2020 G-23 surf system with intermittent issues - getting worse

[SteveB]

2020 G-23 with 410 hours. When we get our surfer up out of the hole and the surf system is deploying, the settings are supposed to change from orange to white, once they are fully deployed. I started noticing last year that one of the settings remained orange. I would then hit +1, then it would turn white, then I would take it back to 0, then it would turn white and remain white. I didn't think it was a big deal, but something wasn't quite right. Since it only did it once in a while, I wasn't too worried about it. Now this year is seems to be happening about 50% of the time. Recently, now the wave doesn't form. Speed is good, settings are correct, water depth is good, no wave. Then all of a sudden something changes, with no input from the driver, and the wave forms. I have even had this happen while under tow where the wave was perfect, then just goes away for no reason. I am aware of the affect of shallow water on the wave. We were not in shallow water. I also noticed that the setting color started flickering from orange to white which I have never seen below. We have a big summer planned on the water and can't have the boat not functioning properly or sitting at the dealer for extended periods of time.

Wondering if anyone else has experienced this? Possible software updates? Things to check? The boat lives on a lift, covered dock, on the water and taking it to the dealer for inspection is a a tremendous hassle and would be considered final and last resort. Especially since it is an intermittent issue, it will probably work fine when they have it.

Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[G23Floater]

Steve did you ever find out what was going on with your surf system? I had my 1st day out on my 2019 G23 and everything was working great then the NSS would not deploy on either side. Check faults, settings but seems correct. Do you know of a was to deploy the NSS out of the water to test? thanks

[jpwhit]

Sounds like failing surf actuators. It's not a software issue unless you've changed the software and then the problem suddenly started happening. Originally, they used Lenco actuators but at some point, and on some boat models they switched over to Thomson actuators.

The Lenco actuators tend to only last 4-6 years, and they don't have position feedback, so their accuracy gets off as they get older and the movement isn't smooth, but they do have the advantage of being fairly inexpensive if you buy them aftermarket.

The Thomson actuators do have feedback, and in theory are more industrial strength, but the jury is still out if they really last all that much longer. They are pretty expensive.

[jpwhit]

This is what the Lenco actuators look like




And the Thomson actuators

[Scooter G]

jpwhit, I saw your post over on Ball of Spray, good stuff.

[Rednucleus]

Both the Thomsons failed on our club Nautique within 3 years