Nautique 230 vs. Malibu 23 LSV

[72Miles]

The weight difference between a 230 and G23 is less than 1,000 lbs.

IF you empty the ballast.

[Evening Shade]

I've got a Ram 1500 with the Hemi and it tows our G23 just fine. We've also towed it with an ecoboost F150 through the mountains with no issues. The weight difference between a 230 and G23 is less than 1,000 lbs.

Did you add any sort of helper spring to the rear suspension to handle the tongue weight of the G? Also, does your trailer have electric or surge brakes?

[sfjakey]

I cant understand the comparison between a Malibu and a Nautique. If your only concern is the wake, maybe. I had heard that Malibu had really improved their quality, so I went to the dealer to take a look. Worse than ever, imho. Carpet was cheap and poorly done, hinges were cheap and undersized, design was based on ease of construction vs functionality, hardware was cheap pot metal, hatches didn't fit well or secure well, and so much more. Just a poorly designed and built boat for the price. I also looked at a Supra, and found it much more like Nautique in fit and finish, quality of hardware, features etc. Still not a Nautique, but way better than a Malibu

[Dave Rittiman]

I cant understand the comparison between a Malibu and a Nautique. If your only concern is the wake, maybe. I had heard that Malibu had really improved their quality, so I went to the dealer to take a look. Worse than ever, imho. Carpet was cheap and poorly done, hinges were cheap and undersized, design was based on ease of construction vs functionality, hardware was cheap pot metal, hatches didn't fit well or secure well, and so much more. Just a poorly designed and built boat for the price. I also looked at a Supra, and found it much more like Nautique in fit and finish, quality of hardware, features etc. Still not a Nautique, but way better than a Malibu

Completely agree with you.

[72Miles]

I cant understand the comparison between a Malibu and a Nautique. If your only concern is the wake, maybe. I had heard that Malibu had really improved their quality, so I went to the dealer to take a look. Worse than ever, imho. Carpet was cheap and poorly done, hinges were cheap and undersized, design was based on ease of construction vs functionality, hardware was cheap pot metal, hatches didn't fit well or secure well, and so much more. Just a poorly designed and built boat for the price. I also looked at a Supra, and found it much more like Nautique in fit and finish, quality of hardware, features etc. Still not a Nautique, but way better than a Malibu

Yep. I demo'd a used Malibu then demo'd a new 23LSV. Beautiful boat but I had a solid punch list just from a 30 minute demo. Bimini won't open all the way - no problem the dealer says. Just needs adjusting... Pad on the swim platform is peeling up - no problem the dealer says. Just been sitting in the sun. We'll fix it. There were several little issues like that.

Have to admit I LOL'd at the "just been sitting in the sun" excuse. It's a boat for goodness sake. It's gonna get some sun....

[KrisKraft]

I have absolutely decided on a Nautique after reading topics on this forum and the Malibucrew. I really like the Nautique fit and finish much better than the Malibu and I think when I really breakdown what is most important to me, it's just that. I had the opportunity to see a 2015 23 LSV that was coming in for trade in at the dealer and the seats were already cracking at the seams and the owner had to modify the seat with an additional spacer so he could see over the "tinited glass," but I know it was most likely to accommodate for the bow rise. Now that I have my decision for a Nautique, I'm second guessing my decision for the 230 for the G23, but I have some concerns that are specific to my situation, most of which is the towing. I understand dry weight is 1000 lbs difference, but that can make a big difference if you have to stop in a hurry at highway speeds.

[thtrog]

Kris, You've definitely made the right decision, this coming from a multiple past Malibu owner. I'm going to throw out another option...don't discount demoing a G21. I've got a good friend here "Highrock" that went from a 2010 230 to a 2015 G21 and loves it! I'm not sure of your crew size, but should meet all your needs and not as overwhelming in tow. Good luck!

[markj]

I've got a Ram 1500 with the Hemi and it tows our G23 just fine. We've also towed it with an ecoboost F150 through the mountains with no issues. The weight difference between a 230 and G23 is less than 1,000 lbs.

Dry weight of a G is 5900 lbs. The 230 is 4650 lbs so the G is actually 1250 lbs heavier.

[markj]

Plus there may be a little extra beef with a G's trailer. Especially if you have a triple axle trailer.

[Guntersville230]

Dry weight of a G is 5900 lbs. The 230 is 4650 lbs so the G is actually 1250 lbs heavier.

And the additional fuel weight with a full tank of gas in a G vs 230 is a fair amount more.

Sent from my SM-G935V using PLANETNAUTIQUE mobile app

[hondaprlud]

Kris, You've definitely made the right decision, this coming from a multiple past Malibu owner. I'm going to throw out another option...don't discount demoing a G21. I've got a good friend here "Highrock" that went from a 2010 230 to a 2015 G21 and loves it! I'm not sure of your crew size, but should meet all your needs and not as overwhelming in tow. Good luck!

+1 on the G21. Lighter towing and for what you've described you're using it for its a solid choice if the crew size isn't too big.


Sent from my crappy iPhone 6.

[Jeb1974]

Did you add any sort of helper spring to the rear suspension to handle the tongue weight of the G? Also, does your trailer have electric or surge brakes?

I've looked in to air bags but we have a cottage on the lake and I only take it anywhere once or twice a year max. The Ram actually has really soft suspension and I would probably do it for sure if we towed much. The F150 didn't seem to need it though. I also wanted to get tongue weight but have heard that it's actually quite low.

We have the surge brakes that seem to work well.

[Jeb1974]

Dry weight of a G is 5900 lbs. The 230 is 4650 lbs so the G is actually 1250 lbs heavier.

Pre 2016 is 5,550. G23 fuel tank is 18 gallons bigger so if you travel with a full fuel tank it would only be 111 lbs more.

Our Ram 1500 is rated for 9,950 lbs and we're around the 8,000 lbs mark with some gear and people.

[KrisKraft]

+1 on the G21. Lighter towing and for what you've described you're using it for its a solid choice if the crew size isn't too big.


Sent from my crappy iPhone 6.

Would I need to add extra ballast bags to the rear lockers in the G21 like I would need to do in the 230. If not, the extra storage could be a nice trade off to lose a couple of passengers. I have not demoed the G21, only the 230 and I loved the way it handled, not that it matters all that much since this is a wake sports boat and I'm not planning on racing it.

[Neverenough]

Love my 230 but I want a G!! Just because!! LOL!! If you can swing it get the G! If not buy my 230 so that I can????? HAHA!! Either way good luck man!!