The Nautique 210 2012 is a deep-V design and the Nautique 230 2010 is a modified-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Nautique 210 2012 at 21,0 ft versus Nautique 230 2010 at 23,1 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Nautique 230 2010 tips the scales at 4 300 lbs - 400 lbs less than the Nautique 210 2012 at 3 900 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 450 hp, the Nautique 210 2012 has a 107-hp advantage over the Nautique 230 2010's 343-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Nautique 230 2010 carries 51 gallons versus 40 gallons in the Nautique 210 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Nautique 230 2010 is rated for 16 passengers, while the Nautique 210 2012 caps at 12. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Nautique 230 2010 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Nautique 230 2010 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 16 passengers and at 23,1 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Nautique 210 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 12 that costs less to run day-to-day.