Considering SPX 210 OB vs SPX 230 OB

G

greguhl

New Member
Aug 24, 2018
6
Boat Info
2019 SDX 250 OB (ordered)
Engines
300hp OB
Hi all! Totally new to boating, and am considering these two boats for use in Pensacola Bay area for water sports, light fishing, and sight seeing type stuff. I think both boats fit our needs: often 2-4 people, occasionally more when the family/cousins/friends etc. show up. A couple concerns:

The Bay can get a little choppy during the day; would the 230 be much of a ride improvement? Is it that bad that I need to be considering even bigger?

Is the Merc 150 adequate for the 210, and is the 200hp adequate for the 230? (I'm hearing that the 150hp wouldn't be enough for the 230, although SeaRay lists it as a build option). Both good engines?

Obviously the 230 has the area for a head, so that may be the driver - I'm trying to figure out if that is important for us. I have to go look again, but it appears it may cut down on forward visibility for whoever is in the port seat? Maybe not an issue, I'll go look again.

I think those are the main issues I'm trying to figure out - if anyone else has any ideas/hints/suggestions please speak up?! Thanks in advance!
 
You can’t go wrong with either one, but I’d go with the 230 for a better ride and more room. Try to “buy your second boat first”.
 
ygbsm said:
You can’t go wrong with either one, but I’d go with the 230 for a better ride and more room. Try to “buy your second boat first”.
Click to expand...
"Buy your second boat first" - Ha! Makes a lot of sense! Thanks.
 
I live in Indiana, where we can't put the boat in until April. It is hard to get the Captain or me to go the the bathroom in the water in April. Please remember an old boaters saying, the first one to use the restroom, is in charge of cleaning it until you sell it. :)

I agree with everyone. Buy the biggest one you can afford.
 
Bathroom ✔️

Hence the name of my boat.....

“Gotta go”

And no one ever said “I regret getting the bigger boat”!
 
Marine max can probably give you a demo ride on both during demo days. That is what we did. Tampa Bay was a bit choppy that day and it handled it well.
The 150 performs well on the 210. Tops out at close to 50 with 4 adults and full fuel.
Would go with the 200 on the 230.
 
Last edited:
I have a 135 2-stroke OB on my 200 Overnighter, options were 115, 135 and 150. I top out at 42ish by GPS with guess around 750lb in passengers and gear and 30 gals of fuel, dry weight on mine is 2500. Wish it came with the 150hp option, but we're happy with 42 WoT, cruise around 23mph or so. My advise would be not only to get the biggest boat in the style that you're going to like (2nd boat first) but also the biggest engine you can afford for it as well. Not just for the WoT speed, but the enhanced speed at optimal cruising speed/efficency and better watersporting.
 
Lots of great answers here -- thanks a lot! I know another trip to MarineMax is in order - I'm sure that will help a lot also!
 
Either one will be fine for your use. I have the 19 and it's never been a problem so either of those 2 would be fine. Like others mentioned, get the largest engine option available for the model you chose. Check the size of the head compartment if that's a deciding factor. It may prove too small to use. The best boating season in our area is just getting started! See you on the water and good luck with your purchase.
 
Bridog said:
Either one will be fine for your use. I have the 19 and it's never been a problem so either of those 2 would be fine. Like others mentioned, get the largest engine option available for the model you chose. Check the size of the head compartment if that's a deciding factor. It may prove too small to use. The best boating season in our area is just getting started! See you on the water and good luck with your purchase.
Click to expand...

Thanks! That's good to hear, especially from someone in the area! New to all this so learning a lot quickly. Hopefully we'll see you out on the water soon!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,170
Messages
1,427,758
Members
61,080
Latest member
Jfeg
Back
Top