Would this review below be talking about the same era model run boat as as regards hull/beam, etc.?
I looked at the 2012 SANTE 210 closely before ordering my 2012 VLX. The SANTE 210 is a very nice boat but it was surprising to me how much smaller it is than the VLX.
The SANTE seats were shallower (closer to the floor) and the cabin just felt much more spacious in the VLX.
The VLX cabin is wider with a 100" beam vs a 98" beam in the SANTE.
The VLX also has roughly twice the storage space, 116 cubic feet vs only about 60 cubic feet in the SANTE.
The VLX has 1250lbs of factory ballast where the SANTE has only 900lbs. Of course you can add more to both but that just takes away from your storage space.
Both make an excellent wake, personal preference on that one.
The Nautiques I have been in feel a bit smoother in terms of engine vibrations, I think they have better a better engine mounting system.
I like that Nautique uses hinges/gas shocks on more of their seat bases than Malibu.
I like all the rear facing seats in the SANTE but I think the overall the VLX interior is more plush and comfortable.
The SANTE was about a $15k premium over my VLX with nearly identical options.
Malibu offers a tranferrable 5-year engine/powertrain warranty if you get Boaters insurance, Nautique is only 3 years on the powertrain.
The SANTE tower only allows for one pair of board racks so if you want to store more than 4 boards you need to buy the Z5 storage bimini, which doesn't work well if you drop the tower often like I do. The VLX tower can store 8 boards without needing the Z5. I am surprised how often we have used the extra board racks.
Both are great boats and I would have been very happy with the SANTE, I just really liked the extra space and plushness in the VLX and it seemed like a better fit for us. A local buddy recently got a new 210 SANTE and I can't wait to get a pull behind it!
Be sure and demo both back-to-back and look in all the compartments to really get a feel for both boats.
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