G23 changes through the years

[charlesml3]

Well is it "known to happen" once? Three times? Thirty times? Any boat could have a manufacturing defect but it takes a lot of incidents for it to become a problem across the entire year model.

[NWSurfer]

Have you looked at the listing? Not saying it isn't a scam but they sure made it look legit.

This makes sense for the price point.

I hadn't looked at the listing but just took a look at it out of curiosity at the price and agree it doesn't seem like a scam. Since most 2013s are still in the $80-90's, depending on options, that dealer must've picked it up for a rock bottom trade value and wants to flip it quickly.

[xlair]

The driveshaft breaking was a known problem in 2013 and maybe some 2014 but that should be taken care of by now.


Sent from my iPhone using PLT Nautique

[Bevostein]

Regarding the 2013 shaft issue....I bought a one owner 2013 out of state. I took it in to my dealer for a closer inspection once I got it here. My dealer proactively replaced the shaft (without me asking). It sounds like there is a recall on the shaft or possibly its because I transferred the warranty. Summary, the 2013 shafts can be replaced with the larger diameter shaft without cost to the owner. Just talk to your local dealer. Don't let it scare you away from a 2013. Just make sure that was done by previous owner or have it arranged to be done with your dealer post-purchase.

[ziepfenj]

That price is either a scam or a non-seaworthy boat.

I could hazard a guess on where this boat came from. Two years ago I bought my 2007 220 from a second owner in Wilmington NC. White Lake Marine did quite a bit of work to this boat while it was owned by the original owner - who also lived in Wilmington NC. I think White Lake took the 220 on a trade in 2013 for a new G23. The 220 had seen better days - I literally had to replace every single part on the boat (the price was right, though). So much rust.....the engine mounts were even rusted through. I wouldn't be surprised if this g23 needs a little work as well (although it is a costal edition - which is much better than my 220 in those conditions).

[scottb7]

It would be great if dealers would replace the vdrive and shaft just for asking.

[myrtlebeachrider]

The boat in Wilmington has pics from when it was new. It does not look good at all.

Sent from my SM-G930P using PLT Nautique mobile app

[Tallredrider]

I have had a 2015 and 2016.

I frankly cannot tell much difference in the surf waves. Both are outstanding.

The transfer happens much faster on the 2016, and for some reason that has me all screwed up. I could transfer on my 15 most of the time, yet I still struggle on the 2016. I didn't try it as much this year, and I need some video to see what I keep doing wrong. Point being, you can transfer on a pre-2016 very well.

H6 vs ZR450...I am not sure I see much difference. the H6 might have a little more power, but I never really noticed it. I don't pay much attention to fuel economy, for h%$&#'s sake, I paid $120,000+ for the boat, so if I am worried about the gas bill, I stretched the budget way too thin. But it has not jumped out to me like 'Hey, I hardly have to fill this boat up compared to the 15'. I honestly believe it is not as much as other people say. But I am on an island by myself when I say those things. I watched it carefully a time or two and got 10 GPH wakeboarding with stock ballast full and 7 or so while surfing with stock ballast.

2016 has a touch screen that looks like the 15 screen that only has buttons on the side. I like the 2015 screen a little better.

2016 got JL audio stereo, which is a much better than the Polk of 2015 and earlier.

2016 has standard voltage sensitve relay in between the batteries, and 2015 had a stock perko switch.

The spray is a big deal to me. I live in the desert, which means it is always windy. I hated the 2015 for that. When the wind was calm, it was a beautiful thing. It is the one area that might have actually made me buy another boat, had I known of it. My test drive was very dry, on a windless day. I couldn't believe that a boat that sits that high could be so wet. Not just the passengers in the bow, but everyone, everywhere in the boat. But I am usually in winds 20 MPH in the afternoon. It is the main reason I upgraded to a 2016. If I lived in an area that was always protected, or only rode with a crew of my buddies in the morning when the water was good, I would still be in the 2015. But I have a family and tubing or surfing in the afternoon was like a rainstorm in the Amazon for everyone in the boat.

[Kenv]

I hear ya Tall. I've got a '15 G21 and if the wind if above 5-10 when I'm surfing...I need double windshield wipers...LOL. If I turn with the wind...not so bad...but into the wind...I'm dreaming of a '17 G23 !!!

[markj]

I have had a 2015 and 2016.

I frankly cannot tell much difference in the surf waves. Both are outstanding.

The transfer happens much faster on the 2016, and for some reason that has me all screwed up. I could transfer on my 15 most of the time, yet I still struggle on the 2016. I didn't try it as much this year, and I need some video to see what I keep doing wrong. Point being, you can transfer on a pre-2016 very well.

H6 vs ZR450...I am not sure I see much difference. the H6 might have a little more power, but I never really noticed it. I don't pay much attention to fuel economy, for h%$&#'s sake, I paid $120,000+ for the boat, so if I am worried about the gas bill, I stretched the budget way too thin. But it has not jumped out to me like 'Hey, I hardly have to fill this boat up compared to the 15'. I honestly believe it is not as much as other people say. But I am on an island by myself when I say those things. I watched it carefully a time or two and got 10 GPH wakeboarding with stock ballast full and 7 or so while surfing with stock ballast.

2016 has a touch screen that looks like the 15 screen that only has buttons on the side. I like the 2015 screen a little better.

2016 got JL audio stereo, which is a much better than the Polk of 2015 and earlier.

2016 has standard voltage sensitve relay in between the batteries, and 2015 had a stock perko switch.

The spray is a big deal to me. I live in the desert, which means it is always windy. I hated the 2015 for that. When the wind was calm, it was a beautiful thing. It is the one area that might have actually made me buy another boat, had I known of it. My test drive was very dry, on a windless day. I couldn't believe that a boat that sits that high could be so wet. Not just the passengers in the bow, but everyone, everywhere in the boat. But I am usually in winds 20 MPH in the afternoon. It is the main reason I upgraded to a 2016. If I lived in an area that was always protected, or only rode with a crew of my buddies in the morning when the water was good, I would still be in the 2015. But I have a family and tubing or surfing in the afternoon was like a rainstorm in the Amazon for everyone in the boat.

Best, most informative post of the thread. Thanks. I'm on my 4th boat and I've yet to own a boat that didn't blow water back at you in the wind. What I really don't get is you got a 2016 G for near $120k? Is it stripped? Stolen? JK

[thtrog]

That 2013 coastal was at WL most of the season for $79,995, even from a distance it looked like it needed a lot of reconditioning. I demoed pretty much all G23 years and combinations last year, including a new 2016. If buying used, I would still recommend a 2014 or up with the 2:1 transmission/17 inch prop/450 engine. As stated in other post, the prop shaft is covered under warranty and expect most have been upgraded.

[Kenv]

Best, most informative post of the thread. Thanks. I'm on my 4th boat and I've yet to own a boat that didn't blow water back at you in the wind. What I really don't get is you got a 2016 G for near $120k? Is it stripped? Stolen? JK

I believe he mistyped....the 2 should have been a 5......LOL

[Tallredrider]

Best, most informative post of the thread. Thanks. I'm on my 4th boat and I've yet to own a boat that didn't blow water back at you in the wind. What I really don't get is you got a 2016 G for near $120k? Is it stripped? Stolen? JK

Hahaha...I put 120+...You can add as much as you would like with the +.

Trailer not included.

I live near a small lake, so we can only go one direction for not too long, then we have to turn around. And it gets crowded pretty easily, so before you know it, the Sea World Shamu Show is going again.

[Kmayotte]

There's a lot of good info in this thread and just about every detail has been covered except for the fact that if you're patient and have time, wait for the right deal on a newer boat. Because of the previously mentioned changes I wanted a 2016 not only for our enjoyment but for eventual resale value. We're on a big lake that can have heavy chop so the spray was important and I also like the styling much more.

I picked up a 2016 with 35 hours optioned with everything important including a beautiful ramlin trailer for less than most 2014 & 2015's were listed. BUT I was willing to buy a boat 1500 miles away and bought sight unseen. Not everyone would be willing to do that. Buying from a reputable Nautique dealer made me comfortable.

[nohlan_4]

Only noticeable difference performance wise is the 2:1 trans ratios in the 2014 and up. The prop shaft issue only affected the 550 as they have a lot more torque than the 450 but dealers were still proactively replacing the 450 shafts as well. Everything else you can customize to your liking afterwards with all the money you save buying used. I have a 2013 and I push big weight and only sometimes do I regret not getting the 2:1 (like the day I had a crew of 21 and couldn't run any ballast at all to surf). Even then you can still upgrade to the 2:1 for roughly 10k if you really feel you need it. For reference I bought my 2013 450 with 212hrs and a triaxle trailer last year for 91kUSD all in.