Riding on a hot new hull design for 2002, the Vacanza 210V I/O Wake Xpress employs a deeper-V than previous models to give the driver more control in rough water.

Riding on a hot new hull design for 2002, the Vacanza 210V I/O Wake Xpress employs a deeper-V than previous models to give the driver more control in rough water.



We thought we'd seen it all: performance pontoons, four-stroke PWCs, even a "two-fisted" driver's seat (cup holders in both armrests). But a sleek, sporty wakeboard boat made out of metal?

Was it possible?

Sure enough, a Princecraft representative proceeded to show us the telltale rivets long the hull — proof that underneath all that glossy paint and cool graphics, the 2002 Vacanza 210V I/O Wake Xpress was actually an aluminum boat.

It should have come as no surprise, since all Princecraft deckboats are constructed of 5052-H36 marine-grade aluminum alloys. And considering the inherent weight advantage aluminum brings to the performance equation, it's a wonder why more boat manufacturers aren't following suit.

"This new hull puts us in an even stronger leadership position among our aluminum competitors, and makes us an increasingly considerable contender for the fiberglass deckboat market share," said Princecraft's president, Marcel Dubois.

While some boat builders are content to ride the latest fad, Princecraft — a subsidiary of Brunswick International Ltd. — has stayed on the innovative edge of aluminum boat design for decades. In fact, Princecraft's engineers were first to eliminate side rails and "fencing" in favor of fully integrated, contoured aluminum body panels when they were designing the popular Vacanza line. This is what gives the Vacanza 210V I/O Wake Xpress styling and lines that rival its most expensive fiberglass counterparts.

Double Your Pleasure

Riding on a hot new hull design for 2002, the Vacanza 210V I/O Wake Xpress employs a deeper-V than previous models to give the driver more control in rough water. It also increases stability by creating a deeper cockpit and lowering the boat's overall center of gravity.

The new design also incorporates a double reverse chine, which creates two riding surfaces. At low speeds, or with a heavier load, the boat rides lower in the water and sits on the upper or outer chine. At higher speeds, or with lighter loads, the boat rides on the deeper chine because the boat is farther out of the water. Princecraft claims the double reverse chine creates added lift, increased stability and better handling.

We decided to check it out for ourselves.

When paired with a MerCruiser 4.3L EFI engine with an Alpha One drive, the Vacanza 210V Wake Xpress responded aggressively, yet acceleration was very smooth. With two adults aboard and the fuel tank 3/4 full, it took us 6 seconds to plane at 21.7 mph (2,550 rpm).

In 9.9 seconds, we reached a comfortable cruising speed of 30 mph at 3,200 rpm. At lower speeds, we noticed how the weight of the stern drive effectively kept the stern low in the water without the help of added ballast. The effect is a nice, fat wake that is ideal for wakeboarding.

We were pleasantly surprised to see that this boat had substance underneath its sporty exterior. It handled more like a bowrider than a conventional deckboat, digging into tight turns and then quickly regaining its speed. The gain in confidence is likely due to the deeper-V hull.

There's no telling what the 210V could do with an even more powerful engine. The boat is rated for a maximum of 220 hp.

Beauty That Is More Than Skin Deep

When you're enamored of the 210V Wake Xpress' striking looks and daring personality, it's easy to forget that this is a deckboat — that is, until you start accounting for all the onboard amenities and deck space.

From the driver's seat, it was apparent that Princecraft's designers put some thought into the layout. The aft cockpit's wrap-around seating envelops you, so you feel like you're part of the group, not some chauffeur sitting off to one side. The plush bucket seat has an armrest, and the stereo controls and your very own cup holder are within easy reach.

The woodgrain dash panel with lighted switches houses a digital multi-function information center featuring VDO gauges. A power tilt steering wheel made of mahogany is standard, and a smoked windscreen will protect the driver from wind and spray.

The fiberglass helm console with glove box and integrated cooler doubles as a refreshment center. There is a sink on the opposite side, which faces the forward cockpit. Additional creature comforts include a pop-up privacy enclosure, interior lighting, a rear sunpad, an integrated swim platform with a boarding ladder and stainless steel grab rails.

Options include lounge cushions (for easy conversion of the bow to a full-size sunpad/berth), a portable head, removable cockpit tables and docking lights. Princecraft also offers a full range of custom-fit canvas options, from mooring covers to full camper configurations.

Reach for the Sky

Of course, the most appealing feature on this boat is its stainless steel wake tower, which is topped with an acrylic sunshade to protect the aft cockpit passengers from the glare and heat. We highly recommend the optional board racks, so you can stow your gear on the tower instead of having to take up in-sole storage space.

Assuming that many hardcore watersports enthusiasts like to live on the edge, we noted that the colorful graphics on the hull and upholstery gave the boat some spunk. Turn up the 120 watt stereo with CD player to fill the cockpit with your favorite tunes. Or, if you really want to rock out, upgrade to the even more powerful 180 watt Clarion system.

In between runs, you can beach the boat and move the party ashore. Three separate entries — off the transom, amidship on the port side and off the bow — make boarding and unboarding a breeze. With seating for 10, there's always room for one more to join the fun.

Princecraft Vacanza 210 Wake Xpress Specifications
Length20'11"
Beam8'5"
Draft2'11"
Dry weight3156 pounds
Fuel capacity50 gallons
Weight capacity1,375 pounds (up to 10 people)
Maximum power220 hp
Base price with MerCruiser 4.3L EFI stern drive (Alpha drive)$30,452

Estimated Performance
Top speed46.9 mph
Cruising speed30 mph
Miles per gallon at 30-mph cruising speed3.31
Fuel cost for 100 miles$42.90
Range at 30-mph cruising speed165.5 miles

(Fuel cost based on a fuel price of $1.42 per gallon.)

Engine Specifications
ModelMerCruiser 4.3L EFI stern drive (Alpha drive)
Propshaft horsepower210
Cylinders6
Displacement262 c.i.d.
Bore and stroke4.00" x 3.48"
Gear ratio1.62:1
Compression ratio9.4:1
Maximum engine speed4800 rpm
Weight857 pounds

Standard Features

Flush-mount halogen docking lights, telescoping beach landing ladder, stainless steel wakeboard tower and ski tow eye, marine-grade carpet, padded sundeck, integrated swim platform w/ladder, fiberglass helm console, thermoformed woodgrain dash panel w/lighted switches, mahogany tilt wheel w/power steering, 120 watt stereo w/CD player, pop-up privacy enclosure, interior lighting, canvas camper enclosure.

Options

Mooring cover, 180 watt Clarion system w/CD player, chemical toilet group w/holding tank and pumpout system, oval or rectangular removable snack table, bow lounge sun cushions.

For more information

Princecraft Boats Inc.
65 St-Henri
Princeville, Quebec, Canada G6L 5E4
(800) 395-8858
www.princecraft.com