GS20: Normal getting splashed/sprayed in boat?

[Last Mango]

Bow spray when you were surfing, or cruising, or?

We have a 2019 GS20 with an additional 800 lbs of water in the back.
When surfing, most people are in the back. Maybe one person up front. Can't say we've noticed any spray.
When the surfer goes down, do not make a power turn, there is a real risk of stuffing it. Instead drop power to idle but still in gear, then turn the wheel hard over away from surfer, when the rollers pass you, you can add a little power to return to the surfer.

When cruising on a windy day with bow passengers (Empty ballast) I have noticed spray. The NCRS Ski assist will drop the nose a bit, as will plane assist. Turn these off to raise the bow a little. I wish there were simple manual tab controls.

[WakeUT]

So I got it out today in 5 mph wind and didn't have any issues with spray, with or into the slight wind. Kind of what I expected. Also found out that the starboard ballast doesn't fill so my first attempt surfing was pretty bow down with the belly full, still I think that was still mostly the wind.

[Paul W]

I have a 2017 SAN 230 and don't seem to get any spray. Were on a narrow river so wind is not an issue most of the time. There are days that the wind can be going down the river so its pretty choppy with a lot of boat traffic.
Having spray would not be fun and would be a deal breaker for the wife and me as well.

[cptotr]

Troubling to hear and unfortunately if the norm will be a dealbreaker. I’ve wanted a Nautique forever now and found the right deal but mother, wife and daughter all complained about getting splashed too much so maybe it just isn’t meant to be. Going to try again in the morning, hoping it is a non issue but may have to move the search in a different direction.

I was in the same situation as you at one time. Couldn’t have been more excited to take them out for the first time on our new Nautique and then they started getting sprayed. They hated it. We don’t live in an overly windy area and do have quite a bit of protection, but if you drive into the wind, you will get wet. Your windshield will constantly have water spots and your friends will most likely bring goggles with them the next time they come on your boat to make fun of the amount of spray they experienced the last time they were on your boat. Nice fit and finish, but it is not a dry ride.


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[MT Jack]

I would suggest it was the conditions. We have had a GS20 for 3 summers and haven’t noticed this as a problem. We had a Malibu VTX before and really prefer the ride of the GS20.


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[WakeUT]

True that I normally wouldn't have the boat out in that kind of wind and chop, I tend to avoid Saturdays and other crowded times as well as windy days. I only had it out because I needed to test it. The big exception I guess would be at Lake Powell where over the course of a few days you get a variety of conditions and I'd like to see it perform.

[xxrb2010]

That is strange, I do have a G21 and do surfing and wakeboarding. Nobody complain about spray 99.9% of the time. However, if it is windy and you get a lot of chops, big waves, the bow gets sprayed driving against the waves and the wind. Just do not sit in the bow in those conditions. By the way, those conditions are a no go for for wakeboarding and not really enjoyable for surfing. So not really an issue as we do not wakeboard or surf in those conditions. Kids do tubing in those conditions and I stay behind the windshield.

[Rbt]

I have a 2018 g23 and I feel the bow spray is unacceptable. I’ve been told the earlier ones were worse. I’d hate to have more spray then I have now.

[WakeUT]

Troubling to hear and unfortunately if the norm will be a dealbreaker. I’ve wanted a Nautique forever now and found the right deal but mother, wife and daughter all complained about getting splashed too much so maybe it just isn’t meant to be. Going to try again in the morning, hoping it is a non issue but may have to move the search in a different direction.

[cptotr]

Everyone that’s had one will tell you it’s normal, but I still don’t think it’s acceptable. I’ve had both and although I agree that the Malibu bow does ride higher, I’d gladly trade that for a dry ride. I’m by no means a tall guy, and I have no problems with visibility when surfing. Granted, I do have the power seat in the highest position, but don’t have to flip the bolster up. I know you’re at the lake and supposed to get wet, but it was very irritating to me to constantly have to deal with. Hoping they make some tweaks to get that lined out in the near future.


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[greggmck]

I think you will find the boat rides pretty dry in most conditions when ballast is empty. But when full the boat rides low and level. One has to take care not to take water over the bow especially when maneuvering into waves. That said, in my opinion this is a fair tradeoff for unrestricted visibility over the bow and a comfortable seating position when surfing.

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[WakeUT]

Thanks for the feedback.

I don't think it is a so much a boat size difference as our Malibu is only about 6 inches longer but the fact that it does ride more bow high. Sometimes I have to kneel on the drivers seat to fully see.

The 2 complaints were about the splash and the bow sitting low feeling like water was going to come over. I’ll try again tomorrow. I’m going to turn off auto ncrs and leave the belly ballast empty to see how that helps.

A little spray doesn’t bother me as much as complaints about it.

[greggmck]

Wayward nailed it. Take some spray when driving into a strong wind to comfortably see where you are going when surfing. Or stay dry riding bow high with difficulty seeing where you are going. That's the choice...


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[kylant]

yes there is a bit of spray when windy. happens on my 22 as well.
generally it is not an issue unless it is fairly windy (15+mph)

[Wayward]

Hate to say it, but almost all of the new Nautiques have bad bow spray while surfing. Most of the cause for it, is that they run very “bow down” while surfing. The average Malibu, on the other hand, has the bow riding very high while surfing.

personally, I’d rather have the spray when it is windy, and be able to see where I am going without having to be bolstered up or standing while driving.