2014 Nautique 230 Build, Engine Size and Options

[AcerMD]

Looking at ordering soon and have some questions (will not have opportunity to demo).

409 or 450? I won't be running more than stock and maybe an extra bag or 2 for surfing?

I'm planning on getting most options but how is the factory stereo? Should I just do wet sounds all around?

Any other must-have options or things to know? I'm coming from another brand.

[nyryan2001]

Acer- you'll likely get a lot more feedback if you tell us how long you plan to keep the boat, how you use your boat, what sports, elevation, how extreme with ballast.

I know me... I'd get it with the 450, its a terrific engine... but lots of folks love it with the 350 and 409.

[AcerMD]

Wakeboard when we can (sets in morning and in evening) when water is calm, surf and chill with music the rest of the time. As it were most times water is rough so we surf (plus it seems that's all people want to do). Our crew is split 60/40 port/starboard for the surf. That's why I'm leaving the other brand, want a surf system.

Put a 120 hours a year, keep the boat 1-2 years then get a new one, though if I found the right boat I'd keep it longer.

[AcerMD]

Stock ballast for wakeboarding is fine, maybe ad 450-750 lbs for surfing if required.

[JamesHawk101]

The 450 in a 230 is like a 550 in the G23. It isn't necessary unless your running over stock for wakeboarding but it is so awesome and worth getting it even if you don't. The 409 would be fine but if you want that extra push and have the money get the 450. Also I would just not bother with the stereo and do a full wetsounds install.

[AcerMD]

Yeah thinking of wetsounds I've heard the stock system is pretty crappy. 450 it'll be. Wish they would of kept the center reversible seat too.

Anyone have any good info on the wakeboard wake? Is it finicky like the old 230?

[gride]

i'd get the 409 and the right prop for your needs. as for the stereo, i would leave the interior speakers alone(make sure the speakers are wired correctly), put wetsounds on the tower with wet amps or jl mhd amps, then get an xs-12 sub and wet or jl amp and proper box, and a 420.

[bradw]

IMHO theres no replacement for hp in a boat, I think you've made a good call on putting the 450 in there!

[gride]

i'm going to have to disagree with the hp comment. i realize it's not apples to apples, but i only have the 330 in my 210 and i can run 4000lbs+ w/o any problems getting on plane, holding speed, or burning through gas. if you have the money get the 450, but 409 is plenty. and im generally one to want more hp and torque regardless, but in all honesty in a 230 you don't need it for what you've explained.

[207onfloats]

AcerMD...congrats on ordering your new boat. One thing, you say you won't be running more than stock however what if you get out there and realize you need more weight to do the things you want to do. I'm running 4 bags over stock and due to the length and buoyancy of the 230/236 it needs the weight to get the wave for wakesurfing. They can plumb extra bags into the stock tanks and keep it very simple. I've got the 409 and it's a beast, I can't imagine it not being enough. I will say we don't wakeboard yet with full tanks so I can't speak the the performance fully loaded at 25+/- mph.
As far as what options, if CC is offering the "Fresh Air Exhaust" or whatever they're calling it, "Surf Exhaust", if you plan on doing any surfing that would be a must. I'm having it retro-installed this fall on my boat. I just don't like smelling and breathing in the exhaust. With as much time as we spend surfing, anything we can do to reduce the exhaust inhalation we'll do. The other thing that I'm retrofitting, may be standard on new boats, are underwater lights.

Enjoy your new boat, you'll just love it!!

[NautiqueJeff]

As far as what options, if CC is offering the "Fresh Air Exhaust" or whatever they're calling it, "Surf Exhaust", if you plan on doing any surfing that would be a must. I'm having it retro-installed this fall on my boat. I just don't like smelling and breathing in the exhaust. With as much time as we spend surfing, anything we can do to reduce the exhaust inhalation we'll do.

The Surf Pipe is only available on the G Series boats from the factory, not the 230.