2019 G23 steering assist

[Gschofield62]

Hi everyone. I recently just purchased a 2019 super air nautique G23. I have the opportunity when jt gets to the dealership to have them install the steering assist thruster. It's expensive so I just wanted to get some useful info on whether or not this is something that really is very helpful while reversing or docking. My old lift is too small so were selling jt and just docking it at our yacht club for this summer so it will be maneuvered in and out of tighter spaces for a while.

[GMLIII]

Although steering assist would be a nice option , you need to ask your dealer if he would be installling an aftermarket steering assist or the Nautique steering assist . The Nautique steering assist has an auxiliary exhaust system which is activated when the steering assisted is being used . The aftermarket thruster does not have auxiliary exhaust . Why is this important ? With the surf pipe location, bubbles are formed where the steering assist is located which could cause cavitation. As a result the steering assist will under perform. On the Nautique version the auxiliary exhaust moves the buddies away from the steering assist device . Hate to be the bearer of bad news but there is no user on this forum who has any test results of using aftermarket stern thrusters. I would think hard before making this decision. There is an Aftermarket SternThruster thread which I started on this forum with more detail

[greggmck]

GMLIII is right. I would determine if the dealer plans to install the Nautique implementation of Steering Assist.
I personally would not want an aftermarket thruster for the reasons listed above and the impact it may have to my resale. I get a new boat every 12 - 24 months.

Regarding the usefulness of Steering Assist. Here are my observations. I have over 30 years and nearly 5,000 hours of inboard ownership. I did not order steering assist because I thought it was too expensive for what it was. However, I do have it on my 2019 and here is how that happened: My dealer called me with an option to grab a 2019 slot. I had 48 hours to confirm the slot, which I did and sent him my configuration. When the boat was delivered my dealer explained that Steering Assist was added by mistake. We came to a mutually agreeable price and I took the boat.

In the 70 hours I have put on my 2019. Here is how I use steering assist. 1) It is great for keeping a beginner surfer on the wave side of the boat, especially when it is windy. 2) It is great for showing off at the marina when I want to squeeze the boat into a tight spot. 3) When bringing the boat onto my lift in a heavy cross wind I have used it to recover a less than perfect approach. But my qualification for docking is that the boat does not touch any boat guide on either side. If I touch, I consider the approach a failure. Yes it is a high standard. 4). My wife who has about 100 hours driving loves it because she can pickup a surfer on the wave side like a boss. 5: I forgot to add this most useful reason to have steering assist. I have to back out of my lift and drive to the left. As we all know the G only backs up to the right. With Steering Assist I can just push off, tap reverse, hit the steering assist and pivot to the left to leave the marina. Its very useful in this case, backing up to the left.

That's about it. I don't regularly use it but it is kinda nice to have. Would I order it again. Probably not unless they reduce the price to about $4-5K or my wife insisted.

[Gschofield62]

It is the nautique factory thruster they would install.

[GMLIII]

I would double check with your dealer to make sure it is a Nautique system and not an aftermarket system . Thinking outloud I would imagine a dealer would in no way want to install an auxiliary exhaust system on a G23 for the fear and risk involved . If I was purchasing your boat , there is no way I would install a Nautique steering assist system after purchase . Just too many risks and possible complications

It is the nautique factory thruster they would install.

[Gschofield62]

It would be the nautique factory system NOT an aftermarket system. Again...the factory Nautique system

[Gschofield62]

I would double check with your dealer to make sure it is a Nautique system and not an aftermarket system . Thinking outloud I would imagine a dealer would in no way want to install an auxiliary exhaust system on a G23 for the fear and risk involved . If I was purchasing your boat , there is no way I would install a Nautique steering assist system after purchase . Just too many risks and possible complications

So you wouldn't want them to even install the factory nautique system? Why is that?

[GMLIII]

So you wouldn't want them to even install the factory nautique system? Why is that?

A much too complicated installation. Much different than adding a platform ladder after a purchase . Thru hull could leak at steering assist device and/or at the auxiliary exhaust . Also if it is a $10,000 option from the factory, I can’t image what a dealer would charge to install . Bottom line if I was purchasing a $160:000 plus boat, I would not risk any complications with 2 thru hull penetrations . Too much can go wrong but that is just me . If money and risks are non issues go for it

[Gschofield62]

A much too complicated installation. Much different than adding a platform ladder after a purchase . Thru hull could leak at steering assist device and/or at the auxiliary exhaust . Also if it is a $10,000 option from the factory, I can’t image what a dealer would charge to install . Bottom line if I was purchasing a $160:000 plus boat, I would not risk any complications with 2 thru hull penetrations . Too much can go wrong but that is just me . If money and risks are non issues go for it

Money is always an issue however the dealer is offering it for 8200 which he says is his compost and he will cover the labor. It was part if the deal we worked for the purchase. Also, those prices are in canadian money.

[GMLIII]

Money is always an issue however the dealer is offering it for 8200 which he says is his compost and he will cover the labor. It was part if the deal we worked for the purchase. Also, those prices are in canadian money.

Ok that price not bad but you still have the risk of 2 thru hull penetrations and probably an install job your dealer has never performed. Still a very complicated install

[Gschofield62]

Ok that price not bad but you still have the risk of 2 thru hull penetrations and probably an install job your dealer has never performed. Still a very complicated install

As far as the 2 thru hull penetrations I understand. The dealer said they have done quite a few of them and haven't had any issues as of yet. Since I will not have a chance to try one out before I have to make the decision on my boat I really have no idea what to do. The fact that my wife and kids at times we'll have to dock in a marina where the slip can get quite tight. I really don't want fresh dog rash every time we or they pull in.

[GMLIII]

As far as the 2 thru hull penetrations I understand. The dealer said they have done quite a few of them and haven't had any issues as of yet. Since I will not have a chance to try one out before I have to make the decision on my boat I really have no idea what to do. The fact that my wife and kids at times we'll have to dock in a marina where the slip can get quite tight. I really don't want fresh dog rash every time we or they pull in.

You know how I feel ; I would not do it . Too much to go wrong on a super expensive boat

[greggmck]

I wouldn't hesitate to do it as long as the dealer warranties the installation. It's pretty straightforward. They bore two holes, one for the Thruster, one for the exhaust bypass. They install the power unit in the right rear locker and run the wiring harness up to the Lync. There is a software change or configuration option to make it available in the Lync system. There probably isn't much difference in how its installed at the factory.

$8200 is a fair price too.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[Cpan13]

I’m guessing you’re talking about Robertson?? They’re a ridiculously high volume dealer and have a great reputation. I’ve had some work done from them and been more than happy. If they say it will be done right I’d take their word for it.

Cant help with useability since I don’t have it... sure seems like a feature I’d like though.

[Gschofield62]

I’m guessing you’re talking about Robertson?? They’re a ridiculously high volume dealer and have a great reputation. I’ve had some work done from them and been more than happy. If they say it will be done right I’d take their word for it.

Cant help with useability since I don’t have it... sure seems like a feature I’d like though.

It is Robertson. This is our first time dealing with them but so far they've made it a really nice process. I probably should have just ordered it from the factory but I completely overlooked it as a possible option. He also said it could be done anytime it doesn't have to be when it first gets to their shop. Maybe I will give the boat a try without it for a while and if it seems like something we would use I can always have them put it on retroactively.