'08 SANTE 230 - questions about possible upgrades?

[nwj7]

First - thanks to everyone who shares info on this forum, it has been extremely helpful for me getting up to speed.

Sorry in advance for the lengthy post, but there are 4 specific questions below.

I'm looking for a great surf boat, but I'm trying to spend less than $70K
- Option A - get a solid '14 or '15 SAN 210 (for this price it would already include NSS + seadek + no major upgrades needed)
- Option B - I have the opportunity to buy a 2008 SANTE 230 for basically half my budget, so I can afford a few upgrades so it looks less outdated.
-------- QUESTION 1 = would the older 23' boat surf as good (or better?) than the newer 21' boat?

---- Seadek -> $2,000 -> no brainer

---- Surf System -> $4,000 for Go Surf Assist
-------- QUESTION 2 = $4K seems steep, is it worth it? Also, is it possible to get the NSS instead, and is that better than GSA?

---- Tower -> I would REALLY like to upgrade the tower, bc the older 4-leg style (FCT1 I think) looks very old compared to newer versions like the FCT3 or other.
-------- QUESTION 3 = based on my research, it seems like this might cost close to $5K for parts/labor. Does anyone have any recommendations for the best (and cost effective) way of doing this?


So -- assuming I spend $11K ($2K (seadek) + $4K (GSA) + $5K (tower)) and I'm into an upgraded 2008 SANTE 230 for ~$45K, this seems like the route to go...
------- QUESTION 4 = Does anyone have any other suggestions (for a great surf boat in that price range) that I'm not considering?


If my question is covered somewhere else, or should be posted somewhere else, please let me know, thanks!

[markj]

You should be able to slip into a 2012 230 for about $70k during winter months. It may not have NSS, but you can always install it later as you can afford it.

[markj]

There are 5 230’s (2012-2013) for sale on onlyinboards.com right now starting at $69k up to $74.5k. Just let the Thanksgiving chill hit and watch sellers soften.

[nwj7]

I don't disagree with you about what's on the market, but is a non-upgraded 2012/13 worth $70K, when I can customize a 2008 with all the upgrades for $45K? Besides the tower, what is drastically different (assuming the '12/13 doesn't have NSS)?

Also, if I'm going to go newer, I thought the more noticeable improvements (hull / factory ballast / technology) came in 2014?

Thanks for all your advice!

[srock]

Boat Envy is a serious disease if you are on a budget.

If you can find a 2009 230 it will have the FCT3. Then see the posts from max1.6 and install his knock off NSS for 1000 to 1500 depending on options. Bonus to me are the analog gauges. I thought I was going to add Seadek to my boat but after spending $650 on deckadence and realizing the performance and installation advantages I am glad I went that route. It's not as fancy as Seadek but incredibility functional.

Your upgrades sound reasonable except for the change in towers. That makes me think you will not be happy in the long run. However, if you are spending $35 on a 2008 230 your are going to save some serious money. I think that's smart and your enjoyment of the boat will be no less than with another boat.

[shag]

Just my opinion here. I have owned several Nautiques, most recently to include a 2009 230 SAN with titan tower(had it for 4 years) and now a 2008 230 SAN with the older tower. (the titan was better but it's not the two leg tower you're looking for). I can tell you that i picked my 08 for good deal although it had 900 hours on it 2 years ago. I did some minor work to it but the 343 was in excellent condition with all PM's done prior.
I can also say that my 2008 230 surfs about as good as new boat. Yes I said it. I have had people out with me that have ridden behind a G23 and they say it's just about the same. Now, that is after a piggy back ballast system, some extra lead, and the NSS system made by Max that is referred to above. That said, I have less than 48k and have a nice boat that does the job. If I keep it another 1-2 years I will have the interior done (I have a factory guy that does amazing work and is reasonable). I am not a fan of the LINC (never been in to all the tech) so I would have to agree that a 2009 SAN 230 would be the way to go. If I ever upgrade, I will probably just try and find a gem 2009 230 somewhere and do the same to it... The classic look and lines to me are tireless. Oh, I have bluetooth and a great sound system too, with battery maintainer and some sweet underwater mights by Shadowcaster too - so for now I am satisfied.