Need Advice: 2018 Nautique G21 vs. MS X22 Clone for First Wake Boat

[ematiu]

Hi Everyone!

I’m about to buy my first dedicated wakeboarding/wakesurfing boat, and I’d love your input. For context, I’ve been using a 220 Hurricane for the past ~5 years, but my kids and I are now doing more and more wakeboarding and wakefoiling, so it’s seems its time for an upgrade.

Here are the two options I’m considering:

1. 2018 Super Air Nautique G21 (PCM H5)

• Fully loaded, 480 hours.

• Excellent condition and appears very well-maintained (recent 500-hour service completed).

• Price: $165K (remember, boat prices are higher here in Argentina).

2. MasterCraft X22 Clone

• Equipped with a Mercruiser 6200 engine, 2023 model, and <100 hours.

• Interior quality is far from the Nautique—basic materials, finishes, and electronics.

• However, the wake performance is similar to the G21, for my inexperienced eyes at least.

• Price: $100K.

I’m leaning toward the Nautique because of its reputation, build quality, and features, but the 480 hours give me some pause. Do you guys think 480 hours is too much if the boat has been well-maintained? Anything specific I should ask the seller or inspect besides general service records?

Also, do you think the older but premium Nautique makes more sense than a newer but basic copycat boat? I’m torn between paying extra for the long-term value and performance of the Nautique or saving money with the X22 clone.


Thanks in advance for your advice!
Cheers,

Mat

[BasaltRMK]

Welcome to the forum, Mat. You'll find many of us here biased towards Nautique, myself included, but I'll try to respond objectively. I previously owned a 2018 G21, and it's a great boat. Assuming it was regularly maintained (oil & filter, impeller, v-drive/transmission fluid, etc.), 480 is nothing to be concerned about. We put 100 - 150 hours a season on our boats, so I absolutely would not consider 480 hours high at all for a 2018. I can't speak to an MC X22 clone, but the G21 puts up an outstanding surf wave. It's not as customizable as the wave on the new hull, buts it's steep, has great pop, and good push a ways back. Top notch in my opinion. I'm only an intermediate wakeboarder, but from my experience and what I've discussed with others, the G21 wakeboard wake is outstanding.

PCM makes a great engine, we had the H6 on our 2018 and it was solid. And you've already pointed out the Nautique fit and finish - I've been in just about every make of boat and feel that Nautique, while they have issues and the occasional lemon, are segment-leading.

Nautiques hold their value well, and the 2018 G21 is fairly current in terms of features and technology. That said, a 5-year age difference is a 5-year age difference.

Hope some of this is helpful, and good luck getting a wakeboat!

- bob

[ematiu]

Quote removed by Admin for not following the Guidelines for Quoting Previous Posts in a Thread.

Thank you so much for your comment!

I really appreciate it, especially since you had a 2018 G21. I have a question: the boat comes with the 355 HP H5 motor, and I will be using it on our lake, which is at 2,000 ft above sea level and is mostly calm. When wakeboarding, we usually have a small crew (3-4 people) and are at a beginner-intermediate level, but I will mostly be using the boat for foiling (intermediate) and family leisure. Do you think the 355 HP motor would be adequate for that usage?”

[DoubleUpDisaster]

That H5 is a great motor. Here’s a dealer who did a drag race between a pair of G21’s up to wakeboard speed. One had the H5 and the other the ZR4. Spoiler: the 355HP H5 wins, and it has lower fuel flow to boot.

I’ve got a 2019 G21 and I love it, but I’m biased. I’m also an intermediate wakeboarder, and the wake is awesome - big and steep. I don’t think the 2000’ elevation will present too much trouble, but you can always prop down a little bit if you find it’s not cutting it.

I’m curious to learn about the X22 clone - where can we read more?

[BasaltRMK]

I don't have experience with the H5, but I bet DoubleUpDisaster is spot on. I ran with the H6 in my 2018, but my home lake is at 8,000'. The motor crushed it up here, so I bet you'll be good to go with the H5 at 2,000'.

- bob