Shopping for a 2016-2019 G but have questions

[Brichter14]

Hey guys I’m currently shopping for a G. I’ve found a 2016 I really like but I’m curious if it’s worth the extra 10k a year to go for a newer model

so in 2017 they added the linc panoray screen. It looks awesome and I assume it’s updatable more so than the screens from 2016

2018 taller tower with new coating. I’m 6’4” so this seems nice but I’ve been ducking towers forever so it doesn’t seem huge to me

2019 vertical board racks which seem great and the power tower which would be nice but not required

is there any “must haves” that you feel an upgrade in years is worth it?

[GMLIII]

Brichter14 Definately worth the extra dollar to upgrade to at least model year 2017. 2017 was the first year they change to the Linc panoray screen. IMHO the panoray screen was a game changer for sure vs prior year screens.

[Brichter14]

Any specific reasons? Just bigger and faster?

[GMLIII]

Brichter14- The 2016 and prior model screens are "CHUNKY" to use in addition harder to view vs the 2017 and newer screens.

[Scooter G]

Coming from a boat with all gauges, our '16 G seems like a modern battle ship in comparison. I've nothing to compare the LINC screen to, but love it, after the initial learning curve. But who's to say sitting in a '17+, I wouldn't go, "Oh Wow been missing out here".
I also have the 6'4" battle scars on my head, you will still have the occasional bump on the taller tower, but it would be nice to have a little more wiggle room.
Getting closer to moving up the line, but it will be a '23+ when we get there. My necessary punch list going forward will be:

Power Tower - We have to raise and lower on every trip out.
Thruster - Would just be nice to have on a big ship, but honed skills make up for the lack there of.
Tripe Axle Trailer - We do a lot of loaded distance towing, would like a little better weight distribution and peace of mind.
Heater - Currently have, and use.
Upgraded sound system - Currently have and use.
Hot Water Shower - Easy to add, and nice to warm the cold wet 2nd & 3rd round wet suits up.
ZZ8S @ 630 HP - Not an absolute need, more of a want for some of our high altitude lakes. The 450 HP is great with a prop change.

Bottom line, how often do you change out boats? If you hold on to them for a while, spend a little more money. We took a big leap from a '03 Supra to the '16G, which it looks like you may be in that same wheelhouse. If you are just wanting to jump into a little bigger boat with some bells and whistles, you will love the '16, then trade it out for an upgrade down the road. Prices have come way down in the used arena since we bought ours in Jan. of '22. I feel like we are still a little upside down at this point, but lovin' it.

[hal2814]

The short tower is a travesty. I cannot overstate this: the G23 never should have left the factory with a tower that short and speakers that big. You will hit your head on the speakers when you stand up from the drivers seat. I’m used to it at 6’2”. But when it happened to my 5’9” wife she immediately vetoed the boat. Even with the taller tower you’ll probably occasionally hit your head on the front of the Bimini if you’re 6’4” but regular height folks who aren’t used to banging their head on stuff won’t.

[Brichter14]

Ive got a friend of a friend that’s got a 2016 im gonna check out so I can see the screen and tower in person. Thanks for the input though.

for primarily wakeboarding at intermediate and advanced riding is supplemental ballast needed?

[Scooter G]

A little bit of lead in the right places and you are good to go. Just my Wife & I went out last eve for a board & surf run. 1st time we haven't had a boat load of people, wake board ramp is always good, and the surf wave was all that. That is until we hit 8 feet of water, "hey where's the wave", that is such a trip how depth affects the wave. I did notice something that I hadn't really picked up on before; A slight bank turn to the starboard side (right) surfing regular (wave left), increased the wave wall, quite a bit actually. Maybe it was just our light load, don't think that has had a significant bearing in the past.

[Kmayotte]

As a '16 owner I agree with most everything above but I have a bridge near my house that makes the shorter tower more preferable actually.
At the end of the day the '16-'19 didn't see a complete redesign so you're essentially shopping on some upgrades and lipstick to the same boat.

If it were me, I'd be open to all these years and heaviest consideration would be based on price, hours, condition and location.

[Brichter14]

I got to ride a 2016 on Thursday and wow what a wake. But after being in the boat I definitely want the taller tower mostly because of the Bimini always being out and needing to duck under it constantly.

I’m pretty sure I’ve found the one. 2020 that’s a smoking deal. Going to make the drive this week to check it out and hopefully haul it home

[Brichter14]

Bought this on Tuesday! Gonna take it out tomorrow!

[glassywaters]

****! Congrats.