Seeking Opinions on 210 SLX

NorCalGlenn

New Member
Feb 20, 2012
402
Bullards Bar Reservoir, CA
Boat Info
230 SLX
Engines
350 MAG / Bravo Three
Seeking Opinions on 210 & 230 SLX

Looks like the 350/Alpha1 and 5.0/Bravo3 options are somewhat comparably priced, within $800. Having never sat in an SLX, let alone taken a ride in one, anybody care to chime in on which would be a better option? Specifically for watersports.

Also, does the external exhaust option (on the 210 or the 230) have much of an impact on storage space under the sunpad or under the walk-thru? Does that have any impact on performance, or just visual and sound?

Thanks!
 
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We got a 2012 230 SLX last March in preparation for the summer. It has the 350/Bravo 3 drive. Before that we had a 2005 185 Sport with the 4.3/Bravo 1.

Ours does have the external exhaust option. I can't really compare the storage space with or without it, but personally I don't find it to be worth the money. I would have much rather had the new "active trim" system to shape the wake. It does sounds great, but that gets old quickly. Our boat has TONS of storage space, but you can't really fit a kneeboard in the floor locker and that is frustrating.

To me, the Bravo 3 feels much smoother. It has two props that counter-rotate, so that really balances out the torque on the lower unit. It has so much power compared to our old boat. This summer we had 7 adults and 3 children in it and we could pull a skier with no problem.

If you get one, definitely get the factory arched tower. It is sweet looking and very well made. I really like the way the bimini is integrated into it.
 
Thanks the feedback about your 230 SLX. Actually, the 230 with the 350/Bravo/Trim Control is one of my "dream boat" scenarios. I'm trigger shy on buying another Sea Ray as I can't test drive - there are no dealers in Northern California who keep boats in inventory (!) and my first two (a new 2010 and 2012) have been purchased non-local (dealer transfer) or special order. Love my 190, but want something bigger and more luxe. Mulling over the 210 & 230 SLX, the Cobalt 200 & 220. I prefer the styling of the Sea Rays, but the Cobalts seem to have more storage, more engine options, and offer cruise control/Perfect Pass.
 
I like the Bravo3, it shifts butter smooth, and gives more control in reverse. The B3 also pulls like a mule, to help pull my 260 pounds up on a slalom ski with multiple people on board.
On the other hand, Alphas are less maintenance, and cheaper to fix when you break them. My old boat had an alpha, and was difficult to maneuver in reverse.
I would vote for the alpha in a 210, and the bravo on the bigger boat.

Regarding perfect pass, I believe you can add it to any merc with DTS, They even have their own version last I read.

As for Sea Ray vs Cobalt, Cobalts are nice. Well built and well optioned. Lots of meet features, like the stainless grab rails around the swim platform. But they are not cheap. Both brands are very popular on our lake, maybe even constituting a majority when combined.

If you are looking at paying the price of new, I would visit a dealer out of town to sit in the boat you want. A round trip advance purchase plane ticket is cheap, compared to buying something you regret later.

Good luck on your decision.
 
So, quick update for those who offered up the much appreciated feedback! I've gotten quotes on (2014) 210 and 230 SLX's. I'm pretty particular (OCD) about things like this as far as color, options, etc. I was pleased with how the pricing came in (compared to MSRP) and it boils down to the 210 (350/A1) and 230 (350DTS/B3/Dynamic Running Surface) being $16K apart. I'll also be open minded about a Four Winns 230, and am pretty sure it'll come in lower than the 230 SLX, but it doesn't really float my boat (sorry, couldn't resist). The real deal-breaker here is whether or not we get enough rain to have a boating season that's longer than 2 or 3 weeks this summer. California is in severe drought, and where I boat is at about 40% capacity. Ramps have been unavailable for about two months. Pretty sure (hoping?) we'll get enough rain to bring the level up to the ramps, but am skeptical as to how long they'll be below water. Not being able to use the boat beyond June would probably drive me crazy!
 
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1.)Trailer the boat to locations that have water. that is what a trailer boat is for. 2.) Look at similar size boats from builders other than Sea Ray and Cobalt. See if the extra $'s the SR costs is really worth it. I have not found it to be so, except in the case of Cobalt.
 
Thanks for the (blunt) advice about trailering. LOL Here's the thing: I keep my boat stored at my cabin, which I purchased last year at my favorite reservoir about 2.5-3 hours away from where I live. Go up almost every weekend (year round), driving up Friday night and coming home Sunday night. There are other reservoirs in the area (Western Tahoe National Forest), but ours is the biggest and all are low. But more importantly, I just don't see myself doing more driving than I already do just to get up there. I agree with you on looking into other boats, and have been getting some really valuable feedback from a person in the boating industry who works with many manufacturers. Other makes, models, and perhaps even towboats as opposed to bowrider/runabouts.
 
You know you want the 230 SLX......;) Do it!

+1 with active trim control and the bravo 3 it will be great for skiing and boarding. Nothing against a dedicated tow boat but they lack in amenities in the other aspects of day boating. I'd rather have storage than ballast bags.
 
So, the dealer who I bought my two Sea Ray's from (who is no longer a Sea Ray dealer) knows I'm in the market again, and my salesman there suggested I consider a Chaparral - which they carry. I've never been a fan of the styling, but upon looking into the 216 and 226 SSI's, I gotta say I was impressed by all the features built into the sunpad, storage, and "u" shaped seating. I think the pricing is close the the SLX's, maybe a little less? Like the styling of the Sea Ray, but the features of th Chap. Another guy who's opinion I respect really think I should look at the Four Winns 210/230. To be honest, it all makes my head spin a little bit. :)

Any opions about Chaparral and/or Four Winns as a manufacturer?
 
I test drove a lightly used (less than 20 hrs) Chaparral 244 Sunesta before I bought my 230 SLX. It was significantly cheaper, but the level of fit and finish just wasn't anywhere near the Sea Ray.

For me, the 230 SLX is just the ultimate bowrider and I intend to keep it for many years. But I am definitely partial to Sea Rays!
 
When making a decision like this, I think it is good to look at as many boats as you can. Then you will know what you really like, and what you don't so much.
The Sea Ray may be the boat for you, but you owe it to yourself to look around at what is available. I would also recommend a look at the Monterey 224FS , 214SS and Regal 2100/2300.

Enjoy the search !
 
There is a lot to be said about having a dealer close by for service and warranty concerns. Not to steer you away from the SR but you have other concerns when making this kind of investment.
 
My nearest Sea Ray dealer would be at least 3 hours away. My previous dealer is about an hour and fifteen from my cabin could still do my service on a Sea Ray - just not warranty (he's Bayliner, Chaparral, Supra, Moomba, Crestliner, and Harris Floteboat (sp?).
 
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I've been into bigger boats for a while now so am not current with trailerables, other than the ones I buy to flip. We went to the Sea Ray open house in Knoxville the year they began incorporating the quiet ride technology into the line. It was also the year they introduced the tabs into the hull bottom...."Dynamic Running Surface" . I was blown away by the quality of the 230SLX, the features, the quiet ride technology........the sound of the wake splashing was louder than the engine. The most impressive feature was the Dynamic Running Surface. The degree to which you could shape the wake was almost infinite. Even better, the boat was extremely stable at any attitude.....a surprise to me because I was of the general opinion that Sea Rays in this category tended to be a little squirrelly when you got them a few degrees off level.

Only you can decide on the dealer situation, but you won't go wrong with the 230SLX.
 
I should add that Sea Ray (corporate) has been nice when I voiced my concern (frustration?) with there being no Northern California dealers who keep SLX's on the floor - let alone an SLX with dynamic running surface - and said I could visit the factory and they'd be able to let me drive a few engine/drive configurations. I appreciated that.
 
I called what I believe is the largest Sea Ray dealer in California yesterday to ask about a 230SLX - pricing and whether they plan on ordering any with this option as regular inventory, and he said probably not. My guess is that these boats would encroach on their wake boats (Nautique)? From what I gleaned, the MSRP would run a tick over $100K, with a transaction (selling) price around $80K. For that price, one could probably get a new Nautique 210, and if somebody is really into shaping their wake...

And $6K cost to shape a wake is pretty steep. 230SLX is a nice boat, but do you need that price for technology? Only you can answer that.
 
It's funny you should mention that, the $6K cost. A high-volume Sea Ray dealer who's advice I respect (and shall remain nameless) thinks the Dynamic Running Surface technology is cool - but that it's pricey, not likely to be recouped in terms of re-sale (I seem to flip boats), and might not be worth it to me in that it's really not going to have the same wake as a towboat. He doens't think many dealers are going to order them for regular inventory with that option. With that being said, he does think the 230 is an incredible bowrider, and is tough to be in *that* category.
 
Our local SR dealer will not stock the 230SLX with that option either. People buy dedicated ski boats if they need a "special" wake, and at $85 to $95K for a loaded 230SLX, it's not worth it for a blinged up bowrider/ski boat wanna-be.
 

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