2016 G23 - 85% there - push me forward or back?

[DRohde27]

Been doing a lot of research as we get back into lake boating after a few years on the ocean. Just joined this site after reading on it forever.

Started looking at new "budget" boats, but at "budget" prices, I just can pull the lever on one knowing the quality isn't as good and I am still spending 90-100k. Therefore we been looking at used boats 2015-2018, less then $100K.

Had my eye on one at the lake for a while, 2016 G23 with around 300 hours. Boat is in great shape, nice trailer but.....has the H5 motor. We are a family of 4, at times we have friends with use, but usually no more than 8-9 total. We just started surfing, but do like to wakeboard (but i'm about done getting beat-up on it), tube and even ski every so often on those butter like days.

Only issue is the motor, I am going to try it out next week. But I believe I can get it for high 90's, which seems like a good price in todays market.

[NautiqueJeff]

Hmmm. A G23 with an H5 is pretty rare. And that's for a reason.

A G21 with an H5 is no problem. I have driven one of those and it was fine.

The H5 has 355 HP and 405 Torque. The H6 has 450 HP and 465 Torque. The torque numbers are more important.

I think if you were just surfing, the H5 might be OK. If you want to wakeboard and plan to run anywhere near full ballast, you may have long plane times.

You may be able to prop it down some to get around the issue somewhat, and if the price reflects the less-desirable engine, it may be worth it. Remember though that resale on that boat will be hard.

High 90's for a '16 with an H5 sounds high to me.

[hal2814]

As far as engine, you can always prop down. You’ll lose top speed but gain torque. That might affect skiing but nothing else. And that’s if you’re unhappy with the engine performance. I don’t think you will be. I know there are a lot of G23 H5s around here. The only reason I’d rule it out is high elevation.

Edit: I’d defer to NautiqueJeff. I wouldn’t think the HP would be an issue with all that torque and I do see them for sale but maybe there’s a reason why they’re for sale.

[mooneywa]

Within reason, get what you want the first time. I wouldn't compromise on something as major as a motor. Doesn't have the board racks you like or you aren't wild about the stitching color? Eh, pull the trigger. But the engine... that's one of those things where you'll spend at a minimum what you didn't spend the first go-around upgrading the second time.

Also, while I don't like the idea of buying a boat to sell it, just remember if you're having hesitations about buying it with the H5, so will plenty of folks down the road if you sell because you want the bigger motor.

[DRohde27]

Thanks for all the input.

Saying it’s ok to give in on a few smaller items, but not the engine is a great point.

After more thought I will probably still go test it out, but will keep looking. The G23 is amazing, but maybe the 230 is a better family fit.....think I could go round and round.

[mooneywa]

Here's my unsolicited advice on the 230. The 230 is a really fantastic dock boat. Meaning: if you dock it and have storage there, it's absolutely awesome and a much newer one is right in your price point. If you have tons of people and kids and need lots of storage because you go out on the lake for 8 hours, and have a vehicle that can tow it, you may want a G. The 230 is a surf machine when weighted properly, but some of that extra weight and the lower freeboard takes up storage. I think most people could make it work, but if you bring everything and the kitchen sink to the lake you'll probably want more.

If you like to ski - what about a GS? Newer ones have an improved hull for surfing.

[DRohde27]

Funny you say GS, was just looking at a 2017 GS22 this AM...I do dig the back jumper seats.

It will be stored on a lift at Lake keowee in SC. So the 230 is an option. I just don’t see much on the market right now.

[mooneywa]

I believe the updated hull for improved surfing was in 19 on the GS? Someone can correct me on that. The transom seats look awesome, but I personally didn't find them to have enough back support. They appeared to be wife-sized, but it's all relative.

And to be fair, it's not like the 230 can't hold anything... we did 8-9 people several times this summer with two coolers, all the life jackets, snacks, wakeboards, surfboards, and a partridge in a pear tree, and we did just fine. I had a 210 last summer and will say that didn't cut it.

And a 230 with 750s in the rear, plus 500lbs of lead lets a big guy like me drop the rope with just the wife driving. With 8-9 people in back, it's ridiculous how far back on the wave I can go. The ZR4 has plenty of power at 1,000' MSL. The only option outside of typical options I wish I had sprung for were strapless board racks.

The GS will have a bit updated fit and finish with a similar increase in price and the G is well... the G.

[DRohde27]

Great input! Thanks! Agree on the back seats, look a bit tight. My bother had a 242 Yamaha, best thing about that boat were the transom seats, amazing, we used them every time on the boat!

[gonefishin5555]

Great input! Thanks! Agree on the back seats, look a bit tight. My bother had a 242 Yamaha, best thing about that boat were the transom seats, amazing, we used them every time on the boat!

They are not plush reclining seats. They don't offer any back support. Its still a cool place to hang out on the boat. The newest models are really stepping it up with the flip up seats over the lockers. I'm reminded of how luxurious RVs are...you are not even camping anymore just taking your house with you. Personally I'm waiting for them to mount a big screen TV off the tower and maybe a push button expandable Bimini top to shade the whole boat.

[Kmayotte]

Owning a G23 with an H6, I would not want one with an H5. With factory ballast full and the boat FULL of adults it can pause a bit to get up on plane for wakeboarding. The NCRS plate helps it get though it but sometimes we need to shift weight into the bow to help the boat along.

It seems the price reflects the motor so if you are ok not having all the power you need on the far end of the spectrum it's a good buy.

[DRohde27]

$90's for a G23 2016 isn't easy to find these days.

[astilley]

I would not recommend a G23 with an H5. It's just not enough power.