Looking at 2013-2015 G23’s…any major concerns?

[ty151]

Hey PN, long time lurker here and finally made an account.

Anyways, I’m looking to upgrade from my direct drive ski boat and have always dreamed of owning a Nautique. Newer models are out of my budget, trying to stick to that $100k range, so I’ve been looking a lot at the 2013-2014 G23’s. Other than the linc screens having some issues, what other things should be concerned about with those models? Being that they’re 10 years old now, if that screen goes bad, would I be totally SOL?

I’ve found a few with higher hours (700-900) for very good prices but worry a little bit about that. Just looking for some feedback if ya got some. Thanks in advance!

Tyler

[NautiqueJeff]

First, I think you'll be very happy with Nautique.

LINC screens are still readily available, but honestly I haven't heard of very many failing. If one does fail, they are about $4,000 - $4,500 to replace.

One of the major things on a 2013 would be the engine size. Those early G-series boats didn't yet have the 2:1 v-drive gear ratio, so the ones with the smaller engines offered back then will be slower to plane when fully-loaded. On a 2013, if you plan to load the boat heavily, I would look for AT LEAST a 450, and maybe even the supercharged 550 HP engine option. The 409 and the Excalibur 343 (yes, they did offer the Excalibur in the very early G-series) will be slower to plane, and those engines will affect the resale of the boat.

2014 G-series had the 2:1 v-drive gear ratio on the 343, 409 and 450 engines. The 550 still had the 1.48:1 ratio, but that's OK because the engine had so much power. By 2017, all engines had the 2:1 gear ratio.

Also, be sure that the prop shaft upgrade has been completed on the boat you purchase, or verify that your local dealer will replace the shaft under warranty even if the warranty period is expired. Nautique is usually covering this outside of warranty period for boats that have not had it done, but better to check first and verify. The early G-series boats had issues with the prop shaft breaking and dropping the propeller into the lake.

If you plan to surf, the 2016+ boats had a hull design change to reduce spray into the boat when surfing into the wind. Also, Nautique Surf System was NOT standard on 2013 or 2014 G-series boats, but it can be added if your boat doesn't have it.

[ty151]

Jeff, thanks for the reply.

As far as the screen issue goes, it seems like when it has problems, it can usually be fixed by a reset of the battery switch and screen. Which is an inconvenience sure, but not a huge issue. I’ve looked at the 23 lsv a lot with the earlier screens that have a ton of failures so I wasn’t sure if it was to that extent. And I know that the people who aren’t having issues with the screens don’t post here on the forums…they’re out enjoying their boats.

I’m out in SoCal and the ones I’ve found for sale out this way are equipped with the 450 at least, around 300 hours and they’re asking about $100k. It’s hard to imagine paying $100k for a 9-10 year old boat

I’ll be sure to ask about the prop shaft upgrade

[NautiqueJeff]

Sounds good. A 450 will do just fine on these boats.

For some background info (including MSRP when these boats were new), see the spec sheet below.

https://www.planetnautique.com/vb5/f...n-down-by-year

[ty151]

Thanks. I think it just shows how well the nautiques hold their value. I’ve never Driven or even been in one, but I’ve heard they’re like nothing else when it comes to quality and the experience on the water.

With regards to hours, have you seen these motors/electronics have issues at a certain mark? I know it really depends on maintenance and upkeep, etc. But I’m a little uneasy about buying one with upwards off 900 hours or so

[NautiqueJeff]

I have owned older Nautiques with up to 2,500 hours and they were still going strong. I haven't had as much experience with the newer ones with high hours because I am fortunate enough to have some wonderful sponsors here who let me use a new boat every year. That being said, I don't think there is any set point where people start to have issues with the newer ones. Like you said, it is likely related to how well the boat is maintained, stored, and used.

[ty151]

Thanks for the info Jeff.

I’ve also explored the 230’s. Seems like they offer a lot for the price and I can find a newer 230 with a lot of nice upgrades for the same price I can get the 2013-2014 G23. Any major options or features I’m losing going with the 230?

[xrichard]

I owned a 2015 with a 409--IMHO, plenty of power with 400lbs of additional ballast. One caveat: the highest elevation I operated the boat was about 2500'.

I've also spent a lot of time on a 2013 with a 450. Again, IMHO, plenty of power though it was definitely slower to get to wakeboard speed than my boat. Normally it wasn't enough that I gave it any thought while riding, but it did become pretty noticeable at 2500' particularly with a full crew and ballast. Because of that, I'd recommend against the 450 + 1.48 transmission combination if you're spending time above 1500-2000' elevation. I haven't confirmed this, but the 450 / 1.48 likely burns more fuel than a 409 / 2.0.

I've also spent time on a 2016 with an H6--it's a bit faster to wakeboard speed than the other two boats mentioned.

A couple of other points:

1. The surf system was an option in 2015--I added it from the factory, but it can be dealer installed (assuming the parts are available--I don't know if that is the case). I think it was standard starting in 2016.

2. In 2016, the hull was also modified in the rear to provide a bit better surf wave. I'm not much of a surfer, but I think it's noticeable. The 2016+ wave tends to curl out more, give greater push, and give a bigger pocket to move back and forth from the boat. For me, the 2013-2015 wave was fine. WRT to the different bow shape, for the conditions I ride in, the reduced spray is not really noticeable. I'm told it's a big deal to some, but I wouldn't buy based on that change.

3. Automatic ballast bag valves (valves that close when the boat is turned off to help prevent bags filling when the boat sits at a dock) was added for boats built after 1/1/2015. My boat, built 12/2014, didn't have them.


WRT the 230, I think you lose storage, the amount of hidden ballast, and the superior / less-finicky wakeboard wake of the G23. Not sure about the surf wave. For wakeboarding and wakesurfing, I think you'll end up having ballast taking up a lot of space in the rear lockers. Pricing on the 230 is a lot better than the G23, so it might be worth it. I went from a 210 to the G23, and the difference in space was huge--not to mention not having to move stuff from the rear lockers to make room for filling additional ballast.

[ty151]

Richard, thanks for all that

I operate mostly in California and Arizona where the elevation is never over 1000’.

Those are some of the issues I was worried about the 230. I have to move everything and everyone to fill and drain ballast bags so I like the idea of everything being subfloor on the G series. The storage would be a huge convenience too!

I think I’ll look for a 2014 hopefully with the 450. Seeing what happens with prices as we move towards the winter

[Sailfun]

I would sit on a purchase a few months and get serious in January. I think the market is in for a big downturn.

[ty151]

Yea that’s my thought too. My current boat is for sale, so I’d like to get rid of it before I find a new one