Ride Quality on Super Air 230 and G23 boats?

[JoeA]

Noah,

Test drive a G and a 230 and you'll know what's best for you and your family.

I would highly encourage you to buy a Nautique over the other brands. Most people buy a Nautique as their second V-drive boat as they were more focused on saving money as opposed to buying what fits their needs long term. I was one of those guys that bought a new Malibu and kept it for two years before joining the Nautique family.

[ddipert]

The exhaust note on a stock 230 sounds like a performance car. It's a good sound but you do have to talk loudly while under way. With the FAE on it it's much more quiet. Wife was even able to noticed how quite the boat was after I installed the FAE.

[s_kelley2000]

Welcome to the site and good luck on your search. One consideration I have not seen mentioned yet is the capacity of your tow vehicle. The G will be right at or above the limits of most 1/2 ton vehicles but the 230 would not be an issue. Also if you plan to store it inside, the 230 has a slim chance of squeaking under a standard door depending on the trailer and tower but the G doesn't have a prayer.

[Noahsark]

s_kelley2000, I have a Ford Super duty F-250 diesel, so I'm not worried at all about towing capacity.

My garage has 11 foot ceiling height but only a 8' height on the garage door. I would imagine either of the boats mentioned would make it under that with the Tower folded down?

Thanks

[Miljack]

While the G boats really outsell the 230, many still say that the 230 has the superior wake.

Maybe for surfing with a 230 NSS equipped, but not for wakeboarding! The stock G23 wake is a "must ride" to believe! I've ridden 230's heavy, and the wake is great, but not the same animal as the G series...

I'd agree with those comments on the G feeling like a bigger boat inside than the 230, feels like at least a foot longer, and much higher gunwales/interior depth. We rode in one on a ROUGH day on Lake Norman (heavy wind chop and boat traffic), and the G23 really rode very smoothly in those conditions, much more so than our 230 would have handled...

[jesutton3]

s_kelley2000, I have a Ford Super duty F-250 diesel, so I'm not worried at all about towing capacity.

My garage has 11 foot ceiling height but only a 8' height on the garage door. I would imagine either of the boats mentioned would make it under that with the Tower folded down?

Thanks

That would be incorrect. A G23 with stock bimini on a Ram-lin trailer will need 8.5' minimum with tower folded. If you have a different trailer I'm not sure.

I have no clue on a 230.

[Noahsark]

Well Thanks jesutton3, that's good info to know. How about a G21? Anyone know how tall it is with the Tower folded down.

I've been kinda looking at some G21, after quite a lot of responses have mentioned how BIG a G23 is for a 23 foot boat, thinking maybe a G21 might fit my need also?

Thanks

[jesutton3]

I have not seen a G21 in person or seen the heights on trailer info. But I'm pretty sure the G21, G23, and G25 are all the same height and width. Only the length changes between them.

[uncalumx2]

FYI,

G21, G23, G25 are all about 100 inches high with tower folded (about 8 feet 4 inches tall) and 130.5 inches tall (about 10 ft 10 inches) with tower up. Folded up, the windshield is the tallest part.

At least 8 and a half foot door height needed. Feels much better with 9 feet. Our building door is 10 feet high and I wish it was 12. Interior of the building is 15 feet high.

Our G23 has been awesome. No complaints. G's are all big, heavy and fantastic. 21,23, or 25

[stickman555]

Noah,

I have both the 230 and the G21 and here are my (biased) thoughts....Lets go from house to water.....

I can fit my 230 into the garage, with tower down, and platform removed. I have a house on the water with a boat lift and stored it inside for the winter. Its good to keep warm, less winterizing maintenance, can do upgrades, etc. I can pull all the seats out, and just give it a good detailing whenever I’m bored. And make the boys go out and polish the tower when they get in trouble. (don't judge me)
The G21 however, doesn't have a chance to fit in a garage. I even went so far as considering construction to add another panel to the garage door to give it more clearance, I have 4 panels and wanted to go to 5, but I took the boat a few houses down to the neighbor with a 5 panel door and still not even close, so it will have to remain on the lift all year. What does that mean? 1) its in the elements. not a big deal as I live in Florida, but the salty air requires at least a weekly wash and wipedown. 2) need to do some minor winterization, even with an xtreme heater for ballast and such. 3) Increased my insurance rates as garaging your boat NOV-FEB cut my rates almost in 1/2 and now I pay full season rates. 4) Towing the 230 can be done with almost any truck/SUV. I have an FJ and have no issues taking it to the ramp, putting in/pulling out. I need to borrow a friends f150 for the G21 as it exceeds the towing capacity of the FJ. The G-series trailers come standard with a 7 pin tow connector which older vehicles do not have. I need an after-market system on the Toyota to even plug it in whereas the 230 trailer has a 5 pin that fits almost any vehicle with an adapter. If you will be pulling this from your house to the lake every time, I would consider this to be a main point in your decision.
Driving-
Calm days- The 230 handles like a champ. It has 3 skegs/fins underneath that really help with tracking the boat. Steering is very responsive and the V-hull cuts through the water easily. I have pulled slalom skiers, tubes, wakeboarders and surfers. Going 30 for slalom makes a small wake for them to traverse, not as flat as the older ones, but still very nice ride. Tubing is fun for the kids as without ballast it has a nice mellow wake so you don’t throw people off the tube, but if that’s the goal, adding the factory ballast with allow a pretty good ramp to get the job done. Removing the factory tanks and putting larger fatsacs in with give a world class wake that any advance boarder can pull of any spin or invert. Unless you are trying for a double tantrum, it has all you need. And my kid gets close off the double ups. I have an ’08 so for surfing we use fatsacs on the seats (is that considered old school now?) and its makes a ridiculous surf wave that can compete with any NSS, but it takes 15 minutes to set it up or break it down with the pumps, which can be a hassle if you have more than 4 people with you as everyone needs to be moved along with gear. The G21 will anger any slolam skier as they are bouncing across the wake. The boat is just not made for that. Tubing is still fun but you have to make sure they are briefed as to a tighter grip going over the wake. Again, that thing is a beast, even without ballast. Still a blast for the younger kids though. Boarding is definitely better on the G21. It has way more customizable settings with the NCRS and ballast settings. It has great customization and optimization for any level rider. My lady just likes to cut back and forth do surface tricks at slow speeds, with maybe some outside-in/ inside-out hops over the wake. At 16-19 mph with a short rope it has a beautiful wake. I can do some spins and basic inverts at 21-22 with some ballast farther back and I am going higher and feel like I have more time to finish the trick without just throwing it and hoping I stick the landing. Even when I land on/case the wake on the other side, its like I go right through it to the flats as opposed to hitting a concrete curb on the 230. My son does advanced tricks and inverts with full ballast 22-24mph and a full rope and says he will never go back to the 230. He’s added tricks since we got the G21. For that level riding, there is no comparison.
Surfing- Never really got into it in the 230 because it was such a hassle. My older boy doesn’t like wakeboarding but loves surfing so when he comes out, we go through the process. Now with the G21 we push a button and everyone surfs. EVERYONE. With the ease of use, customizing the wake/wave with plate and NCRS you can make it fun for everyone. I get a surf in almost every time I go out now. When we take people out to go wakeboarding, the non-skiers ALWAYS like the surfing. The get up easier, ride longer, and falling creates no pain/injuries. My ankles and knees thank me daily.
The G21 only has 1 fin underneath and doesn’t track as well as the 230. At cruising speeds (30-is) it almost feels slippery and more steering adjustments are needed. The G21 plows through the water by design. It has a taller hull made to displace water for wakes. Therefore it will sit more hull in the water at slower speeds. This will burn more fuel. People above who say the gas is comparable need to think that through. The 230 is cutting through the water and the G21 is plowing. The gear ratio allows lower RPMs but the engine is working harder for the same result, therefore burning more fuel. I have the 390 in the 230 and the 409 in the G21 and the G burns probably 15% more gas for the same ride.
On rough days- We live in Choctaw bay in Destin, which is about 26 miles long/wide, on rough days you will have whitecaps that make it stupid. The 230 has a considerable bounce, to the point that going any faster than 15 mph makes it an unfun ride. The G21 handles better with higher swells than the 230. Plows right through them. I have the 2008 230 with the 2-piece tower, and the thing rattles like you wouldn’t believe, as do all 4 point towers in rough waters, and its annoying. I have had spray hit me with both but much less on the G21. I’ve come home soaked many a night on the 230. Hitting the swells face on it’s a definite win for the G21 and there is absolutely ZERO tower wiggle or noise which makes it the overall winner on choppy days.
Noise- They are both loud. Period. You have a boat, with an engine running 3000+ RPMs with fiberglass around it. Unless you take it somewhere and have them rhino-line the entire compartment and foam the underside of all your fiberglass, you are going to have noise. The G21 has the surf pipe which decreases noise some, but when taking off they are both out of the water and it is LOUD. Once you plane out, they both are negligible. Try having a conversation on a motorcycle going 30 mph, gonna be hard. They both have good stereos, but the G21 stock is better. I’ve upgraded the 230 and regardless of how you do it or what money you want to pay, the WS420 EQ is a must so you can split the tower speakers from the inboat. Nautique should really make that a standard option. I can hear the music while wakebarding with both, which is great, but not blowing out the ears of your significant other inside the boat is a plus. And causes less arguments.
I can tell you I enjoy the G21 tremendously. But if I lived off-water I would strongly recommend the 230 for storage, insurance, towing, price, your desired watersports, etc. Add the NSS and you won’t even know what you’re missing in a G-Series. But if I had a big truck and a tall garage I wouldn’t hesitate to get the G.
Hope this helps.
And my 230 is for sale BTW (shameless plug)

Scotty

[Noahsark]

Thanks for all of the info stickman555 ! How is the 230 for just cruising in moderate chop? I said before, I should have never mentioned how any of the boats run in real rough water as even with my old I/O I didn't go out when the water was really choppy getting white caps. That's really no fun in any boat IMO. I know the G's are awesome boats but I'm really starting to lean more to a 230 as i've quite a few tell me they are better on fuel and actually handle a little better.

No shameless plug on saying your boat is for sale, only problem for me if I decide on a 230 it will have to be a 2012 and up model. 2013 to present is really what I'll most likely need as from my research 2013 is when they started putting the NSS on the 230's. I was told by Nautique themselves that as long as the 230 has the digital link screen that NSS can be added.

Also I think the newer 230's have the same tower that is on the G series? Am I wrong there?

My wife and I, and sometimes a few friends just get out and take a nice long boat ride, cruising and listening to music, so this is definetely something I need to know is how is the 230 for that?

Yes, I totally agree with your opinion on installing a WS420 EQ, as I had all Wetsounds speakers in my old boat with the WS420 and I definetely will be looking to do the same with whatever I decide to buy.

Thanks Again for the info

[chrisschweda]

I had the 04 210 which many compare to a the 230 with added size. I looked for months I was looking at the 230 and by the time you get to 2012 2013 it just made sense to go G most were getting rid of the 230 to get a G I am 40 so the G is much better on the knees I have picked up multiple new inverts and other tricks I was to afraid to try due to injuries. The G is more kid friendly not only in size of the boat but the adjustability of the wake and the slower speeds you can ride. The G is easier for a novice to drive due to submarining. As for rough the G handles anything I put it in and I am a Cruiser / stereo blaster when we are done riding. Go G you will not regret.

[cedarcreek216]

The 230 will more than meet all of your needs. There is no denying it does not put out the wakeboard wake a G does, but very few people here need that kind of wake. I can tell you we have a 210 and for an extra few hundred dollars we can do everything with just a push of a button as well. We have NSS and have plumbed in additional sacs in the storage compartments that fill off the LINC controls so no extra work involved. The 230 SHOULD fit in your garage with a standard height door, but only a test fit will truly determine that. It all depends if money is an issue or not. If not, go with the G. If you want to save a few bucks and still have an incredible boat, go with the 230.

[flounder]

I recently just went from a 23 ft IO to a 2014 230. I looked at both boats. It is great to do your homework but I think you need to put some things into perspective. Neither one of these boat are good. They are incredible boats for water sports. Both of them have been and continue to be used at professional tournaments. What will make these boats great for you is if they meet your wants and needs. I have read through the thread briefly so I am sure I have missed some things. I live on a rough lake as well and here is what I can say. I believe my 230 handles chop just as well as my I/O did with no ballast tanks. I believe either one of these will handle the chop as well if not better than yours as you were in a 21 ft boat. You can always fill ballast tanks within reason to help make the ride smoother. My 230 handles my lake better with ballast 1/2 full than my 23 ft I/0. The G would handle chop better because it is heavier but if you fill the 230 tanks I think you will see very little difference. The G will sit higher out of the water though. Just so you understand where I am coming from I would never even think of cruising my lake in a 21ft I/O on a summer weekend. Is your boat truly a 21 ft stern to bow or does that include swim platform? My point is I think you will be just as good if not better in either Nautique when talking about cruising. Docking is going to be your issue. Neither one of these boats are going to handle like an I/O. You are going to need to practice your docking skills no matter what you go with. In reverse these boats only like to go in one direction. You can get the 230 to go left but I don't count on it especially when docking at a restaurant. I can not say for sure as I only docked the g straight in but my guess is if you had to pick a winner it would go to the 230 for docking but with practice you can do either. The 230 is going to handle better in open water as well but does that really matter. I never drive my boat like I am on a open road course going through cones. The only time it might matter is when picking up fallen skier, surfers etc. This could be a big deal for you though as you seem to take out a lot of riders and some that are just learning. While I believe the 230 wins here as well I think you can learn to make this a non issue. As far as taking water over the boat this should never happen. Can it happen yes but again this comes from practice. I do feel this is a bigger problem in some of the other manufactures and not so much with the 2 boats you are looking at. The G will sit higher though so if you are trying to pick a winner it would go to the G. No power turns period!

Surfing- this could be debated forever but again perspective. When dialed in they are both incredible. You can always come back here to learn the best set up for your needs. Don't read dialing these in to be difficult either. For your young light weight kids fill the factory ballast up and go. If you can't surf behind either one of these you simply can't surf. Many feel the 230 is better and many feet the G is better. No clear cut winner here.

Wakeboarding- I can not speak to the G here as I have not been behind one while wakeboarding and neither has my son. If I believe what I read I do believe this is where you need to spend some time. The 230 can be a little touchy when traveling 18 mph and lower especially depending upon the number of people you have in the boat. When at 20 or above I think for your purposes you will be very happy with either boat. My guess is out of the box the G will perform better for your needs. The 230 is going to take some dialing in and then some if you plan on riding below 19mph.

Tubing- Come on Man! All boats can do this. My kids will tube behind a pontoon, yacht, jet ski, horse etc. They always have a smile on their face not matter the mode. You will be fine here. you will use more gas in the G.

You are going to be very happy in either one of these boats based upon your post. Just narrow down your must haves and you will have your decision.


I hope this helps

[Noahsark]

Thanks for the info flounder, that helps me a lot !

My old boat was a Glastron GX205. It was a 20' 5 ' boat and then an extra 2' with the swim platform and had a small block v-8 with a Volvo-Penta I/O drive. It would run close to 60 mph trimmed out on a calm day and just two people in it, but I never ran it that fast much. Maybe here or there chasing a nephews jetski, or maybe trying to out run a storm.

I know these wakeboarding boats aren't geared for topend speed and I'm fine with that! Some of our best "cruising" boat rides were around the 25-30 mph range. that was with the motor just "humming along" and the "tunes playing".

It's really sounding like either boat I'm looking at will fit my purpose just fine. I'm just thinking I can probably find a "better buy" on the 230, and it seems like there are a lot more of them to choose from.

I haven't completely ruled out buying a new boat, but I'm more set on buying a "used or demo" 2013-2014 model boat.

Thanks again for everybody's posts, they have all been helpful and all appreciated