Real World Seating - 210 vs 230

[scubaguy]

I know the SAN 210 is rated for "12 persons" and the 230 for "15 persons" (depending on year). However, I know from my sport nautique days that those numbers rarely equate to real world and real comfortable boating days.

I'd appreciate your feedback on how many adults sprinkled with kids you typically take for a day of boating - we don't live on a lake so everyone and everything goes along for the day trip. And after sharing those numbers, what's the experience like? sardines, deserted island, or somewhere in between?

Also, I really like the 210's reversible bench concept - but it was removed I believe in 2014. Ditto for the 230's bench (not as clean a solution). I suppose this was to push folks to the G series or to at least help differentiate the two models.

Were those bench seats a good idea and used a lot? or just a nice concept that weren't used much?

appreciate your feedback.

[markj]

I've had 14 on my 230 and it was very reasonable. Only 2-3 were kids and they were like 13-14 YO. 5 were young women. The surf wake was memorable for sure.

[charlesml3]

The most I've had on my 230 was 11. Mostly adults and a few kids. It worked, but it was tight for sure. Lots of people had to move to get something out of a compartment.

-Charles

[mcosub]

On my 210, the magic number is 8. Plenty of seating for everyone and the weight is nice for surfing. I havent had more than that, so no comment about the higher numbers