Considering Malibu 22VLX to GS22 switch

[jlee]

Currently, I have a 2015 Malibu 22VLX but it is time to look for a new boat. Although we have enjoyed the VLX, the GS22 has intrigued me ever since its introduction. As a family, we do about 90% surfing, 5% wakeboarding and 5% skiing (really, only me). The VLX ski wake is a bit larger than I would like and I'm pretty sure the GS22 will have a friendlier ski wake.

My concern is that in looking around at planetnautique posts, I haven't yet come across a post that raves about the surf wake. I get that it's not a G, but can you guys who own a GS22 (and possibly a Malibu sometime prior to that for comparison), tell me something that will make me more comfortable with the ability for the GS22 to throw a good surf wake? I'm too old (and perhaps lazy) to want to futz around with lead, filling extra bags in the cockpit/nose.

Do you GS22 owners love your boat? Just content with it?

I know I should just get behind one and see for myself, but my local dealer has sold all of their GS22's and the next closest dealer with one in stock is a 3hr drive away.

[idahosan]

We love ours but ski quite a bit more than you. We are prob 50/50 and the gs22 works perfect for us. We do run 350lbs of leadwake in addition to the pro ballast. I will be ordering a custom wakemakers bags this winter. I don’t enjoy the leadwake while on the ski. The surf wave is not as big or powerful as the 22lsv but way more than enough for us. We came from a ‘15 23lsv and looked hard at a ‘19 22lsv. Honestly I found all kinds of QC issues with the new Bu’s. We demoed a 23lsv, 22lsv and 20vtx. Every single one had QC issues and not small ones. The quality in our gs is top notch and the attention to detail in design blew me away. Reversible pumps with actuators that close the valves when not in use. Didn’t expect it and Malibu has nothing like it. We have to fold our tower for garage clearance and the tower and Bimini fold in a minute with all shock assist and fit together like a glove. You do need to demo one and if you come down Boise way I would be happy to take you out.

[jlee]

Thanks, Idahosan. That is quite helpful. Especially since you came from a '15 23LSV. Fortunately, we haven't really had any issues with our '15. However, I have a friend who always raves about the Nautique quality, hence my interest. Just need to make sure the boat fits are needs. I would take you up on your offer of a visit to Boise but you're 6.5hr away from me in Spokane. I'll have to find another dealer that still has one in stock and take a rip behind it.

Do you have to order the pro ballast in order to add extra bags to the rear lockers? Or is the plug-n-play already set up and I can install the larger Wakemaker bags?

[Phil8uga]

I have a GS 20 and love the surf wave. It has plenty of push. I have factory ballast and The sub floor ballast is amazing. I have never had so much storage before in a boat. You will not be disappointed in your purchase.


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[kylant]

I have a '19 GS22. I love the wave. I cannot compare to a "G" because I have never been behind one.
I had a GS20 last year with just stock ballast. I could surf it as long as I wanted.
My 22 has pro ballast, and I upgraded to Wakemakers bags. The wave is very big, again cannot compare to a G.
I would venture to guess it is getting to be near the same size

I demoed a 230 before buying this boat. I did not want to deal with lead bags to make the wave big. I do have a couple of bags to counter prop rotation, but that is it. We also ski. The 230 is skiable, but not ideal

My wife absolutely did not want a G because we ski still.
If we did not ski, we would have bought a G.

We ended up with the GS again because it is a great "do everything" boat.

[idahosan]

Thanks, Idahosan. That is quite helpful. Especially since you came from a '15 23LSV. Fortunately, we haven't really had any issues with our '15. However, I have a friend who always raves about the Nautique quality, hence my interest. Just need to make sure the boat fits are needs. I would take you up on your offer of a visit to Boise but you're 6.5hr away from me in Spokane. I'll have to find another dealer that still has one in stock and take a rip behind it.

Do you have to order the pro ballast in order to add extra bags to the rear lockers? Or is the plug-n-play already set up and I can install the larger Wakemaker bags?

Pro ballast is an option and comes with 350 bags in each locker. Is Tobler your dealer? Might check with Idaho Water Sports in Nampa. I know it’s a ways away but they have worked together in the past.

[jlee]

Thanks for the responses guys, Those are all helpful.

Pro ballast is an option and comes with 350 bags in each locker. Is Tobler your dealer? Might check with Idaho Water Sports in Nampa. I know it’s a ways away but they have worked together in the past.

Yes Idahosan, Tobler is my dealer. I checked Idaho Water Sports website and they do have a 2018 GS22 but I think I found a dealer closer that has one as well in the tri-cities. I'll have to reach out to them.

[mikenbike211]

Thanks for the responses guys, Those are all helpful.



Yes Idahosan, Tobler is my dealer. I checked Idaho Water Sports website and they do have a 2018 GS22 but I think I found a dealer closer that has one as well in the tri-cities. I'll have to reach out to them.

Pm me


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[teamolson]

Chris at Desert Valley Powersports in Prosser is a great guy. Just bought a 2019 230 from him