255XD vs. 255XE vs. 252XE

[BrentH]

We have a 255XD on order but are concerned about production delays. We are revisiting 255XD vs. 255XE vs. 252XE based on availability of new and used versions of each model.

(1) for the 255XD owners...are you using the Drive system and your paddles, or is the boat handling fine without them? Hypothetically we opted for the XD because my co-captain could use a little...assistance...around the dock and on / off a trailer. Interested in feedback on usefulness of XD - "can't live without it" vs. "kind of forget about it, rarely use it."

(2) for the 255XE owners...how important are the integrated wakeboard features. Assume we might use a wake setup maybe...1/3 of our excursions. The balance we are water skiing or using inflatables or cruising around. Are you having to enhance your wake with ballast bags and other attachments anyway, or are you really pushing buttons and voila! Great wake. If you've had a 242X or a more manual wake setup in the past and can compare your experience then vs. with a 255XE...that would be helpful.

(3) for the 252XE owners...now that you have it, do you wish you had the 255XE or XD or happy with what you have?

Any insight on the pros / cons of these three is appreciated. Looking to make a decision ASAP. Thanks.

 

[Tony Prwivo]

Good evening sorry it took so long to get back to you I work shiftwork. My personal opinion on the 255XD it really is an amazing boat we don’t really use or see ourselves using any of the surfing ballasts we bought the boat mostly for the color combination and the supercharged engines. We are definitely going to use it to tube and possibly wake board. To answer your question above my wife was the one that wanted the paddle shifter option on the boat for docking in low speed maneuverability. I can honestly say it makes docking and maneuvering super super easy having both hands on the wheel and controlling the forward and reverse throttles makes the boat super easy to maneuver. I did install the trust vectors as well just as a little extra help. We ordered our boat in September 2020 and didn’t receive it until June 2021. It definitely was worth waiting for in my opinion. I hope this helps.

 

[BrentH]

Thank you that's very helpful.

 

[Jim Davis]

We are loving the 255XE. Never used the paddles so don't know what i'm missing but it seems to handle fine if you don't mind one hand on the throttles and one on the wheel. Wife only drives the boat out on the water at the dock she backs the trailer down and has gotten really good at it. She really does not like driving the boat in tight places but not sure the paddles would solve that.
For wake boarding yes it's a simple push of the button for a decent wake. For wake surfing you will want some weight either in ballast or people.
We had a 242xe and loved it as well. It is definitely nice to push a button and deploy the wake booster but you only need that for surfing.
Love the supercharged motors. Hope this helps and have fun!

 

[WaTeRMaNiaC407]

I have the 212XD and use the paddles all the time. I didn't buy the boat for that feature, but now I wouldn't want to give it up.

 

[BrentH]

I have the 212XD and use the paddles all the time. I didn't buy the boat for that feature, but now I wouldn't want to give it up.

Thank you - that's good to know.

 

[typhoon]

(3) for the 252XE owners...now that you have it, do you wish you had the 255XE or XD or happy with what you have?

The only thing I miss from the other boats is the larger bimini top. We cruise up and down the crowded intracoaster, so I have no real need for the supercharged engines. Other than that, I am more than happy with my boat.

 

[Jmoore]

This thread is over 2years old now. We are split between a 255 xe or xd.

Those that have either, any comment now that you have had the boat for some time. Are the paddles with the xd worth the extra bucks?!

Thanks for your time!

 

[TommyMcK]

The 255XD actually has DriveX. This is more than just DRiVE with the paddles. It also has the lateral thrust and spin capability. That wasn't a factor so much for me.... I got the 255XD because of the color options. In any case, for me at least, I do find the features useful sometimes, but not necessary. I never use the spin mode (just not needed) but there are times when the lateral thrust is useful. It's not dirt stupid though because you usually have to combine it with forward or reverse thrust to make it do what you need it to do. I think that the joystick interface that comes with the fsh models is more intuitive.

 

[Jmoore]

The 255XD actually has DriveX. This is more than just DRiVE with the paddles. It also has the lateral thrust and spin capability. That wasn't a factor so much for me.... I got the 255XD because of the color options. In any case, for me at least, I do find the features useful sometimes, but not necessary. I never use the spin mode (just not needed) but there are times when the lateral thrust is useful. It's not dirt stupid though because you usually have to combine it with forward or reverse thrust to make it do what you need it to do. I think that the joystick interface that comes with the fsh models is more intuitive.

You gave me just what I was looking for, thank you. In the market now, hoping these winter prices drop just a little lower!

 

[Jim Davis]

I had the 255XE so no experience with the XD. I never felt I needed the XD features but I do think it might be a nice to have type thing. You can split the throttles and accomplish a lot around the dock. One in forward and one in reverse if you want it to spin. I don't think you can go wrong with either boat. Enjoy it!