What we think: Stepping aboard this outboard-powered 21-footer instantly made our testers want to sit down. No, not because we felt unsteady: The 8-foot-6-inch beam gives this boat a stable footprint. But the leather-touch upholstery, made from multidirectional expanded-back vinyl, which envelopes the bow and wraps the aft port corner and bucket helm chairs, simply beckoned.
We’d settle in behind the gauge console and tilt the wheel to suit. We found very quick acceleration with the Mercury 200 XL OptiMax, reaching 30 mph in just over 6 seconds before topping out at just over 50 mph. At other moments, we took our time in this plush, portable living room. But it was nice to have that performance when we’d wanted to find a fishing hole fast, launch a skier or simply enjoy a thrilling ride.
The helm seat also comes with a flip-up bolster, which allowed us to pilot while comfortably high up — especially nice when docking. We also noted the standard hydraulic steering made hard-over turning routine.
NauticStar designed thoughtful storage throughout the 210, beginning with a box for wet tow ropes at the splashwell and padded ski storage in the cockpit floor. There’s also space beneath the L-shaped cockpit seat and forward seating, cooler stowage beneath the helm console, a dedicated area to place the removable table and net compartments for towels and sunscreen.
The step-down head features about 4.5 feet of vertical space, allowing a quick change from swimsuits to cruising or angling wear. The 210 can be outfitted with a fishing package, too, which includes an aerated livewell, pedestal seats and a trolling-motor harness. We can’t think of any more uses for 21 feet of space.
Who should buy it: Those who refuse to compromise in the areas of comfort and performance; families and active adults who want to exercise all the adventure options available on the water.
Vital Stats * Length: 21′ * Beam: 8’6″ * Dry Weight: 2,650 lb. * Weight Capacity: 1,854 lb. * Fuel Capacity: 66 gal. * Max HP: 200 * MSRP: (test boat w/ 200 XL OptiMax): $46,681 * NMMA certified: Yes
Power Picks
Mercury 150XL OptiMax $42,597
Yamaha F150 TXR $44,343
Yamaha F200 TXR $49,921
Also Consider…
205 DC
Length: 20′
Beam: 8’6″
Max HP: 150
Smaller than its sibling, this boat offers a little more versatility for trailering and fishing in tight spots.
230 DC
Length: 23′
Beam: 8’6″
Max HP: 250
Same floor plan but more passenger capacity in two more feet of length with more horsepower possibilities.
- Test Drive
- Test Engine: Mercury 200 XL OptiMax
- Test Prop: 20 Powertech 3-blade
- Test Load: People (330 lb.); Fuel (40 gal.)
- Top Speed: 50.9 MPH @ 5,600 RPM
- Time to Plane: 2.4 sec.
- Time to 30 mph: 6.3 sec.
