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We recently moved from a 2011 210 to a new 2017 210. Here are our general observations.
The boats:
Note: I like to trailer with the tower down. This improves gas milage, keeps the tower clean, the boat fits in my garage and reduces the chance that I will run into something with it. Is it me or does it seem like Nautique and the industry as a whole is getting away from this practice?
Holeshot and top speed - Keep in mind we are working from memory here, this wasn't a side by side comparison. Regardless of the configuration the 17 comes out of the hole quicker, however only slightly. The 17 is also approximately 4mph faster at 40mph versus 36mph.
Seat heaters - Just like in a truck this is a stupid idea until you try it, and then you would not own another without it. The 17 came with seat heaters and I admit they are awesome.
Rear facing seats - the 11 came with a reversible observer seat. Neat however in practice we rarely used it because it was cumbersome to reconfigure, especially with people in the boat. Oftentimes we would leave the seat at home. In it's place the 17 has a walk through and removable seat backs for the side seats. The walk through is awesome! The removable seat backs are comfortable however they could be improved upon - they are heavy and bulky to stow. In addition the port side extends down into the underseat storage area and unnecessarily limits this storage space.
Locker storage trays - these come with the Pro Ballast option on the 17 and should be standard. Very handy. Someone should make an aftermarket option for older boats - possibly with a storage net below the tray for jackets etc.
Removable bow air dam - Excellent feature that definitely helps on those cold days however poor execution. The problem is that it is removable. It should be a door of some sort. PITA to stow when not in use.
The surf wake - The wake on the 11 was great especially considering the versatility of the 210. It's not a "G" and we do more than just wake sports. You can surf, ski, wakeboard, barefoot or whatever and the 210 will do an excellent job. Not competition level however for recreational tow-sports the 210 is tough to beat. Our 17 is stock and produces a better surf wake than the modified 11. Not necessarily bigger or longer (although it is) the big improvement is the NSS. The ability to adjust on the fly and switch sides with a button allowed us to quickly and easily setup the wake to the riders liking. And the ability to switch sides is a whole new challenge.
Rear transom/swim deck side handles - the 11 had em, the 17 does not. And we really miss those. I wonder if there is an aftermarket option...
Linc 1(11) or Linc 2(17) - Without going into detail both worked however we felt neither were exceptionally intuitive. For example changing the volume should not require changing screens. Linc 2 is better for many reasons but still needs improvement.
Phoenix trailer (17) versus EZ Loader (11) - Both have interesting features however I would choose the EZ Loader primarily because the Phoenix uses a v shaped bow bump stop similar to the 2001 era boats and trailers. This design does not allow installing or removing the boat cover when the boat is against the stops - which is where it is designed to ride.
Walk through window lock - the 11 did not have a catch to hold the walk through window when in the open position. The 17 does however it is cumbersome to use.
Seat hinges - Big improvement on the 17. Much easier to use. One handed access to the storage areas and the seat stays up when you let go.
Profiles - The 11 allowed us to fire up and go. The 17 seems to need to run under a profile. Possibly I need to review the owners manual on this one however at startup the software is looking for a profile to configure the boat. Most of the time I just want to "go" and do not want to not mess with settings at each startup.
Garbage can - 17 has it, the 11 does not. Wife loves this feature.
Dealer - not a comparison here however I will mention that a good dealer is key. We dealt with Ryan at Watercraft Sales in Three Lakes WI. Great folks at Watercraft - highly recommended.
We really liked our 11... and so far no regrets in buying the 17.
The boats:
- 2011 Nautique 210 Team Edition with 343 and 1579 prop. Factory ballast plus 750s in lockers and a 350 in the belly ski locker.We also used a wake shaper that I built. FCT5.
- 2017 nautique 210 with 409 and 1433 prop. Factory ballast with Pro Ballast option and NSS.
Note: I like to trailer with the tower down. This improves gas milage, keeps the tower clean, the boat fits in my garage and reduces the chance that I will run into something with it. Is it me or does it seem like Nautique and the industry as a whole is getting away from this practice?
Holeshot and top speed - Keep in mind we are working from memory here, this wasn't a side by side comparison. Regardless of the configuration the 17 comes out of the hole quicker, however only slightly. The 17 is also approximately 4mph faster at 40mph versus 36mph.
Seat heaters - Just like in a truck this is a stupid idea until you try it, and then you would not own another without it. The 17 came with seat heaters and I admit they are awesome.
Rear facing seats - the 11 came with a reversible observer seat. Neat however in practice we rarely used it because it was cumbersome to reconfigure, especially with people in the boat. Oftentimes we would leave the seat at home. In it's place the 17 has a walk through and removable seat backs for the side seats. The walk through is awesome! The removable seat backs are comfortable however they could be improved upon - they are heavy and bulky to stow. In addition the port side extends down into the underseat storage area and unnecessarily limits this storage space.
Locker storage trays - these come with the Pro Ballast option on the 17 and should be standard. Very handy. Someone should make an aftermarket option for older boats - possibly with a storage net below the tray for jackets etc.
Removable bow air dam - Excellent feature that definitely helps on those cold days however poor execution. The problem is that it is removable. It should be a door of some sort. PITA to stow when not in use.
The surf wake - The wake on the 11 was great especially considering the versatility of the 210. It's not a "G" and we do more than just wake sports. You can surf, ski, wakeboard, barefoot or whatever and the 210 will do an excellent job. Not competition level however for recreational tow-sports the 210 is tough to beat. Our 17 is stock and produces a better surf wake than the modified 11. Not necessarily bigger or longer (although it is) the big improvement is the NSS. The ability to adjust on the fly and switch sides with a button allowed us to quickly and easily setup the wake to the riders liking. And the ability to switch sides is a whole new challenge.
Rear transom/swim deck side handles - the 11 had em, the 17 does not. And we really miss those. I wonder if there is an aftermarket option...
Linc 1(11) or Linc 2(17) - Without going into detail both worked however we felt neither were exceptionally intuitive. For example changing the volume should not require changing screens. Linc 2 is better for many reasons but still needs improvement.
Phoenix trailer (17) versus EZ Loader (11) - Both have interesting features however I would choose the EZ Loader primarily because the Phoenix uses a v shaped bow bump stop similar to the 2001 era boats and trailers. This design does not allow installing or removing the boat cover when the boat is against the stops - which is where it is designed to ride.
Walk through window lock - the 11 did not have a catch to hold the walk through window when in the open position. The 17 does however it is cumbersome to use.
Seat hinges - Big improvement on the 17. Much easier to use. One handed access to the storage areas and the seat stays up when you let go.
Profiles - The 11 allowed us to fire up and go. The 17 seems to need to run under a profile. Possibly I need to review the owners manual on this one however at startup the software is looking for a profile to configure the boat. Most of the time I just want to "go" and do not want to not mess with settings at each startup.
Garbage can - 17 has it, the 11 does not. Wife loves this feature.
Dealer - not a comparison here however I will mention that a good dealer is key. We dealt with Ryan at Watercraft Sales in Three Lakes WI. Great folks at Watercraft - highly recommended.
We really liked our 11... and so far no regrets in buying the 17.
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