Model differences that don't show up on a spec sheet? 2014 230 vs other sub $70K

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  • Ascendigo
    • Mar 2020
    • 1

    • Co


    Model differences that don't show up on a spec sheet? 2014 230 vs other sub $70K

    I'm looking to buy a boat for a wakesurfing program I help run. I have a budget of $70K and I was looking for advice about differences between models that don't necessarily show up on a spec sheet.

    I've found a 2014 230 450hp with ~500 hrs for just over my budget, that checks a lot of my boxes. Whether I can can convince my bosses to spend the extra money... we'll see.



    My priorities are:
    Reliability (Why I'm looking at Nautiques, but I'd hear other brand suggestions if I can't find what I need at this price point.)
    Build quality but not necessarily just better styling
    Surf system. What year did they become standard, 2013?
    Large seating capacity/interior space. Why i'm looking at 230s not 210s
    Lots of storage. Though I think G23s will be out of budget
    Bigger the swim platform the better.
    Ease of starting directly from the swim platfrom

    Non factors
    Sound system
    Cosmetic issues

    Questions?
    1. General model differences between years and models that may effect my priorities? Besides stuff thats on the spec sheet.
    IE: I know the 230s have more responsive handling then g23s

    2. Any models/years more or less reliable (i've heard 2013 Malibu Wakesetters are a nightmare for example).

    3. Which models is it easier to do a moving start from the swim platform?

    4. Surf system differences between models? Specifically, When using the trim tab to adjust the depth of the stern of the boat, is a 210 relatively more responsive then a 230 or g23? We do a lot of starts and stops from a moving boat and being able to raise and lower the platform is a major reason for me wanting a surf system. A giant trough with tons of push right behind the platform makes letting yourself off the back relatively more difficult. So if letting yourself off the back of one model or another another is more

    5. I'll buy the boat based on its surfing performance (adaptability for all level). But it will also be used for casual tubing (regularly) and wakeboarding (occasionally).

    6. Engine size advice. Are the 343 pigs with a fully loaded boat? I'll be using the boat at 5400 ft elevation primarily and 7800 ft sometimes. Any advice on engine sizes due to loss of power due to altitude (7800 ft is roughly a 15% power loss)? Its definitely an issue for some ski boats in this area and 99% of the time I'll have 10+ people in the boat.

    7. There's also a 2013 G23 out there with 950 hours on it for around 65K with iffy upholstery? At what point is it too many hours for you?

    Thanks!
    Last edited by Ascendigo; 03-20-2020, 08:58 PM.
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