2005 sv-211

[cifly2002]

So I just got approved for a loan and the dealer said he just got a 2005 SV-211 in. I'm going to go look at it tomorrow, but wanted to know what I should be looking for? Problems with that boat or year? What is a good price for the boat? What are too many hours on it? I just want to be prepared as possible. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[HS]

Welcome to P N! Mikeski is the expert on that year and model.

For a rough idea of prices, you could go to search Onlyinboards for comparisons or check NADA.com

What hours are on it? Is it a Team Edition and what options ... You can find old brochures at correctcraftfan.com to read up on that year and model.

The key question for me would be this: how do you plan to use the boat? Ski? Wake? In other words, how did a 211 become of interest?

Can you get dependable information on the history and maintenance of the boat?

[Justin1933]

I have this boat and love it. I have not had any major issues with it and I have around 280 hours on it. It has performed great and been everything I wanted in a boat.

Small Issues:
Sub mounted always comes loose
Carpet has started to fall apart on the backside
Perfect Pass constantly blows the fuse (this is a new problem)

[MikeC]

Engine - pretty much bullet proof, just make sure all the service has been done (impeller, fuel filter, oil changes etc.). Same for the v-drive and transmission. Open the access panel to the drain plug (lift the carpet, there's a small access panel in the floor) feel underneath the v-drive for any oil leaking, the bottom gasket tends to go out on that v-drive.

Interior - the port seat just in front of the walk through - it's hinged towards the interior. Check the area where the seat rests, mine was very weak and they finally had to put a piece of aluminum angle along it to stop the flexing.

Steering cable - check for too much play in the steering, cables wear out, it's normal, but if it needs to be changed that would be something good to have in any sale agreement.

Ballast - if it's a team edition or if it has factory ballast there was a recall on the factory ballast valves, make sure the recall has been complied with (here's a link on to the recall http://www.planetnautique.com/vb3/co...utique-Recalls . There are actually two recalls - one for the ventilation and one for the flow-rite valves). Also a lot of people have changed the original pumps from aerator to impeller type pumps - the original aerator pumps have a hard time priming, you sometimes have to move the boat with the valves open to get the pumps to prime.

Those are the only issues that I can think of. I've had mine for 8 years (about 500 hours) and I've had no other issues, it's been a good boat...just wish the slalom wake was a little flatter, but I can say that now with 2000 pounds of ballast the surf and wakeboard wakes are awesome.

Have you ever owned an inboard? If not it would be a BIG help if you could find someone to go with you on a test drive that has owned or owns an inboard. They'll be familiar with the sounds and feel of an inboard.

[Super B]

Engine - pretty much bullet proof, just make sure all the service has been done (impeller, fuel filter, oil changes etc.). Same for the v-drive and transmission. Open the access panel to the drain plug (lift the carpet, there's a small access panel in the floor) feel underneath the v-drive for any oil leaking, the bottom gasket tends to go out on that v-drive.

Interior - the port seat just in front of the walk through - it's hinged towards the interior. Check the area where the seat rests, mine was very weak and they finally had to put a piece of aluminum angle along it to stop the flexing.

Steering cable - check for too much play in the steering, cables wear out, it's normal, but if it needs to be changed that would be something good to have in any sale agreement.

Ballast - if it's a team edition or if it has factory ballast there was a recall on the factory ballast valves, make sure the recall has been complied with (here's a link on to the recall http://www.planetnautique.com/vb3/co...utique-Recalls . There are actually two recalls - one for the ventilation and one for the flow-rite valves). Also a lot of people have changed the original pumps from aerator to impeller type pumps - the original aerator pumps have a hard time priming, you sometimes have to move the boat with the valves open to get the pumps to prime.

Those are the only issues that I can think of. I've had mine for 8 years (about 500 hours) and I've had no other issues, it's been a good boat...just wish the slalom wake was a little flatter, but I can say that now with 2000 pounds of ballast the surf and wakeboard wakes are awesome.

Have you ever owned an inboard? If not it would be a BIG help if you could find someone to go with you on a test drive that has owned or owns an inboard. They'll be familiar with the sounds and feel of an inboard.

Great post.

Sorry to hijack, I have an '09 and I want to upgrade my factory ballast to handle more surfing. What did you do to achive 2000 lbs of ballast?

[MikeC]

I took out the rear hard tanks and replaced them with a 750 pound bag on each side. then I have two 150 pound bags that I put under the rear seats, plus two 150 pound bags in the bow. I used the 150s because I can move them easily and adjust the weight based on how many people I have in the boat. I got everything from WakeMakers.com, they're pretty good and it's one-stop-shopping.

cifly - I did a quick search for 211s for sale and found most of them priced in the mid 30's one was priced at 42,000 but they didn't know what they had (they said it has a Corvette ZR6 engine - the Corvette is a Z06 and it has an LS engine - pcm uses ZR for their engines) and one was priced at 30,000, but I believe it was in salt water. Good luck with the purchase.

[Stef_Jelos]

I have an 05 with approx. 960 hours and have had zero major issues. Great, great boat! The minor problems have already been mentioned but will reiterate:

*Had to replace steering cable at around 700 hours but this is expected.
*Replaced carpet with Corinthian due to deteriorating rubber backing of original.
*Ballast valves replaced under recall.
*Minor gel-coat cracks all fixed under warranty.

And that's it! I have been meticulous about maintenance and store indoor but the engine/tranny/v-drive in this boat are solid and again, great boat.

[Mikeski]

Common issues (many already mentioned by Mike C):
- as others have mentioned, ballast valves are problematic, even after I had them replaced with the "fix" valves. I ended up eliminating them by replacing the fill pumps with impeller pumps
- seat bases, passenger love seat and bow seats warp if they are left in odd positions in the heat, all of mine were replaced once under warranty
- the 211's are prone to slow leaks around the rear rub rail
- my 211 suffered stress cracks around the tower feet until they beefed up the fiberglass underneath
- the fit and finish of many 211's is below typical nautique standards (sight down the sides in the windshield area)
- steering cables go out early, likely due to the slow leaks
- in 05 they upgraded the electrical system to include a 100A alternator, it solved most of the earlier low voltage issues
- V-drive units often leak fluid, check under the v-drive with a paper towel before buying
- rear ventilation hoses fall off
- interior carpet backing fails requiring complete replacement, upgrade to Corinthian when this happens


Now the positives
- solid proven powerplants (all motor options)
- rides very good in rough water
- very versatile boat (good at everything, great at nothing)
- convenient interior layout

If the boat does not have the rear pylon I would have them add it. The stock ballast works just fine for me. If I run less than a full crew I will add ballast to make up for human weight but I like about 1000lbs of human and ballast on top of the factory 3 tank system. If I have more than 1000lbs of human I reduce the factory ballast load.

Would I buy this boat today? Depends on the price. There are better options now that were not available when I bought my 2005 SV211 new. Price for the boat is dependent on hours, condition and options. With no details the range is probably low of $25k to a high of $35k.

Good luck

[cifly2002]

Test Drive

Going to test drive this boat on Friday. This boat is on consignment and is asking $42k. I have him at $40k, but want to get him lower. This is a team edition with the upgraded 385hp motor. It has 190 hours and is in immaculate condition. Thank you all for the list of things to look for. Anything else? Can I wake surf with a stock setup?

Common issues (many already mentioned by Mike C):
- as others have mentioned, ballast valves are problematic, even after I had them replaced with the "fix" valves. I ended up eliminating them by replacing the fill pumps with impeller pumps
- seat bases, passenger love seat and bow seats warp if they are left in odd positions in the heat, all of mine were replaced once under warranty
- the 211's are prone to slow leaks around the rear rub rail
- my 211 suffered stress cracks around the tower feet until they beefed up the fiberglass underneath
- the fit and finish of many 211's is below typical nautique standards (sight down the sides in the windshield area)
- steering cables go out early, likely due to the slow leaks
- in 05 they upgraded the electrical system to include a 100A alternator, it solved most of the earlier low voltage issues
- V-drive units often leak fluid, check under the v-drive with a paper towel before buying
- rear ventilation hoses fall off
- interior carpet backing fails requiring complete replacement, upgrade to Corinthian when this happens


Now the positives
- solid proven powerplants (all motor options)
- rides very good in rough water
- very versatile boat (good at everything, great at nothing)
- convenient interior layout

If the boat does not have the rear pylon I would have them add it. The stock ballast works just fine for me. If I run less than a full crew I will add ballast to make up for human weight but I like about 1000lbs of human and ballast on top of the factory 3 tank system. If I have more than 1000lbs of human I reduce the factory ballast load.

Would I buy this boat today? Depends on the price. There are better options now that were not available when I bought my 2005 SV211 new. Price for the boat is dependent on hours, condition and options. With no details the range is probably low of $25k to a high of $35k.

Good luck

[Mikeski]

I know what boat you are looking at and personally would probably not pay over $35k for it. The owner probably thinks it is worth more than it really is. It would need to be less than 5 years old for me to get closer to $40k. The colors are OK but it looks like a signature edition with the white sides and that probably offsets the big motor premium. The trailer is identical to mine which indicates the boat most likely was sold through Hammers. It's a good trailer. Yes you can surf it with stock ballast but the pocket is pretty small. We rarely add more than the factory ballast to mine.

nearly identical boat comparable at another dealer priced at $35k: http://columbiamo.craigslist.org/bod/2858229844.html

And another (2 year old add) but still at $35k:
http://www.boatloco.com/boats/showthread.php?t=18448

[cifly2002]

I'll see if I can get him down more. Thanks for your input. Last year they had on '06 team edition for $35k and I didn't have the money. What are the differences in the '05 and '06? They swear this is a team edition though. Anyway I could prove its not? If it truly is should it be worth more with that motor?

I know what boat you are looking at and personally would probably not pay over $35k for it. The owner probably thinks it is worth more than it really is. It would need to be less than 5 years old for me to get closer to $40k. The colors are OK but it looks like a signature edition with the white sides and that probably offsets the big motor premium. The trailer is identical to mine which indicates the boat most likely was sold through Hammers. It's a good trailer. Yes you can surf it with stock ballast but the pocket is pretty small. We rarely add more than the factory ballast to mine.

nearly identical boat comparable at another dealer priced at $35k: http://columbiamo.craigslist.org/bod/2858229844.html

And another (2 year old add) but still at $35k:
http://www.boatloco.com/boats/showthread.php?t=18448

[HS]

Cifly, sent you a PM. I agree with mikeski on the asking price. Do you have a link to the boat ad with pictures? Is there a "Team" logo on the boat on both sides of the hull near the transom?

The brochures for each model year show what options came standard on the Team Edition -- have to check, but probably would be dual batteries, 3 ballast tanks, flip up driver's seat, perfect pass, flight clips, Tower, Bow Speakers, Amplifier and Sub, Air Graphics, Team Prop.

One thing to keep in mind is that it is early spring, which some take to mean it is the beginning of "seller's season", but that is also when most used boats get put up for sale and a lot of trades come into the delaerships --- so there should be plenty to choose from.

[Mikeski]

sorry I was not completely clear. The boat is a Team Edition but it looks like a Signature Edition because of the chosen colors. Negative value points for not having a complete stereo (missing tower speakers), at least in the craigslist pix.

[cifly2002]

Good to know on the color combo. Not having tower speakers sucks. I definitely want a good deal and I guess I can wait, although its hard to. Maybe an '07 and up 210 will become available because I would love that boat.

[mf01]

Common issues (many already mentioned by Mike C):


- the fit and finish of many 211's is below typical nautique standards (sight down the sides in the windshield area)

I didn't realize this. I've been casually looking at a 211. I told my wife that I could get Mastercraft for a lot cheaper. We then both agree that we couldn't go from a Nautique to a Mastercraft.