2016 G23 Lead Weight in the Nose- How much?

[Whitetail15]

Those that keep the weight in their G, how much? Is 400 lbs in the nose a number that can stay all the time. Does it make much difference to the surf wake?

[NautiqueJeff]

I usually run about 1,000 pounds over stock, but it is spread fairly evenly front-to-back. Why so much just in the front?

[JoeA]

I ran 400# of lead in the nose all season and loved the surf wake. Surf waves are subjective but I think you're on the right path. When you buy the bags they are easy to move around so adjustments are easy to make.

[Wayward]

I put my lead under the helm, and in the observer storage. I had to remove the starboard bow seatback, and slide the pocket door assy a little bit. Dropped the lead in from there and push it towards the back. Then remove the stainless plate under the helm seat, reach in there, and slide the lead under the helm seat.

That said, I set my boat up with a seperate integrated ballast system that fills 600lb bags under the lounge area seats. I don't add anything in the rear compartments. If I did, I would need the lead further forward. The key with the G (that I have found) for surfing, is to have the center of gravity right below the tower legs. When you add ballast, try to imagine that the boat is balancing on that point of the hull. When it is full, you want the weight to balance at that center point.

The nice thing about having the lead under the helm and under the observer seat, is that it handles a lot better empty, compared to having a bunch of weight all the way up in the bow. The downside, is that if you fill bags in the back compartments (instead of a more centralized spot), the lead won't be far enough forward to balance the boat correctly.

When wakeboarding, I don't fill the bags. The wake is already too big for my skill level. Having the lead more central allows me to do this without screwing up the wake because the added weight is too far forward.

Also, on a 2016, you will automatically want to put 150-200lbs of lead under the observer seat, and then add evenly after that. The '16s need about 200lbs extra on the port side in order to balance side to side (with equal side to side passenger weight). Not sure if the earlier boats are like this, but wouldn't be surprised if they are. Quite a bit of extra equipment on the helm side of the boat.

[jesutton3]

Earlier G23's are the same left to right. I have 200ish on my port side as well. Without it we have to shift people to that side. Or drain ballast with just a driver.

[markj]

I usually run about 1,000 pounds over stock, but it is spread fairly evenly front-to-back. Why so much just in the front?

Do you trailer with that 1000lbs too or load it in and out every time?

[Beg4wake]

Do you trailer with that 1000lbs too or load it in and out every time?

Pretty sure Jeff tows it with this extra 1000lbs left in it based on his thread here: http://www.planetnautique.com/vb5/fo...ries-nautiques

But even if he didn't want to tow with it in the boat, he would still have to put it in the bed/back of his vehicle (which would be harder on the vehicle than leaving it in the boat). Unless he had somebody driving a second vehicle just to haul the lead weight. Just a thought.

[NautiqueJeff]

Yep, that's correct. I put it in when I get the boat, and take it out when I sell it.

[pmellis]

Where is the best place to put the lead to balance the boat port to starboard? I love my G but one of my few complaints is that the boat does not run level empty and I have to compensate for the starboard lean when filling my ballasts. Will 200 lbs of lead on the port side fix it? Where is the best place to get the lead?

[Tallredrider]

Where is the best place to put the lead to balance the boat port to starboard? I love my G but one of my few complaints is that the boat does not run level empty and I have to compensate for the starboard lean when filling my ballasts. Will 200 lbs of lead on the port side fix it? Where is the best place to get the lead?

There are lots of places to get lead. You can get it ghetto style by going to your local shooting range and getting the spent bullets. Or you can get the used pieces from a local tire shop. You can then put them in a 4 inch piece of PVC pipe that you cap off and it will weigh a good 50 pounds depending on how long you make it. Fashion some straps around the PVC to allow you to be able to pick it up and move it around. Several of those will fix the balancing issue.

Or you can buy it for more than a buck a pound at a place like pop products or lead wake.

My plan is to add another battery or two for the stereo and tuck them under the port side bench. Then at least the weight serves some useful purpose. I have found that if I have 2 passengers and just 1 driver, the boat is pretty well balanced out. So 200 pounds might seem a bit too much unless you are in a state where you have a driver and no observer.

[Wayward]

Where is the best place to put the lead to balance the boat port to starboard? I love my G but one of my few complaints is that the boat does not run level empty and I have to compensate for the starboard lean when filling my ballasts. Will 200 lbs of lead on the port side fix it? Where is the best place to get the lead?

Right under the observer seat seems to be the best spot for the balance weight. 150-200lbs will do it.

[jesutton3]

On my 15 G23 250 lbs in the low spot under the observer seat is perfect, for just the driver only.

We ended up moving 100 lb to the driver side. This was because with others in the boat we ended up with too many people piled up on the starboard side to keep it level.

In order to not move the lead and risk dropping/damage to the boat we got a Fly High brick. When it's just the driver fill it up in the cabin all the way against the port bench. Then once underway with a rider the driver can pull it to starboard as needed while driving without getting up. This is assuming your driver isn't a midget or small woman.

[nyryan2001]

To achieve more bow weight and deal with the prop torque bias.... Put all the lead weight in the port side of the bow.