Size/model recommendations and input

[Neptune442]

We currently own a 2000 Sport Nautique (first Nautique). We have 6 kids (oldest is 12) so I figured that eventually we'd outgrow it and purchase something larger, but we needed something to get us out on the water. We don't necessarily need to upgrade yet, but I recently came across a great deal on a 2003 Super Sport. In my mind, and from the photos, the 2003-2006 SAN/Super Sport 210's look much bigger than my Sport, but in reality when I look at the dimensions, the length and beam are the exact same. The seating capacity only goes from 9 to 10.
Looking for anyone that might have input going from a direct drive Sport/Air to a V-drive 210, and how much bigger the interior feels. I'd just hate to be in the same position of feeling like we need something larger in a couple years if we purchase the 2003 SS. It looks like the 2007 210's are 7" wider, so maybe I hang onto our Sport until one of those is in our budget? Or possibly look for a 2004+ SV211? We'd like to stick with a Nautique that can do a little of everything (ski, wakeboard, kneeboard, etc) and eventually allow us to try surfing. Thanks!

[Wildcat04]

We just went from a 97 sport to a 04 SV211. The interior seems huge in comparison. Take your whole crew with you to look at the boat, have them hop in, and just see what it looks like.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[paticus]

Also consider the storage, which goes a long way with making the boat feel roomier. With the SAN, you get a better floorpan/storage with the V drive, but also more freeboard, which allows for deeper storage for boards, bags, coolers, etc. I went from a MasterCraft ProStar 205 to a SAN 230. With the direct drive, it almost didn't matter how how clean I kept the boat, you still have this big *** engine in the middle of everything.

[markj]

Going to a V-Drive will bring a big addition in functional space. You will absolutely still grow out of space in a 210 with six kids and it won’t take more than a few years. Especially if any of them bring a friend.

[Neptune442]

Thanks all for your input. I guess there probably isn't a great solution when we'll need a boat that feels large enough to accommodate 8+ people comfortably, yet small enough to still enjoy skiiing. Might be a situation where I need 2 Nautiques...

[GeoffW]

With that large of a family I'd be on the hunt for a 226

[Neptune442]

With that large of a family I'd be on the hunt for a 226

I kind of wondered about the 226 as an option, but I like to do most of my own maintenance... and seeing Jeff struggle with that impeller change in his 226 resto thread has me terrified!

[swatguy]

The 2000 sport nautique is roughly same size as a 210. You’re gonna want to be an 03 or newer 210 to get the maximum space and storage. They redesigned the top deck in 2003 and it really opened the space, feel, and storage inside compared to the earlier years . The entire 210 boat from the hull up was redesigned in 07. Honestly tho I think moving to an 03-06 210 is a useless upgrade. Sure it’s touch bigger because of the redesigned top deck , but it won’t feel like “wow” it’s bigger until you get to the 08 model year 210. The seating lounge storage and space will feel triple the size of your sport nautique. The 2007 210 has a weird seating arrangement and it was only in that boat for a year. So you’ll want the 08 or above depending on budget.
You mentioned surfing. The 226 and the SV211 won’t surf very well. Can they get it done , sure , but it’s a struggle due to the walkthrough . The 08 210 skis decent , and surfs above average for a 21ft boat. You can also add Nautique’s modern surf system to that 08 or above.

if boat size isn’t big deal the 236 or 230 is the best option.

[Neptune442]

Thanks swatguy, that answered a lot of my questions. I'm gonna pass on the 2003 Super Sport...I'm thinking a 2008 210 would be a great boat for us.

[swatguy]

We regularly have 6 -8 teenagers in our boat these days and the option with the reversible lounge seating handles it with no problem.

[hal2814]

I’ve been in a 94 Sport Nautique, an 05 SAN 210, owned a 95 Super Sport, and have been in an 2010 210. The above comments are spot on. Anything before 2003 won’t feel like much of an upgrade at all. 03-06 will only feel like a minor destiny upgrade. 07 is a love it or hate it interior design. An 08 and later 210 is probably your best bet or maybe a 226.