Nautique 226 vs 220 vs 210

[bradfr]

I am interested in potentially purchasing a newer boat soon. I recently sold my 2003 Wakesetter VLX and was considering a move into Nautique. I understand that the closest boat to my VLX would be a 210 however the seat layout of the 220 and 226 look nice to me. I have 3 kids that enjoy skiing and tubing, while me and my buddies wakeboard. My VLX could produce a wake that was very nice and I would be looking for something that is somewhat similar. At first I was thinking that the 210 would be the boat but I am curious to here how the 220 and 226 wakes are. I have read the 220 wake is very touchy and hard to get dialed in. It looks like any of these boats from between 2006 and 2008 are in my price range. Any advice is appreciated.

[cwindingland]

Since I own a 220, I will add my biased opinion. Of the three you mentioned, the 220 and 226 are probably the best bang for your buck in the Nautique lineup. The 210 has a cult-like following that keeps demand and price higher. Also, the 220 has a unique interior layout that brings mixed feelings. We have 3 kids also and it really works well for us and has lots of compartments for storage (or bags). And the built in full-size garbage can is genius and easy to access. I too have read the 220 wake is finicky and there is some truth to that. However, it is pretty easy to shift some weight to clean it up. Regardless, by the time you tension up the rope you would have already cleaned up any wash in the wake. And, the 220 is probably the better hull of the three for surfing. It has a larger hull than the 210 so more water is being displaced and the rear compartments are bigger than the 210 and 226. With extra ballast, it sets up quickly and has a great shape with lots of push. I do like the walk thru on the 226, especially with kids. And, the 210 is still considered the gold standard for wakeboarding. At least for us working-class folks. Good luck with your decision and test drive/ride each one. Another boat you did not list that I would also consider for a little bit more money would be a 236.

[bradfr]

Thanks for the opinion. I am trying to limit myself to around 22' for the length of my boat, this is why I haven't considered the 236. Also, that boat pretty much blows my budget. There seem to be some pretty decent deals on 226 and 220's out there in comparison to the 210. I have time on my side right now, my boat is already sold and the season is coming to an end. I plan on holding out until I see some good prices so I can get as new a boat as possible.

[pzthk6]

As a past owner of 220 and current owner of a 210, I can tell you we loved out 220. The storage on the boat was great and it did very well with most things. While I pulled a few skiers with the boat, it's not a small wake by any means, and definitely leans more to the wake sports. My kids still handled the wake fine though at their slower speeds. We switched over to the 210, for versatility. From my view, it is the best all around boat offered. I still ski and barefoot sometimes and the wake flattens out around 30mph. It is still a great wake boat as well, plus the new NSS and proballast makes it a fantastic surf boat.

[wawasee]

Look at the SV211. I am a skier and love the boat. Better ski boat than our previous '91 Sport Nautique. Good wakeboard wake too

[hondaprlud]

Keep in mind the 210 hull changed in 2008 (I think) so in the years you're looking for you have 2 very different wakeboard wakes in the 210.

I've never ridden the 08 210 but I'm told the wake is rampier, vs the old hull that is rather abrupt. The newer 210 als had more interior space.

[bradfr]

Look at the SV211. I am a skier and love the boat. Better ski boat than our previous '91 Sport Nautique. Good wakeboard wake too

I looked at the sv211 and the reason that I took it off my list is because I didnt feel it would make a good enough wake to satisfy my needs. I am not as concerned with the ski wake as I am the wakeboard wake.

[bradfr]

As a past owner of 220 and current owner of a 210, I can tell you we loved out 220. The storage on the boat was great and it did very well with most things. While I pulled a few skiers with the boat, it's not a small wake by any means, and definitely leans more to the wake sports. My kids still handled the wake fine though at their slower speeds. We switched over to the 210, for versatility. From my view, it is the best all around boat offered. I still ski and barefoot sometimes and the wake flattens out around 30mph. It is still a great wake boat as well, plus the new NSS and proballast makes it a fantastic surf boat.

What do you feel the 210 does better than the 220 as far as versatility? What year is your 210?

[soozand3g]

we just traded in our 2007 220 and take delivery of our 230 today! but i must say, i LOVED that 220! we got it plumbed by the dealership to automatically fill the fat sacs in the front and rear of the boat. this was in addition to the factory ballasts. we mainly wake surf and as someone who has wake surfed for about 5 years behind a 220, i had absolutely no complaints. i will say that the wake on starboard was far superior to the wake on port. but as a goofy footer, i had no complaints! also, i think this is fairly standard as i have heard that a few times. all of the storage compartments were SO handy! i loved the built in cooler and the full size garbage can. the seat back compartment that is part of the cooler cover compartment was my favorite place to sit.
i know i will love the 230, but i will always remember all of the great times behind the 220!!!

[HS]

Two potential draw backs: (1) as I recall the walk-thru on the 226 interrupts the "wrap around" seating, and lowers the interior volume of the locker; (2) the fixed tow point mounted on the sunpad deck (unless you are looking at newer models with the retractable tow point). Lots of choices and mini-compromises.

[CLT-Nautique-Fan]

I have a 2011 226 that we bought new a few years ago and love it so far. It's fully loaded Team Edition with the EX343 engine, Linc, Z1 Cargo bimini, nautique logo carpet and integrated ballast w/an additional 900lbs of ballast piggybacked on top. We mostly surf, occasionally wakeboard and tube. There's been plenty of storage for us so far and the wake has been more than sufficient for our wake-sport abilities. I also agree with previous comments regarding the built-in trash bin, simple idea but smart.

What budget are you targeting?

[bradfr]

I have a 2011 226 that we bought new a few years ago and love it so far. It's fully loaded Team Edition with the EX343 engine, Linc, Z1 Cargo bimini, nautique logo carpet and integrated ballast w/an additional 900lbs of ballast piggybacked on top. We mostly surf, occasionally wakeboard and tube. There's been plenty of storage for us so far and the wake has been more than sufficient for our wake-sport abilities. I also agree with previous comments regarding the built-in trash bin, simple idea but smart.

What budget are you targeting?

I was hoping to keep it around $35k, that is why I am looking at 2006 - 2007 mostly. I dont mind waiting until the season is over to try and pick up someone that plans on upgrading in the spring.

[mt92]

+1 on the SV211 we love ours!!

[pzthk6]

What do you feel the 210 does better than the 220 as far as versatility? What year is your 210?

Went with a new 2014 210.

[markj]

So you're saying that despite the 07 220 having a left hand rotating prop, the starboard surf wake was better than port?