Mellow wake for young riders

[jondavis08]

Currently, have a 2014 210 and love the boat. However my 6 year old became obsessed with Wakeboarding this summer and I had a hard time controlling the wake. I got him up to 16mph but not wanting to go much faster yet. To clean on the wake I was adding belly weight and only filling one side. This worked but I really would like to clean up both sides.

I took him behind my friends GS22 and was amazed by the ability to adjust the wake with NCRS. I also experienced the same thing behind a newer X2 using the trim tab. I'm considering selling my 210 to get something that has the ability to adjust the wake more. The hyroplate just doesn't do enough. At this point, I'm not looking to increase my monthly payments so it rules out the GS and of course the G series. I assume Nautique hasn't put NCRS on 210's or 230's? I noticed Mastercraft added the trim tabs around 2008. I'd hate to step into an older X2 and regret it...

As for the family, we are 75% wakeboarders, 15% ski, 10% Surf so surf wake isn't that big of a deal. I also have plenty of Wake/ski boats I can get behind with my crew if so desired. Just trying to find the right boat to help the little ones progress. My 4 year old starting riding as well and I fully expect him to be hooked like his older brother next year.

[mikenbike211]

Currently, have a 2014 210 and love the boat. However my 6 year old became obsessed with Wakeboarding this summer and I had a hard time controlling the wake. I got him up to 16mph but not wanting to go much faster yet. To clean on the wake I was adding belly weight and only filling one side. This worked but I really would like to clean up both sides.

I took him behind my friends GS22 and was amazed by the ability to adjust the wake with NCRS. I also experienced the same thing behind a newer X2 using the trim tab. I'm considering selling my 210 to get something that has the ability to adjust the wake more. The hyroplate just doesn't do enough. At this point, I'm not looking to increase my monthly payments so it rules out the GS and of course the G series. I assume Nautique hasn't put NCRS on 210's or 230's? I noticed Mastercraft added the trim tabs around 2008. I'd hate to step into an older X2 and regret it...

As for the family, we are 75% wakeboarders, 15% ski, 10% Surf so surf wake isn't that big of a deal. I also have plenty of Wake/ski boats I can get behind with my crew if so desired. Just trying to find the right boat to help the little ones progress. My 4 year old starting riding as well and I fully expect him to be hooked like his older brother next year.

I would just use the belly tank only for weight. Ideally, pickup the speed .5 mph every couple times out to get the kid used to the speed.

[ScooterMcgavin]

I agree... the kids will progress and get used to the 210 you have for sure! it’s a Great boat with a real nice transition and not really worth getting rid of for the things you describe IMO.

[HS]

Agree with the above comments. No need for ballast. Option would be to shorten the rope a little so he rides ahead of the wake crumble.

At 18 mph (next year at his rate of progress) you’ll easily be able to adjust the line length to place the rider at a clean spot on the wake.

[scottb7]

You can put sack in the bow walkway as far forward as possible and it will bring up back of boat and make the wake smaller.

[jondavis08]

Yeah Scott, I have a bow sac plumed in. I’ve had a hard time cleaning the wake up. He of course likes to jump the wake and face planting just like his dad . I’m confident we will find our sweet spot next year


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[Austin179]

I agree that kids progress really fast and you will be fine with the 210. My kids learned behind a 2014 210 at 5 years old and while it would have been nice to have both sides of the wake cleaned up, I realized they were more comfortable staying on one side of the wake and using the heal side edge to approach the wake. Once they were starting to jump consistently we added a little speed (.5 mph) each time they rode until we reached 18.5 mph and the wake was then clean on both sides. By the 2nd year they were riding at 19mph with 1/4 ballast.

[jondavis08]

Austin, when at 18.5 were you adding any belly weight?


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[Austin179]

Austin, when at 18.5 were you adding any belly weight?


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No, I would only add a little in the rear to offset passengers if needed. I felt adding belly weight with the rear empty made it worse.

[jondavis08]

Austin, when at 18.5 were you adding any belly weight?


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[Luebowski]

I have heard you should fill up the rear ballast about half way and not add belly weight at these speeds. My daughter is 8 and no matter how much weight I put in the bow it didn't seem to help much at 17-18 mph. I have an older boat though, so yours may get setup different.