Size Matters 210 or 230

[srock]

The change from direct drive to v-drive comments are very assuring that the 210 may suit my needs in a smaller package. I have been on a 230 - 3 times and I know the space is abundant but never on a 210. I rode a G23 and on the trailer the boat seemed massive. To max out the passengers plate on either is not where I want to be I just need a more workable space when 6 are on the boat. I guess a trip to the dealer to see them side by side is in order.

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?

[Guntersville230]

Went from a DD to a 230 myself as well.....and WOW for a daily long haul boat, you can pack it full and still have room. I have used lots of 210's in my day as well, and going from a DD to even a 210 you will LOVE what a v-drive has to offer for more space and storage. No matter what you choose you will be happy with the change over!!! Good luck with your decision.

[charlesml3]

I love the idea of having the extra room of the 230 but I also like to keep things simple. Does the v-drive cockpit configuration make the boat more comfortable over the direct drive layout?

Unquestionably. It's just unreal how much difference it makes moving the engine to the back. I owned a 99 Air Nautique for 17 years. Don't get me wrong, I miss the wonderful balance I had in the old boat, but as far as making it comfortable for a big group, the 230 is far, far better.

So far, nobody has wakeboarded or slalomed behind my 230. It's all wakesurfing and wakefoiling.

I didn't look at the 210. I've owned a ~23-foot boat for decades so that's what I wanted. My dock & lift were good for the length & weight so it made the decision easy. I don't even own a trailer.

-Charles

[OKWAKEBDR]

I can go either way...diesel tow rig and 12,000# boat house lift. I have been a direct drive person all my life and owned probably 8 different boats. I wakeboard more than surf and I have dropped off on the slalom and barefoot runs which the 210 can "manage" better than the 230. I prefer to stay more compact with the 210 and my kid seems to be like me in that he likes to mix things up but when I get 4 adults and 3 kids for an all day trip on my direct drive it gets too small.

I love the idea of having the extra room of the 230 but I also like to keep things simple. Does the v-drive cockpit configuration make the boat more comfortable over the direct drive layout?

I'd say if you're used to 4 adults and 3 kids on a direct drive Sunsetter, you'll be happy with a 210. Any more than that and I would definitely want the extra 2 feet.

[srock]

Where is the space different in the 210 versus 230? Storage at the transom is some of the space. Is the cockpit and front seating similar in size in both boats?

[srock]

I have a 210, with 4 of us the 210 is great. I would say that if there is 6-7 or more on a regular basis then go with the 230, it will have more storage etc.

It's those days with 6 people on board that my direct drive has become too uncomfortable. We tow people and carry our days gear on our way to our hang out spot then reverse the process on the way back. The nice thing about my Sunsetter is the rear trunk and the starboard side of the engine is a great catch all for stuff but the seating layout is not conducive social side of hanging out. The 210 ability to tow different activities is attractive plus the convenience of a smaller boat - on the flip side the space of the 230 is attractive as well.

[srock]

It's not about just the size of your crew. There are many other considerations.

- The 230 is heavier. It does require some additional ballast to surf (especially on the Port side). Both boats surf nicely but the 230 will surf better given the same amount of extra ballast in both boats.

- The 230 is longer (obviously). Will it fit in your garage?

- Will your tow vehicle support the extra weight of the 230?

- If you're on a lake with a boathouse and lift, you need to consider all of these issues there as well. Length and weight....

I can go either way...diesel tow rig and 12,000# boat house lift. I have been a direct drive person all my life and owned probably 8 different boats. I wakeboard more than surf and I have dropped off on the slalom and barefoot runs which the 210 can "manage" better than the 230. I prefer to stay more compact with the 210 and my kid seems to be like me in that he likes to mix things up but when I get 4 adults and 3 kids for an all day trip on my direct drive it gets too small.

I love the idea of having the extra room of the 230 but I also like to keep things simple. Does the v-drive cockpit configuration make the boat more comfortable over the direct drive layout?

[Shockthis]

I have a 210, with 4 of us the 210 is great. I would say that if there is 6-7 or more on a regular basis then go with the 230, it will have more storage etc.

[charlesml3]

I am selling my direct drive Malibu Sunsetter and moving to a 210 or 230. At what size crew do you feel it is necessary to bump up to the 230?

It's not about just the size of your crew. There are many other considerations.

- The 230 is heavier. It does require some additional ballast to surf (especially on the Port side). Both boats surf nicely but the 230 will surf better given the same amount of extra ballast in both boats.

- The 230 is longer (obviously). Will it fit in your garage?

- Will your tow vehicle support the extra weight of the 230?

- If you're on a lake with a boathouse and lift, you need to consider all of these issues there as well. Length and weight....

[srock]

I am selling my direct drive Malibu Sunsetter and moving to a 210 or 230. At what size crew do you feel it is necessary to bump up to the 230?