Picture of the 2008 230 Fission

Looks like a "Select" model with the word "Fission" thrown on the side, some different graphics and LED cockpit lighting.
 
wx5svr said:
First thought of boat.....looks beautiful, graphics need to be yanked off in a damn hurry and why didn't they put better speakers on the tower? I think those are Polk's ok-ish speakers on there which were just on sale from Circuit City for $80 a pair.

Because you don't make enough profit on $6,000 speakers if you actually pay $1000 for them?
 
I think maybe Brunswick needs to split off the new 'Fission' series as a whole new brand.... i'm sure it's a great boat, but i hate it. The blue indirect lighting is what sent me over the top. Perhaps we could get some flat panel LCDs in there so you don't have to be bothered by that ugly scenery as you rip through the water.
 
I think the entire point of the "Fission" is the wake tower.

If done right, the STRUCTURE of the Fission should be substantially different than a Select, what with the loads imposed by the tower. At least. . . .I *hope* the structure is substantially different.
 
ruf1967 said:
Looks like a "Select" model with the word "Fission" thrown on the side, some different graphics and LED cockpit lighting.

Per the new brochure it is the Select with a tower, graphics and the 350Mag.
 
It's funny,

I went to the MM dealer where I purchased my boat a few weeks ago. I had specifically asked about getting the '07 210 Select with the 350 Mag instead of the 5.0 MPI. I was told all of their 210's at the dealership had the 5.0 and it was an adequate engine, which I'm sure it is. The salesman said there was no need for the bigger engine and added expense with only a 40hp gain. Now they are going to push this "Fission" model with the 350 Mag. Go figure.

The admiral said they should call the new boat, the "Sausage Party" boat. When she saw the first picture she asked where all the women were. Again, go figure.
 
In the defense of the salesmen, Wakeboarding/Skiing requires getting a 150-200lb dead weight up on plane that has the hydraulic form factor of a brick facing the wrong way. Usually, this is done with 4 people on the boat.

That activity requires a bigger engine that puttering along with you and the admiral to nearby cove for swimming.

Of course, the 5L engine is cheaper. And considering how many people buy boats they can *barely* afford. . . small wonder there are lots of 5L engines around. Almost surprised they don't offer the 4.3L.

On the flip side: You KNOW that if the salesman had a 350mag boat on hand, he would say the 5L engine was for chumps.

There are PLENTY of 22-23 foot boats with 5L engines. Everyone (Maxxum, Crownline, Bayliner, etc.) sells these boats with the 5L engine seeming to be standard. I never drove one. I guess they are ok. . .but in boating MORE POWER is better than LESS POWER. It is only a question of how much you pay for the power.

From the SeaRay site, the 350Mag adds 15% more power, and raises the price about 6% (about $2500 sticker, probably $2000 after haggling?). That seems to be a good trade off. Don't settle for the 5L.
 
Without a tower and 4 adult passengers on board my 5.0 (carb) pulled an adult wakeboarder out of the water without hesitation.

:smt017

Kevin
 
We have some friends that bought a little 17' Bayliner because the beem was narrower and would fit in their boat-house which would require major rehab to fit a larger boat. It's a really nice, yet older house and they have a grand father clause to deal with as they could loose a large amount of other dock space if they tear it apart.

Anyhow, they bought this boat at a show where they walked in looking for a boat that would fit, period.

It's got the 3.0 ltr 4cyl. and there are 4 of them, not petite. They wake-board, tube, ski etc. with no problem at all. It's fits their need to a T and they spent less on that new little, under powered boat that does everything they need, than I spent on my motor. Oh, and they winterize (north Texas) in 3 minutes with a quick disconnect.

Who are the smart one's? :grin:

Another friend has an 18' Crownline with a 4.3. Same deal, but they air-chair, wake board etc. with no problem pulling up 250lb guys. I saw it, was there and was amazed! :wink:

Don't underestimate proper gearing and prop... :thumbsup:
 
I have to 2006 200 select with the 5.0 mpi, it pulls wakeboarders out no problem, with 5 adults on the boat, 1 in the water, and 400lbs of ballast up front.

Having said that, if I had unlimted funds I'd have gone for the 350mag, just because. Well, actually If I'd had unlimted funds I'd have bought a Windy 25 mirage.
 
Not to turn this into a waterskiing, wakeboarding or barefoot thread, and I myself not being a pro at any of those activities, I believe the larger displacement V-8's have a more consistent pull along with their higher torque ratings. Hardcore slalom skiers, wakeboarders and 'footers can put a heavy strain on the boat and engine just from the physics of their activities.

If and when I do decide to upgrade to a larger boat, I would prefer the 350 Mag over the 5.0L.
 
SeaRay Jim brings up an excellent point about gearing and prop.

On the 210, there are actually THREE powerplant options. The option not discussed is the 5.0L, but mated to a BIII drive.

I bet there are those that would argue that for *wakeboarding* and such, the BIII drive would prove more useful than the 350Mag mated to an Alpha.

For me? I don't wakeboard or tube. I probably could get away with the 5.0L, but at this price level I would opt for the 350mag over the 5.0L. The BIII drive has its charms, but given the complexity and *potential* issues with that drive, I would not get one in that size boat unless I was wakeboarding/tubing regularly.
 
When I upgrade I will test drive the 350 mag. If I don't feel enough difference compared to my 5.0 I will not spend the extra money.

Once the wakeboarder, skier, etc. is out of the hole - does is really matter (5.0 vs 350mag)?

Kevin
 
I'm not to keen on the job specific towboats like Mastercraft, Malibu, Supra, etc., but from looking at some of the websites, HP on these boats start at over 300. I feel that the 350 would be worth the investment in the long run.
 
In terms of the picture, I thought the overall appearance of the Fission is nice, but agree the graphics got to go. They are just plain ugly. The blue lighting was a bit as well.

As for skiing, tubing, and wake boarding, my 5.0 with the Bravo III has been flawless in its recreation activities. Only problem I have with my opinion is this is the first v8 in a boat I have driven. The rest have been 4's and 6's and have lacked in performance. These other boats were not Sea Rays though. So the 5.0 seems more than enough, but more power is always better. :thumbsup:

On another note, docking and slow wake control with the Bravo III is awsome!!
 
Ditto to Brian's comments about a 5.0 b3 in a 20 select. It has great low end torque for deep water slalom and 50+ top end as well.
I'm not sure the extra weight of the 350 would be much bang for the buck. But power is more about braggin' rights.

The Fission appears to be the same concept of the Rinker's RS series. Not a bad idea but true skiers will opt for the Mastercraft type boats. Wakeboarders are their target and they will likely suceed, even though its just a tower and graphics package on a Select. Now if it came with fat sacks etc.. it might sell better for wakeboarders.
 
I would be surprised to see the Fission around for more than a couple of years. Anyone remember the Ski Ray, a tournament style inboard ski boat??? Most hard core wakeboarders around here have a MasterCraft X...whatever with the bladder systems. Most SR's with the wakeboard tower are being used by mom and dad with the kids in tow. ....but what the heck do I know. FYI, the 5.0, 350 Mag and 6.2 are all based on the small block Chevy. So they all weigh about the same.
 

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