Another 211 vs. 216 thread...

[Lark]

After being exposed to the 211 (and basically the Nautique brand) for the first time a couple days ago, I dropped most all of my interest in Malibu and MC (maybe a hint of interest in the X1 and X2 still exists). Now I'm torn between the 211 and the 216. I have not had a lot of boating experience in my life, unless you count riding around on a 74,000 ton ship in the Caribbean, but some of my best boating memories were in high school (I'm 36 now) riding around with my best friend and his family in their Ski Supreme. Sure it was a little cramped, but I don't remember ever caring.

Now that I'm older and have a family (my wife and a 5 year-old son), I got in the mindset that our future boat had to be BIG, but maybe I'm going about it the wrong way. I started looking at the X30, then the 226, then the 211 and now I'm leaning towards the 216. What I'm looking for in a boat is something that's fun to drive, handles very well, and provides quality FUN for the family. My 5 year-old son will take his first wakeboard/ski lesson in a few weeks, my wife is a good slalom skier (I've never seen her water ski, but she looks like a pro on the slopes), and I've never been able to stand up on a single ski and I fall over in the ski shop while looking at wakeboards. I guess what all this means is the wake is not that critical at this point in our life.

If you're still with me, and you have experience with both of these boats, based on what I wrote above what kind of feedback (both good and bad) could you offer? I know I need to test-drive both boats, but a test-drive can not replace the knowledge others can offer that have spent entire summers or years in either or both boats. Thanks in advance!

[iceman991]

211/216

......................216. great family boat, flat for skiing and add a little weight and good for wakeboarding. family has 06' 216 and they love it! we are diehard wakeboard/wakeskate people so we prefer the 05' 210T.

[wake_fun]

RE: 211/216

Lark,
I've got a family like you and we love the v-drive. More room (no engine box in the way), walk thru on the rear for the kids, get the 211.

[Lark]

uh-oh, I'm getting the feeling this is going to turn into a David Letterman vs. Jay Leno thread - both are fun and it boils down to your mood. Yellow_Flash_Colorz:

[etwman]

Lark -

We looked at the 211 and the 216 for awhile. We had a 94 Ski that we sold. I ran both and they both have great key points. We ended up with a Air 216 Team. I'm a little old school and like the engine in the middle, it's just the way I grew up with CC. In addition, we had a boom for teaching our kids to ski and that easily fit on a 216. At the time they didn't offer a boom for a 211, this may have changed. The other reason why we went with the 216 was it has a gear reduced transmission and the hole shot was much better. The 211 just seemed a little doggy. Now you could probably go with a ZR6 and that might change things but now your talking more $$. We pack 8 in it when we go out and have plenty of room.

With either one I'm sure you'll be happy, this is just the route we went.

Option 2 would be sell the farm, house, cash in your 401K, sell your cars, and buy a Air 236 Team.

That's my two cents. Good luck

[taz]

I can't help with a comparison but I was in your shoes. I'm 36, son turned five today. I had no boating experience whatsoever. I had been on a house boat once but that’s it.

When my wife and I decided to go boat shopping we literally started from scratch. I had no idea what we wanted or needed. We looked at every boat known to man…..well almost. We test drove several boats and there was always something we didn’t like. We test drove a 211 and wrote the check before we got back to the dock.

We couldn't be happier. We typically have 5-8 people on the boat and it’s always been comfortable. We have advanced riders, beginners and one friend who only ski’s. My son started on a gladiator skimmer and loves it. The boat has performed flawlessly.

Good luck with your choice

[Lark]

We looked at the 211 and the 216 for awhile...

etwman,

I'm really leaning towards the setup you have and glad to hear you're happy with your decision.

BTW, do you think the ZR6 would be overkill in the 216?

[Lark]

I can't help with a comparison but I was in your shoes...

Taz,

Obviously my biggest concern is whatever boat I get, end up wishing I got the other. In regards to the 211, I've read more than once it seems a little doggy and I've also read it tends to porpus at it's higher limits. Can you relate to either one of those issues (maybe "issue" is even too harsh of a term)?

[KPNautique]

We love our Air 216 - The family is very happy with it

[YoungLifeSkiMission]

Id go the 226, You say you want a big boat, and it will do what you want.
The 226 would have to be the best looking boat on the water, id have one if I had the $$, otherwise my second reconmendation would be the 211.
I have spent the last week at the boat show selling CC, and from what Im hearing, a 226 or 211 (depending on $) are you options.
If you want to room, performance and a hot looking boat-226.
Good Luck!

[taz]

Taz,

Obviously my biggest concern is whatever boat I get, end up wishing I got the other. In regards to the 211, I've read more than once it seems a little doggy and I've also read it tends to porpus at it's higher limits. Can you relate to either one of those issues (maybe "issue" is even too harsh of a term)?[/quote]


More power is always better. If I had 500 horsepower I'd wan't 550. We have one rider that's about 270lbs. with the tanks full and five people on board It pulls him fine but some more power would be nice. The ZR6 would be great, though I'm not sure it's worth the xtra$$. The ride has alawys been fine even at higher speeds.

[YoungLifeSkiMission]

Well-In that case you will never buy anything!
Just be happy with it, they are all designed differently as they do different things, pick out what you want it for an buy it! You wont regret it.

[Lark]

...You say you want a big boat...

Sorry if I was not clear. I said my mindset at the beginning was a big boat, but each revision it gets smaller (X30-X2-X1, 226-220-211-216).

[YoungLifeSkiMission]

Oh ok-sorry.
Whatever you buy you will be happy, there is always someone elses boat or another model that has something you want-in the end something will work out and you wont look back!
Id go the 211 now.

[etwman]

Lark -

Back to your ZR6 question you had for me. There are a couple guys on here that have them and love them in their 216's. Search a 216 thread and you'll see who they are. The stock 330 is fine if your not weighted heavy for boarding. You have 6 people in there, tanks full, a fat sac, yeah....there's been times where I wish I had a ZR6. Can I live without it, sure, but it would have been the cherry on the sundae. Like I said 8 times out of 10 I'm fine with the 330.

I'd try and find a dealer who has one in it and try it first for yourself. Or....check and see if one of the guys in your area has a 216 with one in it to head out with for an evening. Chances are the ZR6 in a 216 is a special order.

Hope this helps some .....good luck.