not attached to the classy lines and sharp look and handleing of the 216, which is a big factor to me, I'd go with the 211. But, my family being picky and coming from an '82 2001, we are not dissapointed at all w/ out 216.

[Mikeski]

I have only spent about a couple hours in my 211 so far. I did play with the hydrogate at different speeds and it does work. Not like doubling the wake but it does let the back of the boat sit a little deeper raising adding an inch or two to the peak of the wake. The biggest difference I noticed is that the hydrogate really knocked down the rooster tail at slalom speeds. I had driven a few V-drives including a SAN and a Malibu VLX, the 211 handling is much closer to a direct drive in my limited experience then most other V-drives. I feel the 211 handles every bit as good as my 1995, however the handling of my 95 was not it's strong suit.

[Mikeski]

I should also mention that my 1984 2001 would have done circles around the 1995 SN.

[clubmyke]

the hydrogate works well and doesnt get caught up (it isnt like the bu "wedge"-much smaller and unintrusive). doesnt affect the handling at all. it "flattens" the wake down when in used.

btw, the boat has a beautiful wake(world class) when weighed down...

[NautiqueJeff]

Here's a picture of the gate.

[SilverSpraySports]

The hydrogate is very effective. Due to its design, there isn't much that can get hung up on it. The thing that I like is that it is incorporated to work with the hull. It isn't an attachment bolted onto the transom to change wake shapes and sizes. With the recent approval of this boat to pull 3 event tournaments, it shows you how good it is as a crossover boat. Both the 211 and 216 are fun to drive. The 216 is a little bit more nimble than the 211 but it is a very slight difference.

-Doug

[TylerO]

There is another huge benefit to the hydrogate!

Many of us load our boats down with extra ballast. This additional weight increases the duration for the boat to get on plane (bow rise) during initial acceleration. If you leave the Hydrogate in slalom mode it will plane much faster. Then just shift into wakeboard mode once your on plane. Clubmyke and I have both tested this and the hydrogate helps the boat to plane much quicker when in Slalom mode.

[jeffsv211]

Tyler.. that's a benefit I never thought of, what a concept.. I can't believe that they don't market it that way too!

[clubmyke]

with factory ballast, the boat is up in a second...
with 1200 lbs of additonal ballast, it takes a little bit longer :mrgreen:

[Hack]

Don't mean to highjack the post but quick question for AbunDiga909. Is your bimini from towerbimini's.com? How much was it? It looks great on your boat.

[AbunDiga909]

quick answer for hack...

Yep its a towerbimini, along with a lot of others on this site. They seem to be the best and most popular. I think they list for about 700, but I don't think anybody buys at list. The stripe and extra color is a little extra also.