Considering a Super Air 230 vs .....

[DylanR]

I’m considering a Super Air 230.... I had been looking at a Axis A24.

ive always been fascinated with Nautiques. Just sold my 2015 Axis T22. It was my 3rd Axis and 4th Malibu Product. I have also had 3 Mastercrafts...

a Super Air 230 2015-2017 is pretty close to an 2018 A24 Price.

I obviously know the Nautique blows the Axis away in build quality...

what will I see with the 230. Key for me is more room. Which is why I sold my T22.

thanks for any advice... only nautiques I have been in are 210’s.

[mooneywa]

You covered the fit, finish so I'll talk about space.

We had a 210 and now have a 230. The step up in 2' was really noticeable to us. When it isn't just the wife and I, our crew is usually 8 and they are far more comfortable on the 230 than the 210. The 230 also rides chop better, not as good as a G25, but it's also half the price.

I don't know much about the A-series as we only briefly looked at a T23 when we got our 210 originally, but my impression is that from pictures it doesn't have a high enough gunwale to suggest major storage like the G does. So perhaps the only difference is bow space and length between the A24 and the 230?

I'd also imagine the resale will be better on the 230 than an Axis-anything and it sounds like you go through boats quickly, so that would be important.

[scottb7]

I have a best friend that owned both, and spent ton of time in both. The A24 is way more roomy then the 230. A24 has just as good wakeboard wake, and surf wave. Build quality is the same...But the looks and bling factor on the Nautique and bells and whistles probably a lot higher. Aerator vs reversible ballast. 230 is finicky wake at low speeds.

Honestly we rode extensively in t-series and it was, how do i say this, urgg so terrible wake and wave compared to both a24 and a22.

[DylanR]

Thanks for the input I guess I am more interested in the space and feel of the boat than anything.

resale for Axis is phenomenal. You aren’t going to lose much unless you buy brand new.

the comment on the T series wake vs the A ... my experience from owning an A20, A22 and a T22. The T22 is phenomenal from a wake and surfing point. I think it was a lot better than my A22. Everyone has their own opinion... We do take pride in weighting a boat and take the time to do it properly. Each boat has its own personality.

i feel like a 230 would fit the bill for me...

are the touch screens prone for going out??

[Miljack]

I have a best friend that owned both, and spent ton of time in both. The A24 is way more roomy then the 230. A24 has just as good wakeboard wake, and surf wave. Build quality is the same...But the looks and bling factor on the Nautique and bells and whistles probably a lot higher. Aerator vs reversible ballast. 230 is finicky wake at low speeds.

Honestly we rode extensively in t-series and it was, how do i say this, urgg so terrible wake and wave compared to both a24 and a22.

scottb7 , just curious, what part of the build quality are you talking about? Even the Malibu (premium brand in their lineup) is not as good from most anyone observing...you mentioned impeller vs. aerator (Axis) ballast system, which are you saying is better??

[scottb7]

I hesitate to be redundant. But my opinion is that fit/finish (e.g. build quality) is very similar. Yes, nautique uses higher quality materials. And has more bell's and whistles. But "build quality" I think is pretty similar. Build quality is how well you assemble the parts you have, not the quality of the materials themselves. Sure you can pay more to nautique for higher quality materials, but OP was asking about "build quality".

As you well know I owned a 2008 210 and a 2014 G21 and they both had plenty of actual build quality issues. Too many to name. Not saying any brand is better, I am just saying they are similar in my opinion.

As far as pumps I was just pointing out they are different. So I may have been context dropping on that one. But since you asked I think aerator is better. With aerator pumps pushing water over the side of the boat you can tell when your bags/tanks are empty when the water stops. With reversible pumping down into the water under the boat, and with many many posts on this forum to support, that the linc system often with timing and parts issues, can't tell when the bags are empty.

"Build quality is more specific, and means how well was it put together. It's all about initial defects and things like panels being out of alignment. By the American definition a cheap, low quality, flimsy car can have excellent build quality and a Mercedes-Benz can have awful build quality."

[XBIGPUN66]

In my opinion build quality has to do with both the materials used and how it goes together. I.e. premium finishes with no rough edges under the seats or in bilge areas with fiberglass etc. I have seen rough edges and terrible backing on seats etc on Malibu boats from back in the 2000's continuing until the latest model year in boats I have been in. Also I think the layout and the way the upholstery and the gel coat is executed make a big difference. The way the cushions fit together and the way the cushions fit in amongst the fiberglass in the layout. Nautique is miles ahead of Malibu (and almost all others) imho.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

[DylanR]

Ok let’s get away from the build quality thing...

i was more interested in what one might see in a newer 230 as a plus as far as interior room, wake, surf, features, etc. Compared to an A24.

I already said nautiques have better build quality. Nautique to Axis is like a Denali to an LT model. I was meaning as in they would last longer when I referenced build quality. I do feel like they look and feel to be more higher quality... This isn’t a bash Malibu thread. I love Malibu and Axis. I don’t get into that bashing other brands.

I’m seriously considering a newer 230 Nautique and was looking for opinions on it.

[XBIGPUN66]

I have a 210. I think you would be very happy with a 230 but i am biased. The NSS is far more adjustable than other brands. If you get a Nautique you will not be disappointed.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

[Miljack]

you mentioned you wanted more room in the boat, as in seating area? Storage in the newer 230 is decent, but you'll loose some of rear lockers if you add bags. If it were me, I would definitely get both of the lean back seats for the port and starboard sides.

What do you do with the boat, surf or wakeboard? I've ridden in an older LSV, which I believe is a very similar hull to the A24, we wakeboarded behind that boat, stock ballast the wake was meh. The 230 wakeboard wake is better stock, if you start adding a lot of weight in a 230 for wakeboarding, you need to be careful where it's placed. The wake can start to wash out on one side, but, it takes ALOT of weight for that to happen.

For surfing the 230 makes a great wave, you just need to add considerable weight.

[DylanR]

We slam them when surfing and use considerable weight when wakeboarding.

there is no LSV wake on the planet that is meh... the boat you were in wasn’t weight properly.

I don’t care much about locker storage - more about interior room. I like the 210 I just don’t think it would be big enough...