SEA-DOO 210 WAKE BOAT REVIEW

Feature Article

TEST: SEA-DOO 210 WAKE BOAT

Sea-Doo boats have come a long way since the mid-'90s, when I had my first experience in one thanks to a mate who had one imported. Back then it was definitely the strangest design I'd ever encountered. It was so modern it looked thoroughly "out there", and from behind the wheel it was really different compared to the recreational craft with which I was familiar. However, regardless of all that, it was quite a toy, delivering a heap of fun whether you wanted to ski or simply just fool around.

 UNDER THE WHATSIT

When you see what's under the hood you can understand why the 210 Wake packs such a wallop. This model ships with twin 215hp supercharged Rotax 4-TEC motors, which spin up to a heady 8000rpm and pump out a serious 430hp. These motors feed a jet-drive propulsion system, with the jet-pumps above the keel line rather than below. Having no propellers is certainly a neat safety feature. The twin-engine installation is synchronised in a single side-mount control, making operation far easier, and it's this powerplant setup, combined with a unique hull design, that delivers the 210 Wake's extraordinary performance.

Putting the 210 Wake through its paces was definitely a big eye-opener for me - quite a spin-out, to say the least. When it's time to hammer it, 430hp literally bursts the 210 onto the plane and up to maximum speed in no time. Due to the jet-drive system there's minimal bow-rise, so you have good vision at all times, and the craft is ultra sensitive to steering adjustments. You can literally crank it up to high speed and throw it into a full-lock turn without any complaint from the hull, and even when thrashing it around like a maniac, the ride remains remarkably smooth and stable.

I'm always hesitant when told I can chuck a boat into a full-speed turn, but in this case it didn't take me long to gain enough confidence to throw the 210 into 180° spins from quite high speeds. Yes, there was plenty of g-force involved, but it's amazing how well this boat accommodates hooligan behaviour. If you're after an adrenalin kick, the 210 definitely gets a "thumbs up" from me.

For wakeboarding the 210's performance is entirely "appropriate". With the built-in wake boost system you can create the ideal wake profile, as well as maintain constant speed through cruise control and ski modes from the helm. The thing is, while you might think the Sea-Doo is the kind of boat only Iron Maiden fans will go for, you're wrong - it's equally suited to general family cruising and skiing.

SCHMICK LAYOUT

The 210 Wake offers a respectable balance between sensible ergonomics and good looks. The stern is wide and open, with a large boarding platform to please wakeboarders and recreational users, with the added bonus of fold-out, rear-facing seating, a pop-in drinks table, and a sizeable storage hatch that easily accommodates a wakeboard.

At the console, the rear-facing passenger seating is handy for keeping an eye on those ripping it up out the back. The captain's side has a fully adjustable track and swivel chair, along with a bling console setup with analogue and digital gauges, a powerful sound system and a number of other accessories within arm's reach.

The angled wake tower has built-in boombox speakers, while the wraparound screen shelters you from the wind's blast. The built-in heating is another worthy feature; when it gets a bit chilly simply pull out the pipe to preheat your wetsuit or direct it right at you in the cockpit.

The open bow section is spacious, with loads of under-seat storage. Throughout this model are many other standard features like stainless grabrails, drinkholders, courtesy lighting, and tow and ski eyes. The 210 can legally accommodate 10 people - a great spec when you want to take a pack of mates or family and friends out for a fun day on the water.

THE WRAP

If you're into boating bling, especially when it comes to wakeboarding boats,
it's worthwhile having a look at the new Sea-Doo 210 Wake. Its performance, layout and snazzy design will certainly push you to consider your options carefully. At 6.25m in length and with a dry weight of 1474kg it's pretty easy to tow, and it's competitively priced and packed with features. Buy one of these and your kids will love you forever.

On the plane...

Exhilarating performance

Comfortable, ergonomic layout

Rear fold-out seating design

Heating system

Dragging the chain...

Docking and reversing could take a bit of practice

Specifications: Sea-Doo 210 Wake Boat

HOW MUCH?

Price as tested/on trailer: $77,500

Options fitted: Nil

GENERAL

Type: Family / skiing / wakeboarding jetboat

Material: GRP

Length: 6.25m

Beam: 2.59m

Hull weight (dry): 1474kg

Draft: 30.5cm

Deadrise: 21°

CAPACITIES

Fuel: 166.5lt

People: 10

Min. HP: 310

Max HP: 430

ENGINE

Make/model: 2 x Rotax 1503 4-TEC supercharged intercooled

Type (each): Three-cylinder, closed-loop, inboard jet-drive

Displacement (each): 1494cc

SUPPLIED BY

Brisbane Jetski and Sea-Doo

239 Zillmere Road

Zillmere, Qld, 4034

Tel: (07) 3633 0123

Web: www.brisbanejetskis.com.au

Originally published in TrailerBoat 268.