210 SANTE 343 vs 409

[Paxdad]

Frankly, it's hard to know. Even if folks tell you the weight they've run and that the 343 got them on plane easily or not...that doesn't tell you much w/o knowing the weight distribution. For instance, I ran a 2008 210 for years typically weighted with 2400lbs-3000lbs. I had a fairly strong bias toward rear weight (e.g. about 60% of the weight in the rear lockers, 20% mid (under the side seats...a bit toward the back) and 20% up front). The boat was difficult to get on plane with 3000lbs. But if one person sat in the bow, that was enough to make a difference. Anything above 1000 ft and I'd drop weight (another option would be to move more weight forward, but that changes the shape of the wake).

Also, keep in mind that the 409 and 343 have a similar torque curve under 3500 rpm...so I'm not sure how much more power you'll see with the 409. At the end of the day, I think the 343 is adequate and, if you do have an issue, a new prop should resolve it.

As an aside, while Paxdad is correct that the stock wake is really all anyone is going to need, in my opinion the stock wakeboard wake is weak. If you're working on wake-to-wake, then stock is all you really need or want. But a bigger wake allows for an easier edge in, easier pop, and overall less work while behind the boat. It's simply more enjoyable especially once you're beyond just clearing the second wake and you start with grabs, 180s, etc.

Run the rope length at 80-85 feet back and it is a way different game and wake back there. Fortunately the riders I am pulling with my 210 are well beyond the wake to wake, 180. This is where a G23 really shines!!!!

[Nordicron]

In my opinion the 210 probably has a design flaw or 2 in how the prop exits the boat.
#1 Nautique should have designed this boat to run a 14.5" prop.

#2 I think this prop sits slightly further aft than it should. In my opinion if it sat even 1" further forward under the boat it would make a world of difference in it's ability to plane easier.
#3 lastly if this boat had a tab rather than the hydro gate planning issues wouldn't be an issue at all! Nor would the talk of needing a 409.

Having said all that I absolutely feel a 409 would be beneficial in any boat over the 343 but have to ask yourself if it's worth the money.

I run about 2000lbs over the stock in my boat and a 1235 prop. I run as little weight up front as possible because I like the wake better with more in rear. But let me tell u the way I run my weight this boat will not ever plane even with the 1235 prop if I didn't put on trim tabs. My boat went from not having a chance in **** to plane to planning in 15secs.

[4th ski-doo]

I'm stock 343 with 450's on the hard tanks and the locker filled with another 450. I've been in one with 750s in the rear also, loaded it works but i'm talking loaded. For the most part the 343 works very well, I also will say the 2013 with cat's seems to run better than the previous 343.

Do I wish I had the 409, sure. Do I need it? No.