Help deciding which boat??

[Shoeman83]

Ok. Need help. Buying my first boat. Grew up with boats. Trying to decide on which boat to choose. Looking between a Super Air Nautique 210 or Air Nautique 226. Looking around the years 2003-2007ish. My buddy has an 08 210 which I love. I married with 3 kids ages 6-14. Looking for a fun family boat with friends. Any suggestion?? Pros and cons?? Anything would be appreciated.

[NautiqueJeff]

You might want to avoid the 2007 210 in particular, just because it has a weird, one-year-only layout. They changed that for 2008+.

I loved my 2003 210, and that year is generally known as a very good year for the 210. 2002 - 2006 shared the same layout, 2007 was an oddball, and 2008+ are good.

The 226 is a low-production boat, but most of the people who have owned them seem to love them. They are wider and roomier than the 210. I have always wanted to have one to use for a little while, but I haven't had one yet. If you go with the 226, you might want to look for one with the 6L engine since it is a heavier boat than the 210.

[Shoeman83]

NautiqueJeff
Thank you. The 226 I’m looking at does have the ZR6 engine. I appreciate the advice on which year to avoid. Only hang up with the 226 is the seat configuration. Not sure if I like that cut out in the back.

[Blamey]

Big difference between the pre original 210 (Through 2006) and the second gen. The newer one has a different Hull and arguably better wakeboarding wake and is much better for wake surfing.

For a family I would lean towards the 226. It will be a much more roomy boat. Not sure how the 226 performs for ski/wake or surf, you'll need to read up on that. I know ppl who have them seem to love them.

[Shoeman83]

Blamey thank you. Appreciate the advice

[Gbracer]

I have a 2007 226 the "walkthru" is great you can get in and out with out walking on the covers bare feet or not it saves the covers, i have only driven the boat 15 minutes yesterday to trial it before spring break trip boat ran really well the motor is the 6.0 l and had zero issues pushing the boat up to speed and tight corners it pushed you sideways in the seat hard.

[Shoeman83]

Gbracer thank you. Appreciate it. Going to look at it the 226 tomorrow.

[Kenv]

Shoeman......I had a 2005 226 and also the second gen 2010 226. Both great boats. The 05 handled surprisingly good for a bigger Nautique. The 2010 just a tab better...as it was a little lighter. Back walk-through was great and seating layout is spacious. I had the smaller motor.... 330 I believe...... in my 2005 and it did everything i needed it to do. I love the sporty sleek look of the 226. Good luck with your search.

[Shoeman83]

Kenv thank you.

[Kevin_B]

Shoeman - My 2 cents, while I haven’t spent a ton of time on the 226, I was able to get several days on/behind one several summers back. What we learned is the 226 needs a lot of weight to throw a hefty wake. If you and your kids aren’t looking for massive wakes, I’m sure it will be fine with stock ballast, but we noticed that signature Nautique lip to the wake started peaking out the more weight we added. Based on my experience and everything I read most riders sack them out super heavy. I would imagine the same would be needed to surf and maybe a suckgate or similar product. I will echo that the cut out on the port side transom May look weird, it will save your upholstery.

2003-06 SAN 210 is a can’t miss
Boat but you do sacrifice a little space. But depending on family size or your usual crew that may not really matter.

Best of luck, you kinda can’t go wrong either way. Spend as much time test driving both if possible and see what feels right for you.


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[Sante210]

03 OG 210 all day


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[mikenbike211]

Ok. Need help. Buying my first boat. Grew up with boats. Trying to decide on which boat to choose. Looking between a Super Air Nautique 210 or Air Nautique 226. Looking around the years 2003-2007ish. My buddy has an 08 210 which I love. I married with 3 kids ages 6-14. Looking for a fun family boat with friends. Any suggestion?? Pros and cons?? Anything would be appreciated.

I started with a 211... awesome boat, nice wake, great interior layout for a family wanting to do it all.


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[03SANTE]

First boat was a popular I/O which served its purpose just fine and I got to make my new boater mistakes on it without too many tears. Eventually "I wish we could surf on our boat" chipped away at me and I got the 03 210. No regrets! Even with stock tanks boys were able to drop the rope first time out. Plenty of wake boarding behind the old boat but the size and shape of the 210 wake has sparked new interest in that as well. +1 on the SANTE 210. Good luck!

[lucky7t]

I agree with Jeff on the 07 year 210. Has a engine bump inside the boat that takes up room. But if your keeping it and not planning to sell it and can get a great deal on one because of that then don’t delete it from your choice . I had an 07 , I bought it well worth the money because of this . Family loved it but sold it because I was offered a substantial profit.



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