2022 G23 Thruster

[HAWKS2842]

Quick questions guys, my boat is in production, im questioning whether or not I should have ordered the thruster. Whats everyones opinion? My dealer said unless your in a river with current its not a necessity and if you're skilled at driving a boat you don't need it. Ive seen other guys say its a must. What are your real world thoughts and experiences?

my boat just went to production, I think I can still make changes as its only been a day or two since starting production .

[ScooterMcgavin]

I have never had the stern thruster… But if I was ordering a new boat I’d get it for sure. I wouldn’t say it’s a must but more like a real nice super expensive option or feature. Not something you absolutely need… But I personally don’t think you’ll regret it if you order it.

[charlesml3]

im questioning whether or not I should have ordered the thruster.

Up until 2021, I would have said it was optional. Now I've driven pretty much every G23 from 2013 on. Lots of time behind the wheel, especially the 2013, 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2021. I was pretty well able to drive G23s prior to 2021 without the thruster. Now it was certainly easier, especially with the boat ballasted but I could do it.

In 2021, Nautique went to the Paragon hull for the G23 and I drove one. It had the thruster and as much as I tried to get away without it, I eventually had to start using it. The turning radius is HUGE without it. It was taking me much longer than it should to get back to my surfer without it. Same for pulling it up to the dock. If I could come straight in, no problem without it. If I needed to swing it in to point the bow out, I just couldn't get the turn radius down enough to make the turn. The thruster solves that problem.

When I ordered my 2022 G23, I sucked it up and added the thruster. I believe you should as well. It's one of those things that you don't want to regret NOT getting later when you need it. It'll also drastically improve your resale.

I know someone is going to come out here and say "Learn how to drive." I've been driving inboards since I was 9-years-old. I know what I'm doing. The Paragon hull really changed how the boat handles and makes the thruster pretty important.

-Charles

[mikenbike211]

I would be willing to bet you cant make any changes once its in production

[jharris]

Up until 2021, I would have said it was optional. Now I've driven pretty much every G23 from 2013 on. Lots of time behind the wheel, especially the 2013, 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2021. I was pretty well able to drive G23s prior to 2021 without the thruster. Now it was certainly easier, especially with the boat ballasted but I could do it.

In 2021, Nautique went to the Paragon hull for the G23 and I drove one. It had the thruster and as much as I tried to get away without it, I eventually had to start using it. The turning radius is HUGE without it. It was taking me much longer than it should to get back to my surfer without it. Same for pulling it up to the dock. If I could come straight in, no problem without it. If I needed to swing it in to point the bow out, I just couldn't get the turn radius down enough to make the turn. The thruster solves that problem.

When I ordered my 2022 G23, I sucked it up and added the thruster. I believe you should as well. It's one of those things that you don't want to regret NOT getting later when you need it. It'll also drastically improve your resale.

I know someone is going to come out here and say "Learn how to drive." I've been driving inboards since I was 9-years-old. I know what I'm doing. The Paragon hull really changed how the boat handles and makes the thruster pretty important.

-Charles

I just updated my order to include the thruster. Your post makes me confident that I’ll appreciate my very expensive option. I have driving inboards for 30 years but each time the boat gets bigger and more ballast. No more spinning these things on a dime.

[HAWKS2842]

I would be willing to bet you cant make any changes once its in production

I was told we’re locked in but haven’t heard anything about production being started. It was scheduled for Jan 3rd but the dealer has not gotten any notification of it actually being started. I’m hoping it’s not too late

[mikenbike211]

hopefully! i agree with everything charles said above

[HAWKS2842]

Dealer just told me the order is locked and once that happens they won't make changes because of vendor lead times and supply chain problems so I guess im stuck without it. He did say that he would send an email and confirm though.

[BYLKN]

I’ve had two boats without it and two boats with the thruster. Is it necessary; no but I love it. Never use the auto thruster when parking but it is great for picking up a rider or on a windy day. I think it’s definitely worth it but not a necessity.

[mikenbike211]

Yeah, thats no surprise. However, a dealer is able to install after the fact. It will certainly be more than the price of building the boat with it.

[HAWKS2842]

I’ve done a bit of research and adding it doesn’t seem all that complicated. Two thru hull ports, an exhaust valve w/piping and wiring. From what I read the wiring is there in the harness and should be plug and play. 8-10 hour job for a tech. Aside from that there are afternmarket options if I chose to go that route but I likely won’t. I’m mechanically inclined and not afraid to get in there and do it myself need be. I remember someone telling me they charge upwards of 8-9k to install on top of the cost of parts. Seems crazy to me.

[MN Ryan]

For a couple hundo, you could attach a trolling motor. (wink wink)

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[GMLIII]

Ask scottb7 LOL

[HAWKS2842]

Ask scottb7 LOL

I’m all ears

[Cpan13]

I’d be finding a new dealer if they won’t push to allow you to add a $10k option to your $200k boat less than a week into production.