CC211 or V-ride

[Ribit5]

Hi all ...

We are about to take the plunge and upgrade from our 20 year old outboard ... and have come down to either ordering a new 06 Malibu V-ride or we have found a demo 05 CC Team 211. We ski, board and generally hang out on the water every weekend in the summer.
The 211 is slightly more money (a lot more options) and has about 70 hours on it. From what we have read (we are currently unable to demo the 211, the dealer here is bringing it in and will be here around the end of Nov.) the 211 sounds like a better boat for our needs. The dealer is offering the full 5 year warranty on the 211.

Can anyone comment on the slalom wake the V-ride produces.

We were just about to order the V-ride when this 211 came up. For similar $$$ (a few thousand more for the 211), can anyone comment on their likes or dislikes of these 2 boats.

Thanks

[BluesSyndicate]

I recently water demo'd both the Vride and the SV-211. I'm new enough here that I don't know the politics of the forum, and am willing to give you an honest opinion.

SV-211
- Hydrogate technology works very well, in terms of your ability to fine tune the wake (rampiness) of the boat when ballast is loaded.
- The Slalom wake was also important to me, and I concluded that the slalom wake of the 211 is very nice for recreational skiing, but that it is still a Vdrive..so don't expect a tournement wake, despite the fact that it's been endorsed for some slalom events.
- The walk through transom and resulting decrease in seating arrangement and storage do not work for me, and combined with price was the major reason I passed on this boat.
- With the "reputation" of CC, I expected angels to trumpet when I drove the boat, and while it drives nice and quite possibly is a higher quality boat than a Malibu (JD Powers), it did not drive as nice as the Malibu's and Sangers that I drove. This is obviously just my opinion, and others will disagree [ violently perhaps ]

Vride
- In my opinion, if the vrides slalom wake is not as good as the SV-211's, it's close enough that it was no issue for me. I'd say the size of the wakes are about the same, the SV-211 may be a tad softer, and I think the SV-211 slalom wake was slightly narrower....but really it was insignificant for my purposes, looking for a good crossover boat that does both. Given the better handling, storage, comfort and price, I opted to go with the Malibu.

NOTE: I observed the the Malibu Sunscape LSV 21' slalom wake is almost completely flat, better than any other V Drive I have seen. Makes one who wants a good slalom wake to wonder how that boat would be with Triple Ballast and a wedge.

[Bambamski]

CC sv211 hands down.

Better fit, better finish, better built, better everything. Also with the CC you get a 5 year bumper to bumper warranty. Even if it's a year old you still get more warranty out of the used CC boat (4 years left) than you would with a brand new BU (1-2 years max). Also when it comes time to sell, what do you think will be worth more? Should be no contest.

[J-Ro]

Bambamski, Right......

[Bambamski]

[BluesSyndicate]

[J-Ro]

Bambamski, First I wouldn't call it stripped down but thats fine. This whole CC depreciation thing is BS. CC doesn't make nearly as many boats as mastercraft or malibu. Therefore if you want one, it's harder to find. Very little to do with perceived quality, more of supply or a lack thereof in the case of CC.

That said, it wouldn't surprise me if in the next 5 years, the CC mystique will be debunked and equal boats from CC, MC and Malibu will be worth close to the same amount. Look at the original price on a late 90's Malibu and CC. They weren't even close but the resale difference now is less then that original sale spread by quite a bit. You're seeing the quality of other companies catch up to and surpass CC.

I can say the V-ride has a world class ski hull....same as the old Echelon and Sunsetters. The only difference being engine location.

If you like the CC, you should lean on your dealer a little harder. a 70 hour '05 is taking up space on his lot and money in his pocket.

[Ribit5]

The Malibu dealer told us 3 year bumper to bumper ...

The V-ride we optioned out is also quite nice. It is definately not a stripped down boat.
Extra gel coat accent, hull and colors
stainless rubrail
stainless bow grabrails
2'nd battery, box, isolator
flipup bolster seat
rear ballast
complete manual wedge
cover
malibu speed control (standard for 06)
illusion x tower (standard for 06)
depth module
monsoon 340HP
Sony CD / 4 Kicker speakers
fiberglass swim platform
Extreme tandem trailer

We saw a different 211 with only 10 hours on it last night that is quite a bit more that what this Vride is. This one is very nice but at about $12000 more than this Vride it is more than I can justify.

Tough decision, the Malibu dealer is pressing by stating he has only 1 more production slot available and we won't be able to see the actual 211 for at least another 2-4 weeks.

[snowboardcorey]

You should never be pressured into buying a boat. If push comes to shove the Bu dealer could find you a slot.

[chavez]

The resale argument is a joke.

Any V-drive, with a tower, is going to have phenomenally high resale right now.

I'd take the $12,000 in my pocket right now, over the POTENTIAL of $12,000 later.

You absolutely will not be disappointed with the BU. Great boat, all around.

[Craig Anderson]

I say BU. Great boat, great quality, proven hull design.

[DJew Jake]

I vote nautique...

[andy mogg]

Malibu all the way!

[DizzyG]

I test drove the 211 and the malibu vlx, I know it's a different boat than the v-ride. I liked the 211 a lot but the wakeboarding wake wasn't anything like the vlx or the 210. It was alright, but just wasn't what I was looking for. I did like the seating arrangement and I felt like it had plenty of storage.

I loved the walk through transom, I think that's a personal preference and it had a very nice and comfortable area in the back to sit while you put on a board or ski. I liked everything about the 211 until I rode behind it, it just wasn't the wake I was looking for. It had quite a bit of storage though, not as much as the VLX, but still more than I'd really need.

Can you ride a v-ride wake? That might give you the yes it's acceptible or no it's too big for skiing. The 211 wake when you put the hydrogate into whatever possition it is for skiing was pretty nice! I don't ski much at all anymore, but it looked pretty nice to me. Maybe go to the find a pull section and ask for anyone with a 211 in your area that you could ride behind, you might luck out and it will make your decision easier I'm sure!

[Bambamski]

You guys are comparing an entry level boat to a non entry level boat? If you were comparing the new VLX to the 211 then that would be a little different. The V-ride does not have all the same materials that go into BU's other models. It's their entry level boat so there have been corners cut or they couldn't offer the boat at the price they're offering it at.

How many Natique 2001's are still running around? I personally am of the opinion that paying a little more up front saves you money in the long run. Plus you said the dealer was going to give you the 5 year bumper to bumper on the 211 still vs BU only giving a 3 year on a brand new boat. That should tell you something right there.

[K-dub]

just to clear up this warranty arguement a bit...

Malibu:

deck/hull/stringer/seatframes: Lifetime (transferable)
Gelcoat: 2 years
Components: 3 years or 400 hrs.
Instrumentation: 3 yrs or 400 hrs
Upholstery: 3 years or 400 hours
Carpet: 3 years or 400 hrs.
Labor: 80-100% shop rate

***edit*** I forgot the drivetrain.
3 years (Indmar)

[jason2454]

I am a malibu owner and would have to say i would pick the 211 over the v-ride. However i wouldnt take a 211 or a 210 over a VLX. He is right, the vride is the entry level boat and doesnt have the same components put into the higher level Bu's. Im not saying the vride is a bad boat, just not really in the same class as the 211.

[Hyrific]

I have been in bolth boats and I say the malibu is a better overall boat functionally wise. If you plan on not having more than 4 people in the boat at any one time than the 211 will work just fine. The slalom wake on that thing isn't as good as they claim. For slalom wake the malibu sunscape lsv does indeed have the best v-drive slalom wake possible imho. The vride I think is about equall to 211 slalom wise. The wakeboard wake on bolth are good but neither are world class without extra weight. About fit and finish.... The malibu is good, the engine in the vride is known as a reliable engine as far as indmar goes. The vynal is good, the carpet is good, it has 1/3 more space for storage than the 211. And storage counts!! The 211 has the neutral handling and I like that. Good carpet and vynal. Not as many cup holders as I would have liked. The ballast is only 900 lbs and takes up the storage space in the back and when the ballast is full and your wakeboarding the wake is good but not excellent, if you wanted to add wieght to the boat I have no idea where you would put it. Also the seating in the 211 is shallow. I like deeper seats. If you want the ability to have more than 4 people without steping over everyone and everything plus space to put your jackets and what not get the malibu.

[Craig Anderson]

From what I understand the 211 is a cross-over v drive (tho Ive never been behind one), the v-ride is a proven wake maching. So, It would depend what you want. Do you want a wakeboard proven boat, or a boat that you can also waterski behind. Depending on the answer, is that would make the best boat for this situation. Ive sat in v-rides, and 04 VLX's. I dont see much corner cutting. Malibu does a great job, as does CC. Good Luck

[KyleT]

you can get the wake steeper on the 211 by adding weight to the rear, running the front tank half. or what we do, add a 1000k sack in the middle (no front tank). and the back tanks full. with the gate down it makes a nice lip, not as steep as SAN though, but plenty big. Ill see if i can find a pic of it.
the passthrough makes the boat worth it IMHO. makes it soo easy to get to the back and vice versa.

[LFADAM]

Ribit5, for that much more and a used boat vs a new, I would go with the v-ride. I have heard from people who have v-rides and love them. itch on this site has one and I believe he is very pleased with it, shoot him a PM to get some feedback from an owner. Its got a great hull, the same one as the older VLXs so the wake should be great (for wakeboarding, IDK about slalom)

[Ribit5]

Hey Guys ...

Thanks alot for all the replys, alot of good comments.

We're in Canada and The vride I described earlier is coming in at just over $56000 cdn.

The 211 (team edition, fairly loaded, shower, heater, full ballast, stainless, etc with 72 hours) is coming in at $57000.

Right now, if the 211 is as minty as the dealer states (it won't be here for another week or so) I'm kind of leaning towards the 211.
The transom walk thru and other options are swaying me the 211 way.

I also am a little ticked with the BU dealer in trying to pressure the sale and then being kind of snotty when I mentioned I wouldn't be making a final decision until we saw the 211. Oh well ... their loss if it comes down to it.

Either way, I know I'll be thrilled next summer with either boat.
We'll see how things play out ... right now it depends how "minty" the 211 will be once we actually see it.

Thanks

[canuck]

Ribit5:

I would go with the SV-211 over the V-ride. Last year when I was reseaching for our new boat we narrowed it down to the TIGE 22i and SV-211. We eventually bought the TIGE but the SV-211 was a very close second.

FYI in Canadian dollars we were offered a new 2005 SV-211 team edition (with no other options other than was is included in the team edition) for a little over $61,000 CAD (exchange rate was 1.23).

I know that we end up paying much more for our boats vs. in the US as there is way less competition and minimum number of boats sold. I believe that most dealers here in BC sell less than 50 new boats per year.

I looked at the Malibu (21XTI) but in my opinion it does not standup to the fit and finish of the Nautique.

Off course the most important thing is the dealer. Go with the best dealer versus the best boat especially in Canada where you don't have many large stable dealers.

[aoblak]

Hey Ribit5 have you looked at used (03 to 04 Wakesetter VLX's) That way you get all the features and options, you should be able to find a pretty good deal. I have owned and currently own 3 Wakesetter VLX's and I have looked really hard at the 211 Team and the 211 has alot of great design features but the wake doesn't compare the the wake on the VLX. The biggest difference that I noticed was that the VLX has some bow rise and the 211 has very little bow rise.

[Bowen]

Ribit5, Honestly, if they are that close, I'd go with the 211. Mainly because the heater and shower. If the Vride comes with the heater and shower then I'd probably go Vride.

As far as the wakes go, both have a pretty soft stock wake. You have to weight the Fock out of them to get a hard wake. All in all, I probably prefer the V rides wake to the SV 211, but both are in my top 3. Interior, I would go Vride, even though Malibu is 'cutting corners' in the Vride, I still prefer the layout and storage to that of the 211...the Nautiques interiors have always felt more rigid to me, where as the Malibu's are more plush. You really can't go wrong with either one, but if you want to get the most use out of your boat, especially in the off season up there make sure you get a heater and shower.

[Wakebrad]

Take the V-ride. Let the 211 go to someone who can appreciate how good of a deal that is.

[Bowen]

Wakebrad, That deal is anything to get giddy about....actually, I don't think either one is something to get too excited about. They are both prolly a little below average, but if you want something to get excited over then there is an '05 SV-211 on Flip-Sell right now for $42500 w/ like 100 hrs. THAT is a good deal.

But then again, so is the '05 Vride w/ 50 hrs for $41,000...which is a good deal as well (though not as good as the CC).

[Wakebrad]

Bowen, he's talking Canadian dollars (which I don't care to look up the translation). My point is you are comparing a price point Malibu vs a slightly used 211 (step up) with more features and full warranty. For approx the same price that's a steal on the Nautique. The rigid feel on the nautiques is because their interior is more durable and will last longer. I guess it's a matter of opinion on what you want. Cushy or durable.

I like a steeper wake (like the 210) but if you like a rampier wake, the 211 is a good buy.

The resale value will be significantly better on 211; a boat that starts out at a much higher tag new (hence has already taken the depreciation hit), carries the Nautique name, has more features, and a full 2 extra years on the warranty.

[chavez]

[Bowen]

Wakebrad, I did look up the exchange rate before posting my previous post. Its about $48,500 +TT&L, nothing special.

Once again, The options would make the sale for me, and the dealer.

As far as resale, that depends on the market he's in...which I'm not familiar with. I could go buy a loaded Malibu in Dallas, put over 200 hours on it in a year, bring it out to Cali and get more than I paid for it. I could buy a CC in Dallas, bring it out to Cali in the same conditions and almost break even.

Ribit5, the bottom line is that both boats are excellent and you can't go wrong with either one. I have spent alot of time in and behind both boats and I can honestly say that I love both of them. You CAN, however, go wrong with the dealer. Which dealer do you like more? Why? What is the general feeling in your area about their service departments? Go with the dealer you like and you'll be happy in the long run. After all you'll be dealing with these guys when something breaks, which it will on either boat.

[jpk]

I agree that at this point it might be the dealer that makes the difference. I looked at the SAN210 vs. the V-Ride and I chose the V-Ride easily. Those that say the fit 'n finish on the SAN is far better might just be going on marketing of the price points and haven't really sat in both boats. Then again, I was looking at the 210, so I don't know that the 211 isn't way better, but I suspect they are similar. I can say that the V-Ride has excellent high-end appointments and you will never mistake it for a low-end boat. The seating is very comfortable and roomier than the SAN 210. The SAN 210 had a cramped feeling and felt like it was built for midgets.

I also like the aesthetics (tower, layout, stying) of the Malibu better than CC, but that's just personal tastes.

If both boats cost the same, then pick the one you like better. They are both high-end boats and you can't go wrong either way.

[Craig Anderson]

jpk. I agree, not to start a argument, its just my opinion. Ive been in SANTE 210, the wake is amazing, but always felt the quality vs price left much to be desired.

[Bambamski]

Ribit5

56k plus taxes for the V-ride? You're getting ripped off if that's what the V-ride is coming in at. Where are you in Canada? Here in Alberta the dealer tried to sell the V-ride for high 50's last year and got slaughtered, now they're going for right around 50k. Loaded X-2's came in cheaper last year for what they were trying to sell the V-ride for. That was the biggest no brainer of all time. The X-1 around here is also cheaper than what you're being quoted for the V-ride 51k plus taxes.

[Ribit5]

Thanks guys for all the replys ...

Bambamski ... spoke to Don at Wizzard Lake near Edmonton and speced out the way I described earlier thats what they want. I found an 05 with 18 hours on it without many options a little closer, but that dealer won't go less than 48000. It is nice (not quite the colors I wanted and the trailer had some road rash) (I offered 46000) but they refused. Saw a few 04 VLX's that are nice ... but they were also in the 48-54 range with quite a few hours. I figure if I have to spend $48++ I might as well get as close to what I want and have at least a couple years warranty. To go from 48 for the used 05 to a new 06 (my wife really likes the Illusion tower, no marks on it or the trailer and exactly what we want) is worth the extra $8K in the long run. I know I'll have this boat for quite a while.

Here in Winnipeg we have a Malibu / Tige dealer and a Nautique dealer. Both of these dealers are associated with dealers based out of Saskatchewan. So ... Because I would like warranty when spending that much $$$ I don't have to many choices.

Both dealers seem fine, so we should see what happens in the next little bit once I see the demo 211 that is coming in.

[DJew Jake]

Who is your dealer?