Size Matters 210 or 230

[srock]

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

[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.
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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]

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.

[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 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.

[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]

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.

[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]

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.

[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]

I would like a 2013 model year because it was the last year that a full analog gauge package was available over the linc system. I am not sure that package is easy to find and I may need to go back to 2009. I will pay a few extra buck for a low hour clean boat but I may have to wait until summers end to find what I want. The search starts now.

[migs]

<6 210, >6 230

[nautiques4life]

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

[vacooley]

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?

I have a 230. I have been amazed how well it rides in rough, windy conditions. 210 or 230 should handle water better than your DD. More freeboard, higher bow, weight in rear of boat combined with hydrogate lets you get the nose up a little or push it down depending on conditions.

The one thing that might surprise you when you first start driving one is that the wind will push the boat around more during slow driving (picking skier up, etc) than your relatively low freeboard DD but you get used to it pretty quick.


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[srock]

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.

Use to it but certainly not comfortable.