Size Matters 210 or 230

[Paxdad]

230 without a doubt.


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[TGoss]

230! Don't look back! Enjoy!

[srock]

Rarely will I have more than 4 adults. 4 adults and 2-3 kids at best. However, the kids seem to grow and take more space quickly.

[twinhueysar]

My studies show pre-2014 210 has essentially the same main cabin interior as the G21 (flip forward rear seat section, etc), and the 210 has essentially the same running surface through the latest couple or three generations, although another step has been added as beam widened. 210 running surface is essentially flat (minus dropped keel) where 230 hull has a V that carries thru to transom... affects wake/wave characteristics. 6-8 adults on 210's has been plenty full. 2012 and newer can run NSS. I think it was NautiqueJeff that recently posted a spreadsheet of model specs across multiple years (dimensions, weights, etc).


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[d_nodixon]

I stay go for the 230. I do not think you will ever say you wish you had a smaller boat and the 230 can easily handle 10 to 12 people comfortably. We were easily crowded in and ran out of storage in my old 210 even as few as 6 on board. Maybe the newer 210 have more room though. I went from an 06 210 to a 13 230 and couldn't be happier, well if I could afford a G then maybe. Tons more room and it handles better in my opinion. It also does just as well on fuel consumption which is very good. I was worried about the wake seeing how a lot folks say it's very finicky, but have got it figured out and love it.

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[surroundsound64]

I'm with lucky, especially the older 210's... Moved from an 05 210 to a 230... Night and day, no comparison. Obviously it depends on how you use the boat and your location. Here in Az it was 118 last weekend, we had 6 adults, vinyl too hot to touch, no one would sit in the bow out of the shade, in the old boat we would have practically been sitting on each other's laps. Not to mention the 3 wakesurfers that don't fit in racks, 2 wakeboards, 2 ice chests, 3 women's bags, towels, and anither bag with camera gear. Without the bow, this crew would have been uncomfortable in the 210, very thankful for the 230. On a private lake with just 3 of us though my 210 was a better boat. Figure out what your needs are and choosing should be fairly easy.

How did we ever survive before the v drive?

[wakemaker]

https://www.planetnautique.com/vb5/f...30-2017-112000

this is a fun boat dos it all well

[nautiques4life]

I'm with lucky, especially the older 210's... Moved from an 05 210 to a 230... Night and day, no comparison. Obviously it depends on how you use the boat and your location. Here in Az it was 118 last weekend, we had 6 adults, vinyl too hot to touch, no one would sit in the bow out of the shade, in the old boat we would have practically been sitting on each other's laps. Not to mention the 3 wakesurfers that don't fit in racks, 2 wakeboards, 2 ice chests, 3 women's bags, towels, and anither bag with camera gear. Without the bow, this crew would have been uncomfortable in the 210, very thankful for the 230. On a private lake with just 3 of us though my 210 was a better boat. Figure out what your needs are and choosing should be fairly easy.

[a0128]

I have a friend who has a 230 and the 230 is wider resulting in a larger cockpit. Definitely noticeable when compared to a 210. Nice even with a smaller crew as no one is stepping over each other as they move around in the boat.

[lucky7t]

Had many 210's and 4-5 people is it for me. If you exceed that number it gets uncomfortable


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[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.

[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]

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.

[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.

[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.