First V-Drive - Looking at SV-211?

[prorider17]

Hey everyone, I've been on this forum for a little while, but haven't really posted due to me being between boats. I'm looking at the used marketplace and aiming my focus toward a 2005-2007 SV-211. I wanted to know what your thoughts were on this boat for someone who will be using it primarily for general boating and wakesurfing. I am a novice wakeboarder at best, and I don't ski.

For wakesurfing, I heard that upgrading the ballast is the best route to go. I also figured the best/easiest route would be to go with a wakeshaper of some kind to keep the boat from listing too much. I've heard the SV-211 is a good surf boat... not the greatest, but it's good. That true? I'm not expecting G23 level waves, but would like a wave with good height and push.

For overall usage, I really like the fact that the port side has a transom walk-through. My wife and I plan to use the boat.. we may have a few people (2-3) on the boat with us.

Anything I need to be on the lookout for? Any known issues, problems or awesome things about this model? I'm seeing a few go for low 30's, which is in my budget. How's the PCM 330 Excaliber? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Last but not least - Why am I not going after a SAN210, or something older? Reason 1 - Price. I know the SAN210s are more. Reason 2 - I like the practicality of the SV-211. Reason 3 - I need a snap-in floor. I have pets and don't like vacuuming.

[markj]

The Excaliber is bulletproof. Over eleven years, I put 560 trouble free hours on my 2005 and did nothing, but the recommended, normal, routine maintainence.

[Woody_tobius_jr]

I have an '04 and really like it. I purchased a wake shaper this summer, and it made a huge difference. I haven't surfed it yet, but my daughter could stay out there all day on the 'new' wake.
The Motor is awesome, I've had 0 issues with it.
Snap in floor is great, end of the day, pull the wet ones out and hang them up to dry, no musty or mildewy odours.
The walk through is nice as it keeps everyone from walking on the sundeck.


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[Bevostein]

With what you described, I would really challenge your decision to go after a SV-211. I think very highly of the 211 but if you don't ski at all there is really no reason to buy a crossover like a 211. If you primarily surf you will quickly be wishing you had gone with a 210 or something similar. I ski (or at least used too) and the first Nautique we bought was a 216V crossover to accommodate my skiing. Loved the boat but was quickly sold on surfing and wake boarding. We had two great summers with that boat but eventually moved to something more wake oriented. I think your desire to have a more dedicated surf/wake boat will be even quicker.

[prorider17]

Bevostein - that is a very good point! I don't think I'm opposed to going with a 210. I would like to do a 210 with the snap in carpet for low 30s. If I can find one, I'd really be making it tough for myself to decide.

[trip33]

06-211 was my first Nautique. Loved the boat for all the same reasons. Walkthru, snap in carpet, etc. I weigh 200 lbs and we were able to surf it with stock ballast plus a couple 400# fly highs so with the new wake plates it should be great. One thing I recall was that in 06 and newer models they switched to reversible ballast pumps which was nice.

[glassywaters]

Don't rule out the 220, either. It's been shown to throw a nice surf wave and has a good wake board wake, too. I'm sure you could find one in your price range as they're not as sought after as the 210.

[Fast351]

I have a 211 and I love it. Easily the best boat I've ever owned. The snap in carpet is the bomb, the interior layout is REALLY well done, especially with 4-5 people on board, it works well. The 9 person plate rating is a joke though. Unless they're all kids under 12 there's no way. 330 is bulletproof, love the Team Edition features like the pushbutton start and upgraded stereo.

If I have a gripe about my boat, it would be only two things.

1) The factory snap in carpet has rubber backing on it that holds water and eventually deteriorates.. I replaced mine with Corinthian carpet, cost around $700 if I remember right.
2) The passenger grab handle on the 07 is in a stupid place below the seat. They fixed it in the 08 and put it on the tower. Not sure about the -06 ones, I believe they were somewhere else, so this is probably a unique problem to the 07.

Oh and one last thing. If you're in a climate that gets real cold, the plastic insert on the port side will crack around the stainless cup holders. Different rate of expansion. Hasn't bothered me enough to replace it.

[prorider17]

Fast351 - I hate carpet. I see SeaDek in my future! Otherwise, I'm based out of FL, so I don't see any super-cold issues arising.
glassywaters - Are there big differences between a SAN210 and SAN220?

[Biezzie]

I have a 04 sv211 TE and I love it. I put a suck gate on the side and an extra 800lbs in the rear and 400lbs in the nose and have an awesome surf wake. I also like to ski and it has a nice ski wake for a v drive.


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[prorider17]

Biezzie - thanks! Do you have a pic of your surf wave?

[Biezzie]

Biezzie - thanks! Do you have a pic of your surf wave?

I will check. The "suck gate" is the key! That is what made a huge difference.


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[dixxy]

I have an 05 SV-211TE...and i most say i absolute love it!...the entire team loves it, it's wife approved, i even got her to try surfing just before we took it out of the water for the season!

We love it for all the reason already pointed out here....i did remove the snap in carpet this year has it was disentigrating and was tired of vacunming the black dust left under... i got seadeck for it...there is a post here with pics of it....best move ever...

The 330 excalibur runs beatifully, had 680 hours when we bought it 2 1/2 years ago, now turning on 818 hours....so far no issues with maintenance every year.

here are some pics of the surf wave on port side, has it is the hardes one to create. first pic with no surf suck gate, second one with suck gate on starboard side.

my surf setup (port) is stock ballast replaced by fatsack 750's in each locker (about 3/4 ful, say 1100lbsl), and stock belly (full, 350lbs), no bow..only extra poeple in the boat (sometimes heavy sometimes light), hydro gate in wake mode. 380 prop.

now i know some will say it is not that great of a wave, but it's merely the first year we are surfing port side has i had electrical issues last year and could not empty port side sac...so not too much experience, but both my kids are surfing with no rope on either side, and i am at the point of throwing back the rope soon.

hope this helps your decision.

[prorider17]

Thanks dixxy! This has been helpful.