Thinking About 2004 215 Weekender....

[jason78]

I am thinking about an 04 or 05 215 Weekender for my first boat. Does anyone here have one or have had one that can tell me what kind of experience they had with the boat- performance, reliability, handling, power, etc. Positive or negative thoughts welcome. I really like the boat but would like some feedback. Thanks!:grin:

 

[Buckeye Boater]

We are completing our second summer with our 2006 215WE. The boat has been everything we expected and more. We boat on Lake Erie and a few inland lakes. We've had her in 3' - 4' "chop" on the west end of Lake Erie and she perfromed flawlessly. Pulling a tube/skier is not an issue. As with any boat/model, once you become familiar with it, handling is relatively simple.

Since the "systems" on this particular model are limited (pump out head), maintenance is very economical. We have the 5.0L 260HP engine and it is also very economical.

Overnighting is like sleeping in a tent. We can fit three comfortably - two in the v-berth and myself on the stern seat. We have even had four people sleep on her overnight - cramped, but doable - by adding a single inflatable mattress on the deck in front of the engine hatch.

It makes a great day boat with an area to get out of the sun/weather if needed.

We are considering moving up in size as we would now like to overnight more on board. However, if we move up to a 26'-27', we will loose the ability to boat on different lakes since I don't want to invest in a larger tow vehicle.

The one modification that I would like is an extended swim platform. This is standard on the 225WE (essentially the same boat with a few extra bells & whistles). In fact I have already been quoted a price from swimplatforms.com

Unless we find a no brainer deal at the fall/winter boat shows, we will probably hold onto her for at least another summer.

Decide how/where you will be using your boat. Let those factors determine if this is the right model for you.

Good luck in your search.

 

[skolbe]

Our first boat was a 215 EC - same boat basically. We loved but bought a 260 Dancer after we realized how we would really use the boat. Now we have a 320. Trading gets expensive... If you are not going to do much overnighting the 215 is a awesome boat.

 

[Sweet Dreams]

We have the same boat. Bought it early this year. We have really enjoyed. Has been our first overnight v hull boat and is very versitile. I ditto everything buckeye says about it. It is small and like camping but economical and good for skiing. Comfortable for 4 persons during the day, two at night.

Buckeye...what quote did you get on the platform because we were just contemplating the addition vs an upgrade.

 

[Nehalennia]

......don't forget to look at the 225WE, it has the extended swim platform and a slightly nicer trim package. Otherwise they're identical boats.

Good luck

 

[jason78]

Thanks for all the feedback so far! I do like the extended swim platform on the 225 as well as the extra room. I am still deciding if the extra money is worth it. Also, I feel like I am already pushing my comfort level with a 22' since I am new to boating. Thanks to all and I will look forward to what others say.

Buckeye: I would also like know what you were quoted for the swim platform on the 215.

 

[SeaHarley]

Our first boat was a 2001, 215EC and a nice boat. Still miss that thing...........
Especially with the gas prices!

 

[Buckeye Boater]

burwellj & Sweet Dreams,

I was quoted just under $1,300 plus freight (from Arizona) for the swim platform back in January.

I really like the shape of the swimplatforms.com platform (rectangular) versus the one on the 225WE (rounded).

Here is a photo from swimplatforms.com.

 

[jason78]

I have read a few posts elsewhere where some were suggesting that the 215WE with 5.0MPI would not be able to pull a skier well. Can anyone comment on this? I know the 5.7MPI engine is hard to find.

Buckeye- I know you said pulling a skier was not an issue for you- is this with several other passengers on the boat? Also thanks for posting that platform info!

 

[Buckeye Boater]

Believe it or not I was able to get an adult male skier (180 lbs) out of the water with three adults, and three children on board. Hole shot wasn't the best, but we were able to do it.

 

[Sweet Dreams]

Thanks Buckeye for the platform info. That looks very nice. We would have to have some filling work done where the ladder is currently mounted but think it would be well worth the $ and trouble to add the platform. Its a big drop from the built in platform and a good pull to get up onto the top step from in water. Think that is our only complaint about the boat. By the way...on the skiing issue buckeye, do you have trim tabs? Was wondering how much a difference that makes with skiing.

 

[Buckeye Boater]

Sweet Dreams,

We do have trim tabs and it does help when pulling a skier. However, we usually just apply nearly full throttle and then back off once on plane.

Your comment/concern about refinishing the exisitng boarding ladder area was something I also thought about. If I removed mine, I would have to fill four screw holes that hold the current ladder brackets. I think a good fiberglass repair person could handle it easily.