G21 Best Engine Choice

[nyryan2001]

I'd be willing to bet the 409 fuel economy would be nearly 1/2 of the 550, 20-30% less than the 450. I have had all 3 engines. 409 is known for being miserly compared to the larger engines.

[hotrod508]

G21 Best Engine Choice

We ride a g23 409 /2.0:1 in Indy. I as well as everyone else on our crew was shocked at the amount of weight it can haul, and the planing times!

[hotrod508]

We had 15 people with full ballast, and it still came on plane faster than the last year 450 with less weight/less people! The torque twist is noticeable, but the jump in preformance/ fuel economy are staggering. With a prop that big I suppose it's a side effect, but one I would deal with! The gearing is a dramatic improvement !

[new210]

I'd be willing to bet the 409 fuel economy would be nearly 1/2 of the 550, 20-30% less than the 450. I have had all 3 engines. 409 is known for being miserly compared to the larger engines.

Not sure I understand what you mean by saying miserly? I notice you have the 550 do you feel that the 409 is a bad choice for the g21? I am liking the nearly 50% fuel savings possibility!

[Orthorep]

We have a little over 50 hours on our G21 with the 409. We have been very pleased with it so far. Last weekend, eight people on board full ballast, surfing and wake boarding . No problem planing or getting up to speed.

[nyryan2001]

New, the feedback you are gonna get on here is anecdotal and objective. Owners will chime in with how their boats work for them the way they use them.

I would tell you this, or to any new boat owner or someone in the market. Schedule a 1-2hrs demo with a dealer. Ensure it's a 409 G21. Tell them 1-2hrs! Bring extra sacs along. You need 3: 750-1100s. One for each trunk and for the bow.

put the G21 thru it's paces: no ballast, 2850 stock ballast, then go bonkers and add all this extra ballast to replicate a 10-14 passenger load, or where your riding/surfing interests might take you in 2-3yrs.

if the boat doesn't absolutely impress you in all 3 categories....blow you away.... It's not the right motor for YOU. Only you can decide that based on your budget and your boating requirements.

i know for me, I wouldn't consider a G with anything less that a 450, cuz that's what I want. Also know resale values matter.... And you will chop away a number of potential buyers not having a 450+.

one last tid bit- yes gas usage certainly matters. And yes I would estimate the 409 approx 30-50% using less fuel. But this is one scenario I would tell a friend to ignore gas usage and go off hp/tq requirements.... If the 409 hp/tq makes you happy, then terrific, cheaper less gas. Choosing a flagship premier G wakeboat engine off gas usage has the cart before the horse.

[scottb7]

nyryan2001, in general i agree with above. e.g. test drive heavily weighted. but one question for you. I know from switching the prop this season on my 210 that without having a bigger engine, I went when slammed from ok, barely able to get up, to fantastic. So in addition to above, don't you have to have the prop switched to the prop that is best for how you will use the boat?

[hotrod508]

Absolutely agree with nyryan2001 statements above! Very good recommendations! I'm sold on the 409 with the new 2.0:1 v-drive. Best setup I have ever seen.

[nyryan2001]

Scott, all those engine options have the 17" prop. Only one size, so no options to change.

The only prop swapping on Gs is 2013s, 409 and 450.

really no prop swapping on the 550s either, till they make 16x15 or a 17x15ish.

[new210]

Absolutely agree with nyryan2001 statements above! Very good recommendations! I'm sold on the 409 with the new 2.0:1 v-drive. Best setup I have ever seen.

I am going take the advise and try to arrange a couple surfs in one with a 409 weighted soon. Is the overall consensus that the G21 is well liked by all the owners on here?
Has anyone plumbed in extra ballast in the rear lockers ? Is that a big job?

[Kenv]

New 210....I think you are misunderstanding the two words....miser and miserably ..I believe he was using "miserly" to mean stingy....not
Using as much as in being a fuel miser....I think. also, after reading through these posts, does the 21 list with the 450 or is it only the 409??

[new210]

New 210....I think you are misunderstanding the two words....miser and miserably ..I believe he was using "miserly" to mean stingy....not
Using as much as in being a fuel miser....I think. also, after reading through these posts, does the 21 list with the 450 or is it only the 409??

I understood it to mean inadequate. I have the 550 and when driving it alone it pulls to the starboard side. Not a big deal when passengers are present, we just shuffle to one side.

[nyryan2001]

No guys... When I said miserly... I meant it as a fuel sipper... Like uses 1/2 the gas of my 6.0L Wakesetter compared to my 550.

I don't think any G would be miserable lol.

[santelee]

i say 450, id love to get 550 but premium fuel required. i haul my gas so no big deal when I'm on my lake, but could b issue if trailering to other lakes for vacation

[josemolino]

I have just completed 50 hours in my new G21 with the 409 engine. We use 95 octane fuel in Europe.
No problem at all to pull wake or wakesurf at full ballast and 8-10 people on board. It launches at the required speed really fast.
Consumption: if no ballast in wake 10-12 l/h, if full ballast wake 15-17l/h, if full ballast surf 20-25l/h