Official 215 Express Thread

andy k

Active Member
Feb 7, 2009
505
Lake Erie
Boat Info
40.3
Engines
Yanmar
It seems like every boat has a thread, so I figured I would start one up. What do you guys love about the boat, and what do you hate about the boat. I love the big boat ride and stability, I hate the storage, not enough space to store fenders and gear.
 
+1 Ride, Storage could be better, a little tight in the cabin for overnights if your taller than 5'10". Like the open cockpit, plenty of room to move around. Wish I had a bigger engine, but overall it's been a good boat for us.
 
Last edited:
When I had mine - I liked how the cooler slid under the rear jump seats - I also liked how the engine cover could be lifted off to get to the engine. I always stored my fenders resting in the side compartments. It worked. The boat has a nice ride. Fine for the occasional overnight.
 
well, seeing as how I just put a deposit on my second 215 I don't think there is much I could say I don't like. :grin:

Honestly though...

Pros:
One of, if not the largest 21ft boats on the market.
Nice ride
Overnight accommodations
Plenty of power (5.7L)
Easy to trailer

Cons:
Wish it had the shore power and fridge option like the 245 weekender
Storage (as said, its ok but could be better)
No extended swim platform on earlier models
 
Here are a few pics of my first 215. She was a 1997 with the 220hp 5.7L (EFI). I sold her because I had so much going on that I couldn't use her. Then after we got back into boating, we decided that we must have another one. Hence the soon to come info in my sig. :grin:

Forgive me on the picture quality. The first to were taken with a film camera years ago and scanned in. The last one was a picture that the new owner took.

boatalone.jpg

boat1.jpg

Myoldsearay.jpg
 
For it's size it truely has a big boat ride, I take mine out on Lake Michigan often during the summer months to ride in the
big waves.....Very Sweet:smt038

The only thing I miss is shore power, something basic one outlet in the cabin to run a t.v.,heater, or whatever would have been nice and simple in manufacturing, but I guess
that is what gets you to the next step up in size.:huh:
 
The only thing I miss is shore power, something basic one outlet in the cabin to run a t.v.,heater, or whatever would have been nice and simple in manufacturing, but I guess
that is what gets you to the next step up in size.:huh:

I am going to be adding shore power to my new boat. As you said, just one outlet would make all the difference in the world. I am also going to add a fridge and a battery charger. My fiancee and I are at the point where until we have kids, this boat will meet all our needs. It just needs a couple extra accessories. :lol:
 
Thank you for starting the thread. I have yet to get my new-to-me 215 EC on the water. I bought it because it is small enough to trailer, but just large enough to spend the night. A cuddy is a great place to shelter during the pop-up thunderstorms that are common in Georgia in Summer.
 
Thank you for starting the thread. I have yet to get my new-to-me 215 EC on the water. I bought it because it is small enough to trailer, but just large enough to spend the night. A cuddy is a great place to shelter during the pop-up thunderstorms that are common in Georgia in Summer.

You will enjoy it!! :smt038
 
Can anyone comment on the camper package? Mine is 12 years old, but looks like it was used only once. It cleaned up like new, but I wonder why it got so little use.

The bimini and toneau covers, on the other hand, look like they go used regularly.

I will post some pics as soon as I get the boat out and cleaned up.
 
i am going into my second season with this wonderful little boat, sure its a little gassy and ive had to replace the water pump and altenator but bang for buck i couldnt fault my 215. the only advice i cuold offer anyone buying one of these little gems is to go for the 5.7 over the 5.0, i struggle to plane if i have more then four adults on board but apart from that i think their the business. i would like the option of shore power and a second battery, but when i get some cash i will remedy that issue myself, hope to have mine for many years to come
 
this is my little 215, im ging into my second season and think its the business. would prefer the 5.7 over my 5.0 as i find it a little slow plaining with 4 or 5 adults on board, also a second battery and shore power is something i need to address but apart from a new altenator and a faulty water pump im as happy as can be with my little belter. I hope to install some manual trim tabs soon and hope this will help plain a little quicker. If anyone has advice regarding same feel free to offer any advice possible
 
Starting the third season for ours. Love the ability to trailer easily, yet has a big boat feel on the water. Same storage issues as mentioned before, but with a little creativity, there's plenty of space for the weekend needs.
 
Everything electrical works except for the fresh water pump and the horn. The DC wiring schematic in the owners manual shows the horn is on a 5-amp fuse. Problem is I can't find the fuse panel. Any pointers before I take out the dash to see if they hid it there?

Thanks
 
look in the head area behind the dash, there should be a rectangle panel screwed on. If you remove it the fusebox is in there.

I dont think it a good setup, needing a screwdriver to get to fuses, i'm gonna hinge and lock mine to make easier access while on the water
 
Got it, and the horn fuse was missing. Replaced it and now the new horn is nice and loud.

Thanks!
 
I want to add a marine grill and cook on the boat. Anyone have suggestons for where/how to install it? I hate drilling holes, and want to get it right the first time. I have read the grill thread, but no 215 EC owner posted.

TIA
 
I want to add a marine grill and cook on the boat. Anyone have suggestons for where/how to install it? I hate drilling holes, and want to get it right the first time. I have read the grill thread, but no 215 EC owner posted.

TIA

I don't have a 215EC but my 225WE is similar enough for this question. I just installed a Magma flush mount on the Starboard gunwale and it works great. I used the flush mount so my cockpit cover would still fit on OK. I have the rectangle Newport style grill. Drilling in the boat is a bit nerve racking- I just sat there and covered every possible configuration till I got it right, then drilled. If you do go with this solution, a forstner bit is strongly recommended.
 
Thanks. I am planning my install next week after I get back from out-of-town. I worried about getting off plumb on the 1" hole, and then the flange of the flush mount would not sit flush on the gunnwale. My solution is to drill all the necessary mounting holes in a pine 2 x 4 using a drill press. I expect the holes in the 2 x 4 will prevent the hole in the gunnwale from getting off plumb when they are hand-drilled.

I agree drilling into a perfectly fine boat is going to take some nerve. I plan to treat the open hole with fence post preservative to make absolutely sure that if water ever gets in, it will not start a rot problem.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
112,943
Messages
1,422,703
Members
60,927
Latest member
Jaguar65
Back
Top