Newbie here looking boat for family of 5 (would this be a good first boat)

[Adog]

Hello PN,

I have been trying to read up on the General Discussion forum for last few weeks and I must say this is a great forum!

Our family is looking for our first boat (3 girls ages 9,6,4) yea I know I need to be buying guns not boats. I have a 3.5 car garage unfortunately it is only 21 foot deep (so I would be storing this at Marina or at Fathers house where it would be covered outside)

I have been looking for older SANTE 210 or 220 2007-2008 ish years. I have come across this boat located not that far from me
http://www.onlyinboards.com/2007-SAN...K3rdpoUA.email

Seller mentioned the following:

2 new ballast impellers
1 new ballast pump
new fuel filter
water pump impeller
stereo upgrade
new Seadeck plus extra kit
new High pressure fuel pump
new Trailer Tires , Brakes, runners , carpet
All but 7 cushions recovered
all new set shocks
upgraded surf prop
interior lights changed to led blue
seller did say it was beached by previous owner on the very bottom hard to see

The kids (9 and 6) love Knee boarding and Tubing and I just learned to surf this season and I am sure the kids are going to love it .
reason they are selling is their business is expanding and needs to unload.

As you can see the seller is asking 36,500

any comments suggestions or feedback would be great before I scheduled some time to go see the boat/inspections etc...

[DLafont]

Getting into a Nautique will be a great addition to your family. This seems like a great boat at a reasonable price. I've got two girls myself, boating, riding keeps the riff-raff away because we're out on the lake!! ;-) You could reasonably squeeze the boat into your garage with the tower folded and on a slight angle if you remove the swim platform. This is a boat that you'll be able to enjoy as a family for a long time.

[aaronmt]

We went through this same thing a couple months ago.I know everyone loves the new style seating in the 08 and ups but we absolutely love the seating and storage of our 06 220.We live on a lake so we boat a lot,the layout works very well.We are only a family on 3 and occasionally family and friends.We also boat in Eastern Washington on lakes that can turn bad very quickly.We moored next to a 08 210 that looked like our twin this summer.The size difference in freeboard between the 210 and 220 is huge,the 220 is a far bigger boat.We had boats following us home in the trough of our wake when it turned.The waves ranged from 2-3 ft at no point was I worried,our daughter actually slept through it.I work on the water myself so I'm very saftey conscious when it comes to water safety.You can't go wrong with either boat,my choice would be the 220 for the room and freeboard it has.

[swatguy]

I personally think that it is a great. I much rather have 210 with young kids than a 220 if board sports are you thing. While the seating is a touch different in the 08. The wake and coat attributes are all the same. I wouldn't hesitate to jump on an 07. The colors info condition of that boat at first glance look great. Hours are low. And it me close by. Has some nice options and is turn key. All good maintenance performed on parts. It's priced pretty well too. Anything unde 35 and it's a great deal. The 210 is very family friendly in its wakes. It skis, surfs and wakeboards well. About the only negative is bow space.

[Adog]

Thanks so much for all the advise. I took a look at the boat 07 210 te this evening and it is in great shape ... The only obvious issue is a faded dash. Is this something that can be painted with vinyl paint or would it need to be replaced. I must say the tower is a beast and will take 2 people with the 4 speakers attached. and I also will need to duck heading to the bow and under the speakers (6'3" height) I image that I could space the speakers a little wider. I have made an offer and if accepted I will schedule a survey to check things out mechanically

[Nautiquehunter]

2nd generation 210 is a great choice remember the kids will be inviting their friends so you will be having 7-9 on board . The 210 does an excellent job with most water sports . What lake do you go to ? I am on Lanier

[Adog]

We love Lake Blueridge and have friends that have a place on Lanier. I agree that the 210 will get tight if each kids has a friend joining them on the lake. the 220 I guess would give you a little more room however, the boats that I have seen for sale are no where near this condition. on your 210 how many can you fit comfortably with stopping to swim in coves etc (which my kids love to do) I really need to keep cost under 40k with Trailer so I think the larger boats are out of reach. here are some picts of the boat the more I look at dash I wonder if something wasn't spilled - i.e. sunscreen etc... has anyone where disassembled the dash to clean and or vinyl paint? or can you possibly tape everything and spray. Thanks All ! Offer has been made on this one I forgot to get pictures of engine bay and ballast - I will have mechanic test and look over boat b-4 purchase

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[DLafont]

Hope it works out for you, that looks like a real nice 210.

[prorider17]

Adog - any update on your potential purchase?

[Adog]

Prorider17,

we went back an forth on price and they are holding firm at asking price (not to far off). Couple items that cause pause if 07 210 is right for the family. That tower is crazy heavy ... I am guessing the factory speakers don't help with the weight. I am thinking I will have to lower to fit under shed (unless I keep outside under a cover). I also wonder if the 210 will be enough room for our kids and friends they will be inviting all the time. I could imagine 4 adults and 6 kids often ... (any owners I would love feedback) That being said it is an awesome boat and very clean.(I didn't have survey done though) .

Thanks !

[Neverenough]

We loved our 220. I wouldn't think there is that much difference in 210 and 220 with the trash cabinet and the locker on port side of the 220. I bet the 220 rides better than the 210. It's got a deeper hull. If your on a big lake you may consider this. I believe the 210 apppeals to more people and may hold a higher resale.

[ziepfenj]

I've never had a 210, but we have a 2007 220 and our family of 5 (a 6, 4, and 1 year old) loves it! The layout allows the kids to run around in the middle and stay more away from the sides (if that makes any sense). We do not use the removable bench seat. We also put in seadek - which is easy to clean from kids' snacks. When I first bought my 220 I did think the tower was a bit much - we put an FCT5 tower with a Z5 bimini on it and couldn't be happier. The cockpit area is much more "open" and the shade is great for the kids.

EDIT: - looking back at your posted photos, I see very little difference in the interior of the 210 v. the 220.