Need Help - Buying first boat. 2020 Supra SL450 vs 2017 Nautique G23

[MN Ryan]

OMG, the Defcon 3s on my tower are so solid and low that they present a real hazard. I'm 6'2" so expect to hit my head on some things, but even my sub-average BILs crack their heads on them!

[Miljack]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the big difference in the powertrains, Indmar vs. PCM. I know PCM just purchased Inmar, but in that era of boats compared, the Supra will have the Indmar (Ford engine) and "Hurth" trans/vdrive. My preference is way towards the PCM/GM engines/trans.

[bird_dog0347]

My old Supra and the Moomba before that had the Indmar, never really had too many problems other than a misfire a couple of times due to a bad sensor. That said the last two years with the PCM has been trouble free. As for the towers, I know it doesn't help in your case with the boats you're looking at, but if you upgrade in a few years and can get one of the telescoping towers on the G23/G25 that are currently offered, they have great head room. My cousin is 6'4" and never hits his head.

[Cpan13]

That is an interesting choice. I was doing a similar comparison, but with 2023's. After way too many hours researching and negotiating, I pulled the trigger on a 2023 Supra SL. They have different wake tech, but they both have awesome wakes. I thought the G had more storage, but SL had more subfloor standard ballast. The G pulls when driving in surf mode, the SL tracks straight. I liked the G's lower transom - easier on the knees, but subject to swamping the back of the boat on stops, so more driver skill/awareness is required. SL supposedly has "chill tech" vinyl that doesn't get hot in the sun. That might be a marketing gimmick - I'll find out this summer. Fit and finish on G is hard to beat - SL is close, but I'd rate it down a notch. I think SL parts/service are cheaper, at least in my neck of the woods. G winterizing looks easier. I liked the SL stern thruster system better - the control is an intuitive rotating knob on the shifter. The similarities were many, but it ultimately came down to pricing for me on 2023's. If you have a good dealer for the Supra in your area, I would lean toward the 2020 SL for newer tech and warranty. Good luck!!

Did you demo a 2023 G? I only ask because the new ones don’t pull in surf mode. My 2021 runs straight down the lake, I could be hands free until the rider falls.

[Cpan13]

I had a 2020 SL450. I’m back in a G23 now, so I guess that tells you my opinion. For me it came down to literally everything on the G being slightly more user friendly. The Linc system, cockpit layout, storage, seadek everywhere… everything is just right in a nautique.

The SL450 makes a great wake/wave, just not great fit and finish. And the indmar power train is noticeably louder than the PCM.

If you do end up with the SL make sure the rear bags have updated fittings. Mine leaked and Supra sent me new 90* fittings but they were a massive pain to change.

[mattyjman]

Thanks all, for your opinions and feedback. Even split in terms of bias, which was nice to see. At the end of the day, we chose the G23 and have landed on a number. We never got to take the Supra out (too much friction to do so with the dealer), which obviously influenced our opinion a bit, but it was clear to us that the interior finishing wasn’t as up to the Gs level. With the G on water it just felt good, and we feel confident that if it’s good enough for y’all, it’s good enough for us beginners! Looking forward to joining the group here!

[SANonTellico]

Congratulations on your purchase!
Now you get to join everyone in the countdown to spring!

[bturner]

Congrats, hard to go wrong with a Nautique. Very nice first boat. Mine was a 15 YO, beaten to death Sea Ray. It was more of a hobby keeping it running than a reliable boating experience but it did get us on the water and started me down the path to many nicer boats. Have a great boating season!

[MN Ryan]

Congrats!

[72Miles]

Everyone was giving such great unbiased feedback so I didn't chime in, but now that you've made your decision I will.

No one in a G23 has ever looked across the lake at a Supra with envy.

You made a good decision.

[Scooter G]

Mine was a 15 YO, beaten to death Sea Ray. It was more of a hobby keeping it running than a reliable boating experience but it did get us on the water and started me down the path to many nicer boats.

Ditto on the Sea Ray bturner, I actually still have it. Just can't give up on the lopey sound of the big block 455 every now and then for the, water is too cold early season runs.

Good call mattyjman, welcome to the club!