Size Matters 210 or 230

[markj]

What years are you looking at? Just new models or a range of years? I feel like there is a significant difference between say 05 210 and a new one

No doubt. I went from an 05 210 to a 15 230 and it was a HUGE difference. So nice having all that room now.

[srock]

What years are you looking at? Just new models or a range of years? I feel like there is a significant difference between say 05 210 and a new one

Significant meaning in the wake correct.

[srock]

No doubt. I went from an 05 210 to a 15 230 and it was a HUGE difference. So nice having all that room now.

On of the things I love about my old direct drive is the simplicity associated with the small size, the nimble handling both on the water and on the trailer. A breeze to quickly clean and maintain. Plus with really large groups I loose people to those with larger boats which is sometimes OK.

Similar to the boat, I recently went from a 1/2 ton 5.5 bed to a 3/4 ton 6.75 bed. Around town, cleaning or parking, I sure miss the shorter truck but load the boat or dirtbikes and hit the highway, the 3/4 is a pleasure.

[srock]

Significant meaning in the wake correct.

If the wake on the 230 was as versatile as I have been told on the 210, meaning you can put a slalom ski on and enjoy a 22 off run, it would be an easier decision.

[functionoverfashion]

I just sold a 21' direct drive Supra for an '03 210. The difference in space is massive, even though the boats were the same footprint. If you can get the boards up on racks, that's a big help for space, too. We could shove stuff in the bow of the Supra but then it's harder to access of course. My wife and I and our two kids (plus dog!) spent most of yesterday on our 210 and felt like there was a ton of space, two more people wouldn't have been a thing at all.

I think you need to see them in person, and/or drive them both. For me, the 230 would be a lot of boat. The 210 is certainly heavier than my old 21' Supra but it's not a huge difference in handling - it's far better in chop, that's the biggest difference. A friend was rafted up with us in his '99 Sport Nautique, and by comparison there's just way more room in the 210 because of the v-drive, even though the hull is pretty much the same.

In any case, you have to see them in person I think.

[srock]

I just sold a 21' direct drive Supra for an '03 210. The difference in space is massive, even though the boats were the same footprint. If you can get the boards up on racks, that's a big help for space, too. We could shove stuff in the bow of the Supra but then it's harder to access of course. My wife and I and our two kids (plus dog!) spent most of yesterday on our 210 and felt like there was a ton of space, two more people wouldn't have been a thing at all.

I think you need to see them in person, and/or drive them both. For me, the 230 would be a lot of boat. The 210 is certainly heavier than my old 21' Supra but it's not a huge difference in handling - it's far better in chop, that's the biggest difference. A friend was rafted up with us in his '99 Sport Nautique, and by comparison there's just way more room in the 210 because of the v-drive, even though the hull is pretty much the same.

In any case, you have to see them in person I think.

My Sunsetter looks like a toy parked next to a 230 or a G both on and off the water and I kept thinking how did we get to this point in water-sports boats. (Wake boarding and Surfing no doubt). However, when I went from a CCraft 2001 to the Malibu I felt the same way. I expect when I see the 210 and 230 up close and side by side I should be able to make a decision but in reality I will probably want the 210 and my wife the 230. I will say the Malibu has been a great reliable ride with an outstanding all around wake.

[TimmyH79]

I have a 210 in a lift on the river and I think it's comfortable for 2 families of 4 but maybe not 8 adults - as previously mentioned, 6 no problem

A huge difference being on the lift (or dropping gear at hang out spot like you said) is that you don't have to store gear on-boat for an all day outing like you might if you were trailering, you can always zip back to home base to grab some towels, refreshments, etc. Generally we go out for 3-4 hours at a time and I don't come close to filling all the storage areas.

Other consideration is that I don't like taking much more than 6 people out anyhow because then everyone has to wait forever to take their turn behind the boat.....

My obviously biased .02

[srock]

I have a 210 in a lift on the river and I think it's comfortable for 2 families of 4 but maybe not 8 adults - as previously mentioned, 6 no problem

A huge difference being on the lift (or dropping gear at hang out spot like you said) is that you don't have to store gear on-boat for an all day outing like you might if you were trailering, you can always zip back to home base to grab some towels, refreshments, etc. Generally we go out for 3-4 hours at a time and I don't come close to filling all the storage areas.

Other consideration is that I don't like taking much more than 6 people out anyhow because then everyone has to wait forever to take their turn behind the boat.....

My obviously biased .02

Thanks for the input. A more common scenario for me is 4 adults plus 2-3 kids...from all the comments the 210 may be right for me.

Your typical ride situation is like mine except we run to some freshwater springs 35 minutes away and that's where the size of the boat gets cramped when we ride on the way and are loaded with food, rafts, the massive bag and zillion towels my wife seems to need.... Board racks make a big difference and it is rare I have more than 4 adults and 3 kids on board. From a social standpoint while anchored, the v-drive has to be a better layout. Eight adults would be extremely rare and I don't ever care to hit the max on the nameplate. That number is silly.

[Blamey]

A more common scenario for me is 4 adults plus 2-3 kids...from all the comments the 210 may be right for me.
.

I just switched from a direct drive sport to a v drive super sport and was out this weekend with 4 adults and 3 kids and the boat didn't feel at all cramped. The new 210's add 7 inches to the beam and would be even bigger than my 21ft boat.

when we ride on the way and are loaded with food, rafts, the massive bag and zillion towels my wife seems to need....

Assuming the rafts are inflatables that can go in the locker, your wife will be able to bring all the towels she could ever dream of needing.

[srock]

The sport nautique is a great boat and the supersport sure was well ahead of it's time.

[Evening Shade]

Another question, I am on a river and often traverse a big lake. How does the 210 and 230 handle a blowing chop compared to my direct drive?

I can't comment on the DD and chop as I have never owned a DD. I will say that I thought my 2011 210 was VERY harsh in choppy water. My GS20 handles chop SO much better. I know haven't mentioned a GS20, but the reason I mention this is you may want to look for a 2014 210. I know you want a 2013 without Linc, but I think that may be hard to find. Others may be able to add to give better advice on this, but I suspect that a 2014 210 will handle chop much better than a 2013 210. Don't under estimate ride comfort.

My wife couldn't understand why I needed a new boat, but it only took a couple rides in the GS20 for her to comment on how much smoother the ride is in choppy/windy water.

I'm sure there are some guys that have had a previous generation 210 and now have the current generation 210 that can give you the straight dope on these 2 hull designs.

[markj]

On of the things I love about my old direct drive is the simplicity associated with the small size, the nimble handling both on the water and on the trailer. A breeze to quickly clean and maintain. Plus with really large groups I loose people to those with larger boats which is sometimes OK.

Similar to the boat, I recently went from a 1/2 ton 5.5 bed to a 3/4 ton 6.75 bed. Around town, cleaning or parking, I sure miss the shorter truck but load the boat or dirtbikes and hit the highway, the 3/4 is a pleasure.

I miss the simplicity of the old 210 and the ease of cleaning it for sure. More systems to have issues with now too, but dang, it's so nice to have elbow room. It's also nice to not have my whole floor occupied with fat sacks and having to throw pumps over the side.

[srock]

I miss the simplicity of the old 210 and the ease of cleaning it for sure. More systems to have issues with now too, but dang, it's so nice to have elbow room. It's also nice to not have my whole floor occupied with fat sacks and having to throw pumps over the side.

Systems and issues - yes. That is why I do not want the Linc system and all the ballast fill controls. After many years of both fresh and salt water boating and a variety of boats I have a strong desire for simple electronic systems.

[pe4me]

Interesting. I had 06 210 SANTE (OG Hull), just picked up a 97 SSN and love it. I miss the amenities of the 06 but will be building this to my spec at less than half the price. Price was not a huge factor but always something to consider especially since we are waiting to see if the family will stay recreational or go more serious. I looked at a 09 230 and ultimately came to a few conclusions:
Handling: If you are DD guy (previously loved my prostar 205) and love the sportscar like handling, I think you would be disappointed with a 230 all together and 07+ 210 unless it had the 375... and even then I would question if the narrower hull and less weight could be replicated. I was relieved to drive the 210, fearing I would be let down coming from the PS 205.
Lake property: I float the pontoon out in the lake or leave the extras (people/gear) at the dock/beach. I have a respectable party barge for swimming, food and beverage + a boat that does it all for under 22k. (currently dialing the surf wake)
Value: As I mentioned, I have a relatively minimal investment, do everything everyone else does on the water at a fraction of the cost. My kids are younger, so until they are absolutely hooked and I must have the latest and greatest automated systems, I personally, feel good knowing that my OG 210 will bring most of my money back.
In fairness, I have no idea how well guys are doing unloading boats that 60-100k dollars...assuming you are even considering $. Nautique (even a vintage 97) are just a notch above the competition in many regards IMHO.
So this reads like a justification for decision...maybe so, but I have made 2 boat purchases site unseen in the last 5 years and could not be happier. Try to drive both models and search the web for the right deal and enjoy!
Good luck with your decision-

[srock]

Over the years I have owned 5 direct drives a couple outboards and a 34 twin diesel tiara. There was always a ski boat in the stable. I have also replaced countless key switches, head units, speakers, pumps and a bunch of big boat electronics. And when I say countless its a big number.

I have a friend who is not local but I have been on his Linc system 230 and G23 perhaps 6 times and the failure rate and electronic gremlins associated with his brackish water usage along with my own experiences keep me wanting simple switch to device electronics. I also look down the side of those big boats and think about all the cleaning, wax and work if you want to occasionally trailer. But I have a covered fresh water boat house and no shortage of calm water so its not all bad.

I do not want to spend $100 grand on a ski boat and I don't want to be the person with an 7 year plus boat with complicated electronics that you cannot fix on the fly. So an older 50-60 grand boat has just what I want and a retire-able price tag.

If I can fit comfortably into a 210 with guests, it may very well be my next boat.

All the responses have been very helpful.