Newbie Looking for a good used Nautique - 210 or 230?

[Jralston]

Hello, Im new on this site but an old wakeboarder (my first board was a baff). I have owned several air nautiques back in the late 90's/early 2000's but sold them to start a family. Now the kids are old enough so I'm back in the market and looking for a good wakeboard boat. I'm pretty out of touch with the technology of the recent boats and researching online leads me to the 210 or 230 I imagine either of these boats will be worlds difference than a 1999 air.

I'm leaning toward a 230 unless someone sways me otherwise. My budget would be 60K max and it seems around 2008 model year is priced close to this with low hrs. We will only be wakeboarding/tubing/surfing. My timeframe is now until June for purchase.

My questions would be (sorry if they are dumb):

1. I see a bunch of used 230 boats online. I assume the team edition is the only way to go and not sure if you can get it any other way? Is there many different configurations on these boats? (not talking little stuff). Anything that is a must have option?

2. Engine size: Does the PCM 343 have enough power for these boats? Seems that the the ZR6 is recommended by other threads. How does the smaller engine effect resale?

3. Whats a fair price for a 2008 230 with say 75-150 hrs (with trailer)? I see a bunch listed by dealers. Whats the best boat for 60K?

4. Is there a reason to go to a 210? Typically would only have 4-8 people at a time but at time would have up to ten. Primary use will be in protected bays of Lake Erie. How is the wake on a 230 with ballast and 4 people (500lbs).

5. I'm in NE Ohio and there is not much selection around here. How do you buy a boat long distance? I guess I would consider flying to check out boats but I would have to have a real short list for this. Do people buy without demo? Buy/ship without viewing in person? Is there 3rd party boat inspectors out there?


Thanks in advance for any responses.

John

[xrichard]

I find up to 6 is comfortable in my 210...more than that can be crowded depending on the kid:adult ratio. I usually go with 3-4 total, so it works for me.

If you're typically taking 6-8 and sometimes 10, I think the 230 will serve you better. In that case, I think the only reason to look at a 210 would be ( 1 ) easier to fit in most garages, and ( 2 ) from what I've read, the wake is less finicky on the 210 (...I've never ridden behind a 230, so I don't have first hand experience here, but it seems a common report).

[nyryan2001]

John- I'll throw a curve ball here for consideration.

If you are at all interested in surfing.... consider the NSS in 2012s and newer.

You can get real close to your price range in a 2012 350hp 210... and add NSS, or have it worked into your purchase from a dealer at a savings in parts/labor wise. Its that big of a deal and its that good. NSS is only compatable with 2012s and newer FYI.

I love the 230s, but they'd be another 6k more.... and I'd take a 210 with NSS over a 230 without any day. Its that much of an improvement and makes surfing that much easier and move enjoyable. You'll find you and your crew wanna surf more with it.

Welcome back.

[F725]

Considering the 230 is at least $6k more than a 210... you can get a nicer and maybe newer 210 for your money. I've been in both, surfed behind both and the 210 with NSS (like nryan said) is awesome! I don't wakeboard anymore so I can't speak to that but the wake does look nice. I also ride daily with 8-10 people in the boat, not too crowded but... the 230 would have more space for sure. I'm looking to sell mine (to get another of course ) but it's a bit higher than what you want to spend... for what it's worth... it's beyond loaded! Seriously.

[4th ski-doo]

I was looking at a 230 before I picked up the 210 but its a lot of extra money. I like the way the 210 looks over the 230 and post 2012 was very important to me for the NSS. We've taken to surfing and more ride every summer since we started.

Must haves? Zero off, like the ease of control with the Linc, NSS.

I've been in both, the 230 just needs more engine than the 343. Some on this board say its enough but the people that I talk to around the dealership and on the water don't.

Friends of mine have sold over the internet and shipped before and one they delivered personally 6 hours away. For the dealers it's tricky because of regions and agreements with nautique.

[awakewilson]

The 210 was referred to as "the" wakeboard boat until the G-series boats came out. The 230 is better for surfing and for more people but the 210 is what you want for wakeboarding. The wake give a great pop with smooth take offs and landings. Personally I would get a 210 over a 230

[Jralston]

Whats the cost of adding the nss? I like this idea.

[axeman]

Around $3k I think...

[perry386]

I wouldn't consider the 210 as being a better wakeboard boat as much as just a more user-friendly wakeboard boat. If you have smaller children that will be intimidated by a steep wake then the 210 is definitely the wiser choice. The 230 has a very vertical wake that can be a bit intimidating and hard to hit on occasion but it will boot you way up into the air and has a nice feel on the landings. The 210 has a more mellow wake that is less intimidating and more consistent but won't boot you quite as high and the landings are about equal with the 230.

For wakesurfing it is the opposite. The 210 has a steep, tall wave while the 230 has a long, mellow wave. You will also need to remember, however, that NSS allows you to make the wave whatever you want and if you can fork out the extra cash it is an awesome option to have.

I have an 08 230 with the Zr6 and I will say that the 390 is the perfect engine.

[4th ski-doo]

A close friend of mine is selling his 210. It's an 08 and they don't come any cleaner! Stereo done and sounds incredible, extra sacs installed and plumbed properly, and all maintenance done on time properly

http://www.docksidemarine.net/new_ga...32&pov=3553078

He's a good guy and really took care of this boat.

[BIGAIRCPA]

I have a 2012 SAN 230 and it is incredible. For us, we are always 6 - 8 ppl, full ballast, and the wave is awesome, long, strong and full of push. The space is awesome and the boat handles chop really well, which on bigger lakes is a big plus. NSS will be added this summer and that should really make the wave that much more incredible.