Considering an upgrade. Buyer's Remorse?

[GoBig]

I'm looking at 2012 230s to upgrade from my '03 210 SANTE. Primary reason for the upgrade would be the ability to add NSS option and for more space. Otherwise, I love my '03 210. It does everything really well and my particular boat is in awesome shape, well kept, runs excellent. We are doing more and more surfing and I hate shifting ballast around. If it wasn't for NSS, I'm not sure I'd be considering this. I'm wondering if the additional cost is worth the incremental gain in convenience, wake, and space? I'm looking at an additional $50K to upgrade. For those that have owned both hulls, what are your thoughts?

I read one post from a guy who was selling his barely used 230 to get a "classic hull" (pre '07) SANTE back. Said his '01 210 was the best boat he's ever owned. It got me thinking that I might really miss mine...then again, maybe not...

[biggator]

Get a G - you won't have buyer's remorse. The price difference between a 230 and a G isn't much.. go for it.

[swc5150]

I agree, if you're taking the plunge, get a G.

[hondaprlud]

I've had the same thought, I'm interested in what people who've actually made the switch think.

[shag]

I think he is looking to get a used 230 with a linc, so he can add NSS.... I think...

[ViSoR]

I have an 05 210 and had finally made up my mind about keeping it, then they come out with the NSS! I want that system in the near future. lol

[GoBig]

I think he is looking to get a used 230 with a linc, so he can add NSS.... I think...

Yes, this!

[swc5150]

Ah, I see. Maybe just wait it out to see if they come out with a retrofit for your '03? Of course, a late model 230 would certainly be a nice ride!

[BKinSoCal]

My last boat was an '05 210. I loved the boat, but it always seemed like we had 10 people in the boat and as you know, that isn't very comfortable for anyone but the driver in that boat (fortunately I was generally the driver). When I made the change to my current boat, '08 230, it was a huge difference...figuratively and literally. It's a big boat compared to the 210. The wake was significantly different, the boat isn't as nimble on the water, different prop rotation, but TONS of space.

What I found was I didn't like the wake with just stock ballast. The wake was too mellow and lacking the POP of the 210, even with stock ballast in the 210. It really came down to learning to ride a different wake. But I added 600# of pop bags, 400# plug n play Fly's High's in each trunk and a 600# Fly High arrow sack in the bow. I love my wake now. I couldn't imagine going back to a 210, regardless of model year. I have absolutely no buyers remorse.

The wake for wakeboarding is about mid thigh when loaded and the surf wake has taken some time to dial in, but I think it's a pretty good wake with a nice shape. For surfing, if I don't have many people in the boat, I fill up a 550# bag and put it on the seat of the side we're riding on, generally port side if all goes according to plan (goofy footers make for changing it up). I wish Tsunami pumps pumped faster, but it really helps the wake.

Here are a couple of pictures of one of my buddies riding and surfing so you have something to reference. I don't have a surf picture of the wake when no one is surfing so you can't see hoe clean it gets, but you can get an idea of the size.

I hope this helps you make your decision.

[GoBig]

BK, thanks for the write-up and insight! Those pics are great. I agree with you on the space in the 210...it gets overloaded real quick. How does the width of the wake compare at your normal riding length? I have a 24x12 space for storage, assuming a foldaway tongue, is this adequate for the 230? I realize I'd have to take off the platform.

[perry386]

Yes, this!

Wait about one year and get a used G....I think i remember seeing a blue one on ebay already.

[BKinSoCal]

BK, thanks for the write-up and insight! Those pics are great. I agree with you on the space in the 210...it gets overloaded real quick. How does the width of the wake compare at your normal riding length? I have a 24x12 space for storage, assuming a foldaway tongue, is this adequate for the 230? I realize I'd have to take off the platform.

I ride at 23mph and 75'. I'm an intermediate rider at best. It's definitely a wider wake as the boat is quite a bit wider, but I really do enjoy the wake more than I did my 210. With the 24x12 storage space, you should be good without the platform and with the swing away tongue, as the tongue is almost directly below the tip of the bow.

I say pull the trigger and go with the 230. But you're the one who's taking on an extra $50k in boat cost. I took on about an extra $35k from what I sold the 210 for and what I got my 230 for. I can tell you it has been well worth it!

[perry386]

BK, thanks for the write-up and insight! Those pics are great. I agree with you on the space in the 210...it gets overloaded real quick. How does the width of the wake compare at your normal riding length? I have a 24x12 space for storage, assuming a foldaway tongue, is this adequate for the 230? I realize I'd have to take off the platform.

Ive got 26 feet garage and getting my 230 in is tough. But if you take your time with it you could probably make it work.

[ES]

I am waiting for them to launch a G21 :-)

[BKinSoCal]

Ive got 26 feet garage and getting my 230 in is tough. But if you take your time with it you could probably make it work.

Is it tough with or without the platform and the swing away tongue? I can see if being tough with the platform on as I think it's about 2' deep. I've never had to measure the actual length of my boat because where I store it, the depth isn't an issue...more width due to the angle I have to back it in.