Looking to buy SAN 230...what years get/avoid?

[Bogusdogs]

I am looking to buy a Super Air 230. Was hoping to get some input on what years significant changes were made..maybe the “must haves” and maybe the years to avoid. I seem to read some concerns about transmission in the 2012s? Is NSS important? Looking to stay around $60k maybe less . Thanks in advance for any help.

[shag]

IMO, 2009 is the best year... You can find nice ones around 50K with lower hours, add an aftermarket NSS by Max Gill (on this forum) and piggyback ballast and have a great wake and wave... Without any worry about the linc issues i see on here... I am not totally against Linc, but there sure seem tot be a lot of errors codes, problems, etc with them... 2009 was the last year of all gauges.. I think 2010-11 you got the first gen linc and gauges on the sides, but after that i believe it's only linc and no gauges... Just my opinion... I own a 2008 230 and love it... Have 1100 hours on the 343 and going strong.

[ericchile]

2009 230 here. I have Max's NSS. Work great.

275 hours and running strong.

Minor issues with gel coat and thats it. ZR6 390 engine.

[nautiques4life]

Shags response is perfect, I think the 2012 is the year as I appreciate having the fully integrated nss that is adjustable integrated into the dash. I think you should be able to find a 12 at the top of your budget, and if it doesnt have it already factory nss instal ran me just under 3k

[Bogusdogs]

Thank you for the information. So, 2009, 2012...where/when was the next "significant" bump, and what would be the cost associated? I see them listed in such a range of prices. I feel like on this forum they are the most consistent...however there are some that may be a tad high, but the action on the listing suggests that too.

[hal2814]

I have a 2011 230. It’s the last year you can’t do factory NSS. It has version 1 of linc. It’s still a magnificent boat, especially for what I paid for it. Version 1 of linc is more of a gimmick than providing real value. What I would lose going to gauges if linc crapped out and I couldn’t get a replacement is minimal. Other than NSS there really aren’t any game changers as far as the 230 goes. At some point the ski locker went away so by 2012 you really need to run under seat ballast in the bow instead of the arrow sac. I’m not super happy about that but there’s still plenty of room for what I store on the boat. The tower changed once or twice. The Bimini changed at some point. I’m not aware of the transmission issue in 2012 but I wasn’t looking. The consensus I’ve seen is that people tend to be happy with the 230 they bought. That’s a good sign that pretty much any year is going to be a great boat provided you find one in good shape for a reasonable price.

[Miljack]

The milestones for the 230 as follows;

2008-First year (236 introduced in 07 with Perfect Pass), Zero Off (GPS speed control introduced)
If you wakeboard, you may need to upgrade the GPS antenna (original is the round puck) to the gyro equipped unit. SS tower available (way easier to fold than the FCT1)
2009-FCT3 two point tower introduced
2011-FCT5 two point tower introduced, ski locker eliminated, LINC1 dash (no NSS integration)
2012-LINC2 (NSS integration available)
2013-New tower from Diamondback (same as the G23 when introduced), last year for the original deck/hull. Last year for reversible bench seat in cockpit.
2014-New model/deck and gel pattern, NSS molded into transom, running surface is the mostly the same.
2015-shift by wire added

NSS is a nice upgrade for surfing, you might find a NSS equipped boat in your budget, but most likely will be an aftermarket system. I like the two point towers, but, it's not a deal maker or breaker. I also prefer the ski locker to the sealed floor/larger ballast tank in the middle. The engine options remain the same until you get into the newer models when the H5 and H6 (direct injection) became available, I believe in '16. The transmissions were upgraded to the 80 model PCM in '14 I believe.

[Bogusdogs]

Thanks everyone for the info. Super helpful. I see that many of the 230s I am looking at don't have heaters...I am hoping they are an easy install. And is it true that you cannot install a hot shower on the Nautiques after 2006ish?

Again, thank you.

[nautiques4life]

Miljack mentioned the 14 hull and gel update, but that the running surface is mostly the same. Curious how the wakeboarding wake changed with the newer hull, thanks