re 211 and 216

[rli2]

I am trying to decide between the 211 TE and the 216 TE. I was hoping for input re: whether or not the 211 is a good boat for slalom skiing, whether or not having the ski post a little further back in the boat creates more potential for pull as one skis behind the 211 vs. the more central position in the 216, and whether or not the 211 is fun to drive. I have to admit that I like the looks of the 216 better than than 211, but the 211 seems more "family friendly". Any comments from individuals with experience with either the 211 or 216 would be appreciated. Would I be disappointed with either boat- I have 2 kids (4 and 6 years old) and a few friends that are rather hard core skiers. Thanks for the input

[skinautique]

RE: re 211 and 216

It will depend on how much skiing you want to do and which layout you like. You have the 216 that breaks up the seating, weighs less, has a slightly lower wake but hard to tell and you have the 211 with a lot of creature comforts, an open seating arrangement and a boat that will be better for wakeboarding.

[Mikeski]

RE: re 211 and 216

I competed in slalom and jump at AWSA tournaments for over 20 years, now I just enjoy a nice open water run at 34/22 or 34/28. I just bought the 211, it handles and skis much better then I was expecting.

[Daytomann]

I bought the 216 TE because I wanted a boat that would do it all. I'm a wakeboarder, and with the ballasts full on the 216 the wake is great. With a few more people in the boat its even better. I have alot of friends that are skiiers so I wanted them to be able to go out with us and enjoy a great slolam wake as well. So now everyone will be happy.
Ive only had the boat since Aug of 04...I took one of my hardcore ski buddys out a few times last year and he loved the ski wake behind this boat.
This boat also handles like nothing else. Its like a sports car on the water. Yellow_Flash_Colorz:

[Miljack]

This is worth wait you paid for it! I have been out in a 05 Team SV211 with the 330hp engine and full ballast package. This boat has a nice layout and has a nice wake for skiing, and a LARGE wake for boarding when full of ballast and with the gate thingy in the right spot. I can't compare the ski or wakeboard wake to anything because I didn't ski or board it, it was too **** cold.

My observations;
a. The interior layout of the boat is very roomy.
b. Noise level is better than our boat.
c. Very solid ride across the "double up" wake.
d. Many handy features, ie. coolers, fold up seats, etc..
e. The walk through transom is cool, but our 3yr old wanted to walk up it while we were moving, NOT cool.
f. The boat "banked" more while turning than our dd boat.

Overall observation was that it's a very nice boat, but seems heavy to me, and not as reponsive as our boat, a 1999 Pro Air Python. The way the seating area is laid out though, provides much more open space for a few people to hang out and relax.

With my tastes for handling, etc.. I prefer the DD boats.

ymmv,
Jack

[skinautique]

Jack,
You are saying you have a 99 "Pro Air Python"? If so, the python had an additional 90+ horsepower over the Excalibur. You are also talking about moving a boat that weighs less than 3000lbs versus the almost 4000lbs that the 211 is. A closer comparison would have been to drive the boat with a ZR6 engine. Still not as much horsepower but a lot closer to it!

[AbunDiga909]

I'd like to second what Daytomann said 100%.

[Miljack]

skinautique,
yeah I know, I'm probably ruined for life with our boat setup! :mrgreen: I asked if they had a ZR6 but they didn't have one for the demo day.
In my review, I tried not to say anything about the power or acceleration because I know that it's not an even comparison. I was trying to relay that the 211 just seemed heavier to me (which it is), and that its maneuverability didn't seem as quick as our PAN. I actually really like the 211 and it's concept, but for now I prefer the DD handling.
Ymmv

Jack