Nautique 211 vs MasterCraft 205V/ X-2 for slalom?

**jangjou** · 04-01-2004, 03:55 AM

BTW, here's a link to FatBoy's post about the 211:
http://www.planetnautique.com/index....iewtopic&t=777

And here's a link to a 211 review that got posted last summer:
http://www.planetnautique.com/index....iewtopic&t=507

--JJ

**NCH2oSki** · 04-01-2004, 07:11 AM

THe MC 205V wake is pretty bad for skiing, compared to a direct drive, but t's still better then an I/O. Take a look at a Malibu V drive, their smaller one, not sure of the specific name, but I have skied one and it was much better then I expected. There was even a photo in wsm pulling a skier thru the course with one.

The pictures of the 211 do look pretty comparible to the malibu wake.

**JMark** · 04-01-2004, 08:01 AM

We had similar needs. We narrowed our choices down to the Mailbu Sunscape 21 LSV + Wakesetter package vs. the CC SV211. We ended up ordering the 211 because of the walkthrough and more sporty feel.

**skinautique** · 04-01-2004, 08:05 AM

One of the biggest differences is that the 211 wake is a lot softer feeling when you cross it. The 205 is almost like hitting a brick wall when you approach it. The 211 will also accelerate better and will be easier to drive in my opinion. Good Luck!!

**AbunDiga909** · 04-01-2004, 08:08 AM

jangjou, From what Jeff W. has said, the 211 wake is just as good if not better than the 216 for slaloming. That is until you get real serious and get to about 30 MPH when the 216 starts to pull ahead.

Our friend has an '00 205V and I've slalomed behind it many times. I'm not pro, but not a beginner and honostly its not the wake that I find dissapointing, but even someone of my age (14) feels a slight "pull" almost that you should not get on a CC or a DD. (I don't really know anything about Malibu, so I'm not saying they suck or anything) The wake behind it is okay, I've found it doable. Its not so much big as in hard, I think.

You should definately test drive both. Personally I'd go with the 211 just because I think in the long run you will like it more in that it is more versitle than the 205V... but thats just me.

**redelf75** · 04-01-2004, 10:38 AM

Ditto on the 205V. The wake is small but hard and noticeable. CC created the 211 just for people like you. If you can find one to test drive, I'm sure you will agree.

However, I just debated the same 2 boats plus the 216 and went for the DD for a few reasons. Foremost, I don't really see the "seating" advantage of the V Drive that most people talk about. In real life, I find that a 210 and similar boat still only seats 6 and with someone on the engine box, I can get 7 comfortably in the 216. Plus nothing drive like a DD. Am I going to get inundated with nasty remarks for saying that... :roll:

**ag4ever** · 04-01-2004, 03:13 PM

Nope, those were the rasons I wanted the 216, but the wife wanted a runabout, so I got the 210, as a compromise.

It was either that or get a cobalt, so I chose the 210.

If doing it today, I would either push for the 216, or get the 211.

the 210 has a really hard and tall ski wake.

**surfsup** · 04-02-2004, 08:04 AM

I had planned to order a 210 TE this year, but seeing a 211 changed my mind. Of course having two shorties under 5 years really drove that decision. The higher freeboard and the ease of the transom walk way really make sense when your family has younger shorties. Also, the V-Drive configuration is much easier to manage kids under 5 - you're not chasing them around the motor box in between sets. The 211 slalom wake is certainly reasonable for recreational to intermediate skiers - anything above that and you should stick with the true ski boat.....

**ajdouglas** · 04-04-2004, 12:45 PM

I almost am sold on a 216 Air, and then I read the slalom wake is not that great.

Back to looking at the Malibu Response LXI. Almost 5 grand cheaper (opps, less expensive).

I'm looking for that boat that does it all... a great ski wake, some room for the family, dog, and coolers, and at the same time I'm looking for a wake that wll give newbie wakebaorders a thrill. And I'm on a budget.

Is this too much to ask for.

I truly believe there all these boats are great boats, it's which one fits your your needs best.

**skinautique** · 04-04-2004, 01:38 PM

ajdouglas,
What are your slalom abilities? How much time do you plan on skiing vs. boarding? The 206 would give you a better slalom wake with an adequate wakeboarding wake that is definately big enough to thrill newbies. The LXi is 20'6" just like the 206. With the 216, you are getting a longer and heavier boat so it is definately going to change the wakes. Each boat has its advantage(s) and disadvantage(s) but it needs to come down to what you want to do with the boat and how the dealer treats you. I know CC stands behind their product very well and I would assume that Malibu would too. The construction differs quite a bit between the two. Have you looked on the website to see the two? I hope some of this helps you out. Good luck on your search and keep on posting more questions if you have them!

**FatBoy** · 04-04-2004, 01:42 PM

ajdouglas, if you go with the Correct Craft SV-211 you will not be disappointed on any of the items you listed. I got mine for almost the exact same reasons you listed and I am well satisfied. I just made the first payment last week and after 12 hours on the engine I am well pleased.

**jangjou** · 04-13-2004, 12:49 AM

Thanks for all the advice. I ended up test driving the 211. Some quick impressions:

- The boat is remarkably smooth/ quite/ stable even at max speed on a lake with some chop.

- Fit and finish are terrific. The snap-in carpets are really nice.

- The boat sits high up on the water. The dealer said it has a lot of extra foam, which helps it sit up even when loaded down with drivers.

- Slalom wake looked pretty smooth. Wakeboard wake with full ballasts were impressive. You could definitely tell which way the Hydrogate was engaged, but the difference wasn't dramatic. I didn't ski behind the boat, so my comments are only visual.

- Seating is quite shallow compared with a 210. I did like that the seat behind the driver faces the skier, which the 210 doesn't have.

Question: The 211 I've considered getting has rear ballasts (2 X 200 lbs), but no center ballast (300 lbs). The dealer suggests that the center ballast doesn't make as big of a difference on the 211 as it would on the 210, for reasons I didn't quite understand. Any opinions on this, or observations from existing 211 owners?

Another question, unrelated to the 211: I heard the fiberglass/composite platforms can get dinged pretty easily, and the wood platforms are better in the long-term b/c you can more easily refinish and restain. Any opinions on the durability of the fiberglass platforms?

Thx,
--JJ

**skinautique** · 04-13-2004, 07:30 AM

The structure of the fiberglass platform is very solid. Yes it will show some nicks and scratches in it over time. Most people get them because they want to do zero maintenance to them. If hit hard enough, the wood will show some gouges too but in the long run it will take more abuse and show less. The hull shape on the 211 allows you to need nearly no ballast in the front locker. I wouldn't hesitate to get that boat without the center ballast. You can always throw a fat sack in there if you feel you need it. Glad to hear your feedback on the new boat. I think it is a very impressive boat. Let us know which way you go.

**Kenw** · 04-13-2004, 08:00 AM

ajdouglas,

The better comparison would be the Sunsetter Lxi to the 216 and as skinautique stated the Response Lxi to the 206.
Spending time in and behind each will answer your questions.
See if you can have the dealer(s) have the boats on the water at the same time.

This is a major advantage that MidOhioNautiques has over other dealers. He carries both of those lines.

Ken

Nautique 211 vs MasterCraft 205V/ X-2 for slalom?

Nautique 211 vs MasterCraft 205V/ X-2 for slalom?

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