The Nautique 216 2010 is a modified-V design and the Nautique 226 2013 is a deep-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 216 2010 at 21,5 ft versus Nautique 226 2013 at 22,6 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Nautique 226 2013 tips the scales at 4 550 lbs - 1 560 lbs less than the Nautique 216 2010 at 2 990 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 343 hp for the Nautique 216 2010 and 343 hp for the Nautique 226 2013. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Nautique 226 2013 carries 52 gallons versus 29 gallons in the Nautique 216 2010. 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 226 2013 is rated for 15 passengers, while the Nautique 216 2010 caps at 10. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Nautique 226 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Nautique 226 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 15 passengers and at 22,6 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Nautique 216 2010 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 10 that costs less to run day-to-day.