2013 G23/25 or 2014 G23/25

[Profunctional]

Hey all - new member first post. I'm seriously considering pulling the trigger on a G this weekend but wanted to get some feedback. There are quite a few on the 2nd hand market, and while I really like everything posted about the 2016s, I'm still a novice so I figure I'll start with 2013/2014.

First question - G23 or G25? I like the idea of a G25 because of the space. I can bring more family and friends for day trips. But the downside is also it's size. Anything else I should consider between a 23 or a 25?

Second question - 2013 or 2014 - It isn't obvious to me what the MY differences are. They seem subtle. But are there any advantages of going with a 14 over a 13?

Third question - The 2013's that are on my radar have 200-260 hours on them. The 2014s have about 100 hours on them. Is 260 high for a 2013? Is there a framework to evaluate hours against the year? For instance, on 2013 car you'd expect about 20k miles given the average person drives roughly 1k miles a month.

Fourth question - What about the prices? It looks like G23's are priced higher than G25's. And there seems to be $20-$30k swings within the same model year. What should I consider a great deal for the following:

2013 G23
2013 G25

2014 G23
2014 G25

All the help is appreciated in advance.

[JoeA]

There's a better throttle mechanism on the 14 when compared to the 13. It's just easier to engage on the 14 but not really a deal breaker.

I believe they went to a larger diameter drive shaft in 14 but I'll let others chime in on that.

G23 has to be the more sought after bought in the G lineup so that means you'll have an easier time selling down the road as compared to the G25. Maybe even holds value better?

Hours do matter so ask for service records.

Make sure you get the warranty officially transferred to you as part of the transaction. I "think" on a used boat the warranty covers parts only, not labor.

A great deal on the boat is always a matter of opinion. I believe there are one of two G23s for sale in the Classified section so take a look.

http://www.planetnautique.com/vb5/fo...4-g23-for-sale

[a0128]

You are only looking at 2 feet overall difference and 500 pounds (dry weight) difference between the 23 and the 25. If room is what you need get the 25.The 25 has a 83 gal fuel tank where the 23 has a 65 gal tank. Both boats have a maximum factory ballast capacity of 2,850 pounds.

Let's see, $3.79 per gal x 83 gal = $314.57. Wow!! hope you have D E E P pockets.

[seachicken27]

biggest difference is the transmissions. You will see 3 different engines in those boats. the largest, the 550 will have the same transmission in '13 and '14 and will give you plenty of power for the 25 or the 23. It is also a gas hog and requires premium fuel (keep that in mind if you plan on keeping it on the lake). The 409 and 450 were given better gear reduction ratios in 2014. So if you are fully loaded with ballast, the '14's will get on plane faster and be more efficient with the 409 and 450 engines. I owned a '13 with the 550 and have ridden a 2013 G23 with 409 and 2013 G23 with the 450. I think if you are an intermediate rider, any of those boats will suit you just fine with any engine choice. The '13's are becoming a little less expensive since a lot of folks want the newer transmission. If you aren't loading it down with extra ballast though, I would shoot for whatever boat suits your budget and has been well-maintained.

[Jeeper92]

Go 14 I have one and I am extremely happy with my decision. The 2 to 1 tranny makes a huge difference. I have the 450 engine.

[ironj32]

If you are considering 2014's, then you may be interested in my 2015 G23. In 2015 they changed to Drive By Wire, and also have a Heated Observer Seat. Equally equipped, the price should be close to the 13/14's. PM me if you're interested.

[Jeb1974]

If you are considering 2014's, then you may be interested in my 2015 G23. In 2015 they changed to Drive By Wire, and also have a Heated Observer Seat. Equally equipped, the price should be close to the 13/14's. PM me if you're interested.

Isn't this boat only a couple months old? You must have a great relationship with your dealer..............or are obscenely rich. Either way I'm jealous. lol

[ironj32]

It is. Definitely not rich....have a good relationship and do a lot with the wake community here in MN.

[V8 Killer]

I would recommend the 2014 quite a bit over the 2013, unless you're getting a 550 motor. Like seachicken brought up, the 409/450 motors got some nice changes in 2014. I owned a 2013 and a 2014 so I can speak quite well about them both. I always get the 450 as the 550 motor requires premium which is not available on my lake. The 2013, with full ballasts and several people, takes a LOT longer to plane out to speed than the 2014. For surfing it wasn't a big deal but for wakeboarding trying to push up on plane is everything, and there's a huge difference in low end push between the 2 years. You go from a 15" prop to a 17" prop and the 2014 gets the 2:1 drive ratio transmission.

G23 vs G25: You're basically going to get 2 different opinions based on what people own. Here's what my dealer told me (straight from the owner's mouth):
They sell 4-5 G23 to every 1 G25. I find this to be true based on my lake. There are (at least) 4 G23s and there's only 1 G25 (2013).
G25 does not have as good of a surf wake nor wakeboard wake. The reason is that its more buoyant. It needs more weight than the G23 to make the same wake. If you were to compare wakes with identical amount of ballasts, fuel, people, and gear, the G23 would win every time.
Before any G25 owners jump on me here, again I'm only repeating what I was told by the owner of my dealer. I would assume he has no agenda in selling me a G23 or G25 as long as I buy one or the other. I would think his opinion but be about as unbiased as they come. I have no personal experience behind a G25 so I can't weigh in from personal experience.

Good luck, and (pre)welcome to the Nautique family!

Dusty

[Profunctional]

Thank you everyone for the thoughtful responses. I have ruled out the 2013. It was in pretty bad shape. NSS wasn't working and the ballasts were not emptying out. There was also stress cracks in the tower. I have also ruled out the G25 after demo'ing the G23. It's plenty big. After reading all the posts I'm avoiding the 13 all together.

Now it's between a well-cared for 2014 or a brand new 2015 G23.

Hope to have something finalized by this week.

Thank you everyone!

[JoeA]

Maybe look at 16" G23 too? New hull and other cool features may be worthy of a look.

[nyryan2001]

Here's a side shot based to this on my experience and what you've said... With as much of a budget minded approach as possible( if that is possible talking Gs lol). But if I had a friend who has said the things you have, this is what I'd tell him:

Your best value: 2013 G25 550hp. By a mile!

Your next best value: 2014 G23/25 550hp(look for an XR550 vs XS) or 450hp.

Prices go up from there with NO improvements in performance. I would also tell a friend anything under 500hrs.... As long as ALL the maintenance records are straight(that'd be 10oil changes)... Consider it like new. No issues.

[Dandy21]

What are the prices & options listing on the well cared for 2014 and new 2015. The options will make a difference in the cost - that said, some options on the boats may not be of value to you. With this information in hand, the Nautique family may be able to provide you with some good insight.

[Profunctional]

I just picked up a brand new 2015 in Voltaic Yellow. Should have it here tomorrow afternoon. It is fully loaded minus the heated driver and love seat. It's got the 450. This is my first boat and I'm pumped!

Will post pics this weekend. Thanks all for the help.

[Miljack]

C'mon we need pics! BTW, congrats on the new boat! I hope you have wakeboarded before, if not, that G wake is not to be trifled with!