Advice on G23 vs. G25 vs. Paragon (reformed Malibu owner)

[Lake_Lanier ATL]

Hello! I am a reformed Malibu owner and plan to buy my first Ski Nautique. I have a Malibu M240 and have had enough issues to move to Nautique. I like the spaciousness of the 25s especially coming form a 24' boat. Is the wave degraded with the bigger boat or is that not an issue? I hear noise about that. The Paragon is a big step up in terms of cost-- is it worth it? Currently targeting the Paragon G25 but open to being talked out of it. I am going to custom build one so let me know if there are any options that I should definitely include or exclude. This seems like a great group! Thanks for admitting me.

[NautiqueJeff]

Can't go wrong with a G25 Paragon! I had a G23 Paragon last year and loved it. On a boat like that, since you'd be spending so much anyway, you might as well load it up on options. The biggest option on the non-P boats is the engine, and the Paragon comes with the biggest one automatically. Adding the rest of the options is not as big of a cost as that would have been.

The issue you mention about the wave being degraded is because the amount of ballast in the G25 versus the G23 is the same. A bigger boat takes more weight to "sink". I have never really found this to be a major concern. The G25 and especially the P25 are heavy enough that the wave is outstanding either way. With the supplemental ballast option (which you should absolutely order), this is even less of a concern.

Also, the G-series boats are not "Ski Nautiques". This would be your first Nautique, not your first Ski Nautique. The only two boats that are "Ski Nautiques" are the Ski Nautique and the Ski Nautique 200. The G-series boats (and everything other than the Ski Nautiques) are "Super Air Nautiques".

[xrichard]

I'd also suggest ordering soon if you want to use it this summer--this year might be slower than the last 2 or 3, but build slots are filling.

[MN Ryan]

Jeff, I love your OCD-ness for correct Nautique terminology.

[bird_dog0347]

Back in 2020 we tested the G23 (current model) first and thought it was great, but the wave needed more weight IMO. It had the 450 engine and performed really well. Then we tested the M240 and the wave was outstanding, but it just didn't have the fit/finish/feel that the G23 had although the wave stock to stock was much better. Then we tested the P23 and the wave was as good as the M240, but the interior was turned up to 11. Everything about it was awesome, so the decision was made and we ordered the P23, and couldn't be happier with it. This was back in 2021 when you couldn't get the supplemental ballast as that's new for 2023 in the P series, but honestly I don't think it's needed. Might be nice, but the wave is great as is.

Things to keep in mind on the differences between the G and the P, the entire top deck is different for the Paragon and is bespoke to it. The tower is also different (even if you get the telescoping on the G), the rear seating is incredible to hang out in when you anchor and chill, the wake sub option is only on the Paragon and is worth it. The bow seating is also different.

Whatever you decide, get it with the thruster! Once you add up the options on the G series and make it apples to apples option wise as far as you can, the Paragon is only 40-60k more (absurd but a small percentage of the total) for a totally different and much nicer interior. Think about it like a Tahoe or an Escalade, more luxury but the same frame (hull). The Paragon is also heavier which helps with the ballast but might be a consideration depending on your tow vehicle.