2020 GS22 Engine Option

[aoblak]

We have decided to sell our 2019 G23 and downsize to a 2021 GS22 so wanted to hear everyone opinion as if it’s necessary to upgrade the motor to the 6.2L?

I live in the Midwest so altitude will not be an issue to upgrade the motor

[Bob Thompson]

Hello Bob here from Ontario, I just sold my 2003 Air 216 and upgrading to a 2021 GS22. I HAVE also upgraded the boat with PCM ZZ6 450 HP engine. I found that once you load the boat up with all ballast tanks and people, the extra HP is needed !

[gonefishin5555]

We have decided to sell our 2019 G23 and downsize to a 2020 GS22 so wanted to hear everyone opinion as if it’s necessary to upgrade the motor to the 6.2L?

I live in the Midwest so altitude will not be an issue to upgrade the motor

The stock engine runs the boat fine for wakesurfing. Get an upgraded OJ or Acme prop and you are done. Eh maybe if you are at 4K of ballast and 7-8 people you would want one. But we are at 3,000 ballast and 5 or 6 people and I don't think I need a bigger engine.

[aoblak]

Thank you for the comments

[mcosub]

The stock engine runs the boat fine for wakesurfing. Get an upgraded OJ or Acme prop and you are done. Eh maybe if you are at 4K of ballast and 7-8 people you would want one. But we are at 3,000 ballast and 5 or 6 people and I don't think I need a bigger engine.

I would agree with this. No issues with moderate people load and pro ballast full on our 2020 GS22. I also have around 300 pounds of lead

[Mr DW]

The ZZ6 is a $9k upgrade from ZR4. I wouldn't consider the the ZR4 underpowered for the GS22. I am considering a GS24 and might do the ZZ6 upgrade. A torque prop + ZR4 is definitely a cheaper option though. according to CARB testing there is only a 16hp difference between the 2 engines, but there is a whopping 102 ft-lb of torque difference.

[kylant]

if you ever go to any altitude and run full ballast (or upgrade ballast) or have a big crew, you will wish you had the bigger engine.
The H6 (ZZ6) does it all. I am at 6300ft and still lowered the pitch of the prop

[MBarker]

I have a GS24 that I bought from dealer stock and it has the ZR4. I worried that it would not be enough engine, but after doing some research on PN and because I don't live at altitude, I got comfortable with the ZR4. I've put over 50 hours on the boat and it has the pro ballast installed. I've had 4 adults, 3 teenagers, and 4 kids on the boat with full ballast, full of fuel, and all the gear and stuff and did not think the engine felt under powered, but could tell i had a larger load than just my normal crew. A $9k engine upgrade is a lot. You'll probably not regret the upgrade, but you probably don't need it. Others may have different experiences, but what I've shared has been mine.

[mooneywa]

The GS22 is 700lbs more than a 230, but my 230 has never felt even remotely underpowered with the ZR4. 8 people, full tanks, 750s in the rear and 300lbs of ballast and it doesn't break a sweat. 1000' contour line runs around the lake so I'm not high in elevation by any stretch, but not 100% at sea level. I considered strongly the ZZ6 and my dealer talked me out of it and said I wouldn't need it unless I just personally needed to feel like I had the top notch of everything. Glad I went with what I did.

[aoblak]

The GS22 is 700lbs more than a 230, but my 230 has never felt even remotely underpowered with the ZR4. 8 people, full tanks, 750s in the rear and 300lbs of ballast and it doesn't break a sweat. 1000' contour line runs around the lake so I'm not high in elevation by any stretch, but not 100% at sea level. I considered
strongly the ZZ6 and my dealer talked me out of it and said I wouldn't need it unless I just personally needed to feel like I had the top notch of everything. Glad I went with what I did.

Thank you for this information - this is basically what my dealer told me regarding the blogger engine!

[kylant]

The GS22 is 700lbs more than a 230, but my 230 has never felt even remotely underpowered with the ZR4. 8 people, full tanks, 750s in the rear and 300lbs of ballast and it doesn't break a sweat. 1000' contour line runs around the lake so I'm not high in elevation by any stretch, but not 100% at sea level. I considered strongly the ZZ6 and my dealer talked me out of it and said I wouldn't need it unless I just personally needed to feel like I had the top notch of everything. Glad I went with what I did.

keep in mind the GS has more of a displacement type of hull, whereas the 230 had a more traditional planing hull.
the 230 is more efficient and takes less power to do the same work (at least that is what I was told by 2 dealers)

[mooneywa]

keep in mind the GS has more of a displacement type of hull, whereas the 230 had a more traditional planing hull.
the 230 is more efficient and takes less power to do the same work (at least that is what I was told by 2 dealers)

That's a good point, although I'd be curious in a surf situation how much the differences in the hulls reduce (or increase) with the aft weight presenting much of the hull as a surface area. Just the same, if the GS is so good for skiing, wouldn't it be up on plane and not displacing much water and in theory more efficient?

I'm guessing you have a big motor since you're in Lake Tahoe?

[kylant]

That's a good point, although I'd be curious in a surf situation how much the differences in the hulls reduce (or increase) with the aft weight presenting much of the hull as a surface area. Just the same, if the GS is so good for skiing, wouldn't it be up on plane and not displacing much water and in theory more efficient?

I'm guessing you have a big motor since you're in Lake Tahoe?

Ya, I'm not sure. The GS skis decent, not great. Definitely not a ski or 200 wake.

I do have the H6. I am at 6300ft. I had the ZR4 in my GS20 and it was a struggle at best. I worked with Acme and tried 3 different props. I think we got it as good as it was going to get. I hated it, hence the H6 in the new boat

[Devo77]

We have a '19 GS22 with pro ballast and I have found with a full boat it can be a little bit of a struggle to get off the line. Looking at maybe upgrading the end of next year to a '22 GS22 and adding Wakemaker rear ballast which I think is an additional 900lbs of ballast over the pro ballast. So I would definitely look to upgrade to the H6 engine. We boat on Lake Keowee, SC at 800'.

[Justin Rick]

I have a 2019 GS24 with Zr4. I am happy with this engine. I run no pro ballast, but 400lbs of lead and 4-6 people near sea level. When at altitude 6k ft my top speed drops from 40mpg to 35 mph but getting up on plane is still not an issue. I would personally only upgrade engines if I lived at altitude, and regularly had a large crew.