210 vs Walk-Through transom

[RockRiverJason]

I currently own a 2004 Mastercraft Prostar 197 ( Slalom Ski Boat), after riding behind my neighbors 2009 Supra I quickly realized I need a true wakeboard boat . I have been doing some research and have grown very fond of the Air Nautiques. I have a 35K budget and have been looking at 2004 to 2008 models, I think 210's are the best choice but I do however really like the walk-through transoms on the 211 and 226 models. I was wondering if these models offer as good of wake as the 210?

[ski4evr]

Simple answer is no. I picked the 211 for the same reasons, easy in and out without climbing on upholstery. Plus we still love a slalom run. All around great boat, but definitely not a 210.

[xrichard]

As an aside, the 210 hull and interior changed dramatically in 2007 and the interior again in 2008. The difference in wake between 2006 and earlier v. 2007 and later is significant...which one you like more is going to be personal preference. (The earlier hulls throw a steeper and narrower wake than the later hulls.)

In terms of interior, there's no question that, of the years you listed, 2008 has the most usable interior. 2007 had a rear seat configured closer to a typical stern drive with the engine compartment protruding past the rear seats. The good news is they're cheaper because of this. And pre 2007 had a relatively small and poorly designed interior....I love those years, but the interiors are cramped compared to 2007 and later..

[RockRiverJason]

I am used to boarding with a 65' rope behind my Prostar, I generally only get about 3 - 4' of air jumping the across the wake. I am looking to get as much pop as possible to increase my air time. Do u prefer the pre or post 2007 hull wake?

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[scottb7]

Of course a walk thru transom is preferred. But nothing beats the versatility of the 210, as far as wake boarding, surfing. And this year by accident we realized that if you leave the tanks empty and put weight in the bow the ski wake is unbelievably flat. (Found this out because we started putting a bag in ski locker stuffed up into the bow, and we just never empty it. Ran home quick like that and realized jeez that is an awesome ski wake...)

[rlwagens]

Your budget may dictate your choice as well. You can get into a pretty clean 06 for $30k if you look long enough, and you will have a nice mix of old (original rampy/more narrow wake) with new (bigger alternator, jabsco reversible pumps, prop rotation for port side surfing). I don't know if you can get into an '08 for under $35k, but '07 is a possibility due to the less desirable interior layout. I learned behind a deep v-drive with a straight up and down wake so I love the older 210 hull, but you really can't go wrong with either.

[RockRiverJason]

I haven't heard very much feedback about the 211 and the 226 wakes? I was looking at a 2004 226 with low hours and the bigger 6.6 liter. 211 models seam to be a little more affordable, any comments on wakes from these models? I appreciate all the feedback.

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[rlwagens]

Type "211 wake site: planetnautique.com" into google without the space between : and p and you'll get all sorts of good stuff.

[SkiTower]

as you search and read, keep in mind only you can determine what's best. You need to try them. I love my 211 because it's a great family boat, swiss army knife. The walk-thru is gold for me. But over the years reading the threads (this topic comes up a LOT) if you're focused on a wakeboarding wake and on a budget then the older 210's are probably the way to go. Do you have a size limitation? Unless you need a shorter boat I wouldn't rule out a good clean 220, 230, or 236.


2007 SV211 SE

[nukemustang]

I am used to boarding with a 65' rope behind my Prostar, I generally only get about 3 - 4' of air jumping the across the wake. I am looking to get as much pop as possible to increase my air time. Do u prefer the pre or post 2007 hull wake?

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With this said above: I think any v-drive, even a 211, would be a huge improvement and with the walk-through, you wont be cringing as kids or people that don't boat a lot trample across your vinyl engine hatch cover. Layout and storage over a direct dive will be an improvement as well. a plus to a 211 is also depending on what trailer, it fits in a standard 7ft garage door.

I tend to think that most people assume that we are all throwing 7's and multiple inverts behind our boats, but.... I am happy to get new people up and riding just as much as me getting super clean w2w 180's all four ways... and I think one of the pros actually rode behind a 211 back in 05-07 timeframe... Shawn Watson http://www.planetnautique.com/vb5/fo...ique-211/page2

[trip33]

My first Nautique was an 06 211. With proper weighting it will do anything you want it to, slalom, wakeboard, surfing etc. My neighbor had an 03 210 and the wakeboard wake was much steeper for sure, but the interior layout was not as user friendly. It did not have the reversible pumps and a few other small design differences. Everyone loved the walkthru on the 211 too. I guess if you are a hardcore wakeboarder go for the 210, but I promise you can throw plenty of inverts, 360s, or anything else behind the 211 if you want. That is what I learned on and I am certainly no expert. The 210 just lets you throw them a little higher.

[josemolino]

Why donīt you buy a 210 and order an fiber/upholstery shop to shape a walkthrough in the middle. You can copy the design from 210 modern versions.
It should not be more than 600$.
Anyway, check the DIY section, I am sure someone has tried it

[swatguy]

Coming from a 197 any one of the boats you mentioned will be way above the wake performance. With your budget at the high end you may be able to find an 07-08 210. Are you looking for more space than your 197? Do you still want to be able to slalom at all? That is going to be a huge point to decide on.

The 99-2006 SANTE 210 is tight. It's not going to give you much more room or storage over your 197. Just more of a different seating layout. These year 210's produce the biggest wake with the least amount of ballast because of its smaller size. It's glimg to be the most fuel efficient due to that as well. It drives about as close as a v-drive can to your 197. The wake itself is very poppy. Huge straight up pop. There is nothing like it. Some people love others hate it because the landing zone is really small and can be little hard on the knees. If you want to think about surfing quite honestly this boat will get you ropeless, but honestly is weak on the surf side. The boat doesn't ski well at all.

The 07 on 210 is a great boat. Much more space, much more storage, much more versatile wake. It's skis ok and surf above average for most 21ft'rs. It will take patience and the willingness to drive, but I have definitely seen more than a couple 07-08's going for mid 30's. Again tho have to be willing to drive and move on instantly.

If you have the room and your looking for a more Wakeboarding oriented walkthru vs a more ski oriented walk through I would take a 226 over the 211. The hull is similar to the 230's and has some great capabilities. Surfs decent , wakeboards decent , and skis just good enough to be skiable.

The 211 skis the best out of all these, has the space to give you the upgrade over the 197. Wakeboards and surfs ok.


All in all it really depends on your priorities. If you only priority is wakeboard wake the 99-06 SANTE and 07-on 210are the go to boats. But add in other factors and choices become much different

[RockRiverJason]

After reading everyone's comments I realized I should have mentioned that I have no interest in skiing or surfing. I only have the 197 because I bought it after it had been swamped, i had to replace wiring and rebuild the engine. (Only way I could afford a mid 2000 inboard at the time). I also have nothing against a larger boat, I have 4 kids so space is always a plus. The younger kids do enjoy the small wake of the 197 when they are wakesleding, this is a slight concern for me with the 210. I just wanted to mention again that I really appreciate everyone's comments. After researching this forum i realize this topic has been visited several times. What makes this challenging for me is that I really have no way to look at or try any of these boats. Unfortunately not much in my area for sale.

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[swatguy]

With 4 kids that means a growing family and more friends on the boat for each of them. Knowing newbies and people who may not wakeboard regularly may be joining you I would stay away from the 99-06 210 and go straight to the 226. It's a boat that can handle the long haul for a family of 4 and who's versatility on the wake side will be much appreciated.