Ok, decided on 18 G23, what are some options I have to have or avoid?

[charlesml3]

That is inaccurate. The dealer can order the G-Series with a manual tower option. I’m working with the factory and dealer on getting out of my lemon, so I have been asking every possible question about potential failures and which options may be problematic. If they agree to swap mine for a 2019, I want to be able to make an informed decision.

Well I don't know what to say. I asked WLM about this a few weeks ago and they said it was NOT AN OPTION. They were pressuring Nautique to make it an option because of the number of customers they had that would not need it. The response from Nautique at the time was "It's not cost effective to offer a manual tower." Perhaps they've changed their mind since then, but on DYN there is no "power tower delete" option.

I would think if it was possible, it would be in the option list.

[Kenv]

Oooh...this is the most drama we've had since props started flying off.....Bring it!!! ....or at least someone confirms it's true or not.....

[SoCal G-Man]

Well I don't know what to say. I asked WLM about this a few weeks ago and they said it was NOT AN OPTION. They were pressuring Nautique to make it an option because of the number of customers they had that would not need it. The response from Nautique at the time was "It's not cost effective to offer a manual tower." Perhaps they've changed their mind since then, but on DYN there is no "power tower delete" option.

I would think if it was possible, it would be in the option list.

Perhaps Nautique is making an exception for me based on the many issues I have had with my current boat...? However, the factory rep advised me that dealers can special order it. If I stay with Nautique, I will find out. LOL!

[charlesml3]

Perhaps Nautique is making an exception for me based on the many issues I have had with my current boat...? However, the factory rep advised me that dealers can special order it. If I stay with Nautique, I will find out. LOL!

Fair enough. I wonder if they're putting a 2018 tower on a 2019 hull for you. That would make sense.

-Charles

[SoCal G-Man]

Fair enough. I wonder if they're putting a 2018 tower on a 2019 hull for you. That would make sense.

-Charles

I just listened to the VM from Rusty @ Nautique to make sure. It is the 2018 manual tower, and it is a special order that the dealer can make when they place the order. Sorry for the confusion.

[charlesml3]

I just listened to the VM from Rusty @ Nautique to make sure. It is the 2018 manual tower, and it is a special order that the dealer can make when they place the order. Sorry for the confusion.

Yes, that makes MUCH more sense. I bet they're not going to make it an option in DYN and it'll be "special dealer orders only"

Thanks!

-Charles

[Kenv]

Yes, that makes MUCH more sense. I bet they're not going to make it an option in DYN and it'll be "special dealer orders only"

Thanks!

-Charles

Well...yeah....since we already confirmed that they are NOT making a 2019 manual tower...it would HAVE to be a 2018. Thought we already knew that if any 19 was going to have a manual tower....it would be a "New" 2018 manual. Maybe I assumed wrong or you guys just wanted a solid "NO...they are not making a manual 2019 tower as an option" Tower to the People....LOL

[etang789]

I just listened to the VM from Rusty @ Nautique to make sure. It is the 2018 manual tower, and it is a special order that the dealer can make when they place the order. Sorry for the confusion.

This is good news! My friend is ordering a 2019 but he hasn't finalized it because he doesn't want the powered tower and the normal bimini. He wants the Z5 rack which is not an option!

[SoCal G-Man]

This is good news! My friend is ordering a 2019 but he hasn't finalized it because he doesn't want the powered tower and the normal bimini. He wants the Z5 rack which is not an option!

The Z5 has been a POS for me. Horrible design. The ball mounts wear out and the Bimini falls. I carry mc tie down straps, bungee cords and duct tape to temporarily fix mine each time it breaks. 100% regret that option.

[charlesml3]

The Z5 has been a POS for me. Horrible design. The ball mounts wear out and the Bimini falls. I carry mc tie down straps, bungee cords and duct tape to temporarily fix mine each time it breaks. 100% regret that option.

Are you towing with the canvas up? I cannot thing of any reason those ball mounts would be wearing at all. I've had mine 2 years and my neighbor has had his since 2013 and nothing has broken on either of them.

-Charles

[etang789]

The Z5 has been a POS for me. Horrible design. The ball mounts wear out and the Bimini falls. I carry mc tie down straps, bungee cords and duct tape to temporarily fix mine each time it breaks. 100% regret that option.

My previous boat is 9 years old with the Z5 and it is still going strong! I think Z5 is a lot better in the ocean open water situation, and I actually prefer it being lower than the normal bimini.

[SoCal G-Man]

I


Mine is a 2016 G23. The bimini mount plastic sleeves on the tower keep pushing out, so I have to work on those after every 8-10 hours of running. I posted pics here of the ball wear failure. Sun Country Marine has fixed/replace parts and canvas a few times. However, it is irritating when it breaks while towing someone.

[charlesml3]

Those photos indicate some heavy wear on those ball-ends. I can't figure out why you'd be getting so much wear in that spot. it's not like they move around a lot. I think something else is going on here. Again, are you towing the boat with the canvas on the frame? That's specifically pointed out in the instructions as a no-go. Either remove the canvas or boot it for towing.

That's really the only thing I could think of that would be putting that kind of pressure and wear on those joints.

-Charles