Yet another G23 thread

[Bert12]

So I am very close to closing the deal on a 2014 G23. Family of three that mainly surfs (intermediate all), but also some mellow wake boarding. I know I should take a ride in this boat first, but really not an option as I live up north, and if I wait until we can get on the lake it will be next year before my new boat is built. I was hoping some out here would be able to answer a few questions:

1. How does the 2014 ride with the 450 vs. 409? The new gear ratio and prop make a difference, but is the 409 enough?
2. Is the available stereo worth it? Anybody have it and love it? Second thoughts?
3. What options do you have that you can't live without? How about ones you have that you wish you hadn't bothered? I'm thinking rear facing seat, underwater lights, pocket door, battery chargers, etc.
4. Surf wake -- good with stock ballast or do I need more? How much?

Thanks for any info!

[NautiqueJeff]

1. How does the 2014 ride with the 450 vs. 409? The new gear ratio and prop make a difference, but is the 409 enough?
The torque curves for the 409 and the 450 are very close down low. With the new 2:1 v-drive for 2014, the 409 is actually a viable option. I would not have said that in 2013. I had the supercharged 550 last year, and this year I stepped down to the 450 because of the 2:1 v-drive. One thing to consider if you do end up ordering a 409 is that it might be more difficult to sell in the future. I have not heard of too many being ordered with the 409, even though it is probably perfectly acceptable now with the 2:1.

2. Is the available stereo worth it? Anybody have it and love it? Second thoughts?
It is good, not great. You can always upgrade later. I would recommend leaving the tower speakers and amp off, and then ordering some Neptunes and an amp from Roswell.

3. What options do you have that you can't live without? How about ones you have that you wish you hadn't bothered? I'm thinking rear facing seat, underwater lights, pocket door, battery chargers, etc.
The rear-facing seat is standard for 2014. Underwater lights are very nice to have, especially if you like to surf at night. Pocket door is great, but pricy. Battery charger is way over-priced. You can get the exact same one from Amazon for much less. The heater and the heated driver's seat are also very nice to have, especially up north.

4. Surf wake -- good with stock ballast or do I need more? How much?
Surf wake is very good with just stock ballast. Be sure to get the NSS option!

[vision]

Totally agree with Jeff.

Heated driver's seat and heater are definitely good options. Pocket door over priced in my opinion and built in battery charger is way over priced.

Resale will be better with 450.

[nyryan2001]

Bert-

1. I'd recommend the 450.

2. I'd recommend the base stereo and go aftermarket for improvements from there.

3. depends on your cash flow.... I consider myself price senstiive...The options I would not be willing to live without or of value that I would not miss: NSS, boat cover, Bimini, Bling trailer, slide in wind block only are my must haves. Everything else is fluff, or can be had substantially better or cheaper aftermarket.

Rear facing seat is NOT standard. its $2300! Understand you do have 2 rear facing seats standard, one on each side.

If you live in a cold climate...and need a heater, I'd reccomend an aftermarket 3-4 outlet vs OEM, or 2 separate heaters w/ 2 outlets, your dealer could do that.

Bow and transom cushions add $1200, not necessary IMO. Do the charger yourself, very very simple.

Rather weak OEM 800 Lumen $800 LEDs are pricey. Catch aftermarket Lifeform 9 LEDs on sale with 2700 lumens for $400. x3.5 brigher!

Options really depend on your cash flow, and what type of guy you are budget/quality wise and how handy you are doing things yourself.... or do you just roll in, pay, pick up and be done with it.

4. this is a stock ballast wave:






This is stock ballast + 1100s custom plumbed in the trunks with 200lbs lead in the bow:

[NautiqueJeff]

Yes, the sliding/reversible stern seat is indeed STANDARD for 2014.

[nyryan2001]

nope. its a sliding rear seat... but its not the fold up rear facing seat you are thinking. is slides forward and its a bench, no fold up back rest.

the sliding fold up rear facing seat is $2300. I dont have it on mine.

Do you need pics?

[NautiqueJeff]

Maybe it was a mid-year change.

It also isn't listed as an option on the Design Your Nautique site anymore, but it is listed there as part of the Team package (which all G23 boats have).

Here's part of the acknowledgement from my recent order...

[nyryan2001]

Jeff- this is the standard seat on my 2014....not reversible or flip up as we'd consider it. Thats $2300 extra.... perhaps I could get it now free of charge? I'd love to have it!

[NautiqueJeff]

I'll verify with Nautique today, but I am pretty sure the seat you have is no longer offered.

[nyryan2001]

Hook me up Jeff! Case of beer for you.

[NautiqueJeff]

I totally wish I could!!

I did just get a response from Greg Meloon's office, and the seat you have is no longer offered. The reversible / sliding seat with backrest is now standard.

[kopp210]

Bert-- What boat are you moving from?

The G is amazing. The wake really is on a whole other level. The surfing is great, and with the NSS is so easy and safer with the surf pipe, and not having the boat weighted crazy to one side. I have not heard of someone flipping a boat surfing, but definately had some scary moments in 210's and 230's with all the weight on one side and a driver turn the wrong way into a wave.

I am 250 lbs and easily surf on stock set-up on surf or skim style board.

2. The factory radio is decent. It's plenty loud to hear while riding, but can get a little harsh on the ears when you crank it up. Just not a good full sound and the sub is weak. The 2014's are shown with 6x9's on the tower, which most likely could be reloaded with wetsounds 6x9s in the future. Thats what I wanted to do with mine but the '13s are loaded with an odd ball size driver.

I like the factory tower "cans" and the "dome" light LEDs in the bottom. Very nice when gathering your stuff back at the dock after dark.

[Bert12]

Thanks all for the info!

Interesting on the reversible seat. My rep is saying the same as Ryan -- that the seat is a $2500 upgrade. But I'll take it if standard!

Sounds like the stereo is adequate, but Wetsound speakers are better and cheaper. Icon 8's or 10's?

Now on to colors......

[NautiqueJeff]

The seat was a mid-year change. Make sure you don't pay for it! That's a lot of money!

[Bert12]

kopp -

I'm coming from a 216V. Bought it back when we still skied, and I thought I could get away with a crossover despite 20 years behind a 196, etc. Bad choice. The 216 can put up a decent wave, but man it's a lot of work (filling bags, etc). And just can't get it to lengthen.

Sounds like the 23 wave will be great right out of the box, but maybe upgrade to some extra ballast next year if needed.