Engine hours 2013 G23

[Slb9981]

Little background, I’m used to bay boats and outboards. I want to get a wakeboard boat for my family and this would be my first. We generally camp at the lake for 1-2 months a summer of that 2 weeks is used as vacation, the rest is evening and weekend use. We do go to the lake a few more times independent of that. The last few years we have used my bay boat but the boys are 10 and 13 and are ready for a little more wake.

I found a a 2013 Natique G23 for a pretty good price BUT it has 2,000 hours. It’s in great shape cosmetically and has been serviced regularly (around 50 hours). Given the hours I’m skeptical but it sure is a beautiful boat. I’m the type that generally hangs onto things once I buy them.

Should I take the gamble? Or keep looking? More than likely would have to get an older boat to fit my budget if I pass on this one.

[CincinnatiCC]

I wouldn't be overly concerned about the engine hours. If it has been serviced regularly and if the rest of the boat is in good shape, that alone wouldn't scare me off.

[shag]

The hours are up there, but like stated above - IF well taken care of - you should be ok. Me personally, I plan that any boat engine will need to be rebuilt or a new (or reman) put in at 2500-3000 hours. You could get more, or less, again depending on care a maintenance. You should get somewhat of a discount off market price for a higher hour boat (imo). Best of luck with the purchase!

[Slb9981]

Thank you both. Any idea what a 2013 G23 with 2000 hours is worth? How do you value these boats? It seems the prices are all over the place.

[Scooter G]

Ditto on the thoughts of both CincinnatiCC and shag.
Keep in mind the re-sale value down the road, even if you hang on to it forever, you may be looking at another 500 hours plus on the boat. Where will the value be @ 2500 or 3000 hrs. Your audience will be limited and is there enough wiggle room in todays price for a rebuild if power starts lagging? I would run a compression test to see if all the cyclinders are in proximity of each other. As far as price, there should be enough G's on the table plus or minus a year to get a feel of the highs, lows, and hours... The seller has a pretty good feel of where they are at with 2000 hours and that they are going to be limited on people standing in line.

[bturner]

Everyone has covered the high hours aspect from the positive perspective, which I absolutely agree with however.....

• Since you don't personally don't know the boat or the history, buyer be very aware. It could be a high hour creampuff or something someone has detailed the heck out of and is looking to flip. Get the ownership history and talk to the owner.
• The engine and trans are only two aspects of these complex boats. Electronics, pumps, computers, interior, etc. will also have 2000 hours on them.
• The boat has obviously spent a lot of time on the water, is it a ski school boat? That could be good, bad or neither but is something you should know.
• Since it's spent a ton of time on the water it most likely didn't spend a lot of time on the trailer. Trailers that live this life typically don't see the level of care the boat will. It may sound minor but I would look really close at the trailer. Are the tires still in date, is there brake fluid in the actuator, do the brakes actually work, how's the paint condition? Sound petty but having to fix all of the above could have you north of a grand if you do it yourself, a lot more if you hire it out.

Buying a high hour boat adds to risk. I've purchased my fair share of used boats and I would personally pay for a full survey that includes a compression and leak down test on a boat with these hours. If you buy something like this plan on holding back some "oh, heck" money just in case something does go sideways.

[hal2814]

I spent a lot of time over at correctcraftfan before coming here. I know a lot about high hour boats. People stress about the engine and transmission but replacing one or the other (or both) really isn’t the end of the world. The vinyl is almost as expensive these days as a transmission. A replacement LINC screen is probably the most expensive thing on that boat period. It’s a 10 year old boat that’s been used A LOT. The condition you see is going to be a very strong indicator of the condition of the boat at that age. Is the vinyl in good shape? Does LINC work flawlessly? Do all the pumps work? Is the stereo in good shape? If not, don’t bother with compression tests, etc. You’re already looking at a money pit. If that all looks good and you like the boat, get an inspection and have some healthy cash reserves for things what can/will go wrong.

[Slb9981]

Well it includes a brand new trailer and everything works on the boat. They have all the service records performed by Nautique. Boat was previously owned by a Dr that was on the water almost everyday. Tough call on my part. On one hand it’s beautiful and has a lot of bells and whistles that most older boats don’t seem to have. On the other hand it would stretch my budget slightly. And with interest rates so high that makes it tough to justify.

seems like it’s near impossible to find a good used boat that’s been maintained. Appreciate the help everyone. I’m still on the fence but moving more towards something a little older with less hours. Just to be safe.

[charlesml3]

It isn't about the hours. The hour-meter is there to tell you when to do scheduled maintenance. It's all about that scheduled maintenance and the overall condition of the boat. I'd me MORE concerned about a 2-year-old boat with 30 hours on it. It wasn't used much and I'd want to know why.

-Charles

[HydroAggie]

In today's market I've seen 2013 G23s with 800 hours selling in the $90s. For a clean 2013 with 2,000 hours, I'd expect to see a sold price around $75k. Look at onlyinboards.com and check out the 'Sold' boats. Keep in mind most of the ones sold on that website have well under 1,000 hours.

[Scooter G]

Slb9981, did you end up with a rig yet?