ski quality of GS22 vs. GS24

[mlnelson7]

I am debating between a 2025 GS22 and GS24. We have a large family and everyone loves to ski, surf and wakeboard (hence the GS). Is there a major difference in ski quality between the 22 and 24? I prefer the extra room of the 24 but don't want a terrible ski experience. Any thoughts would be appreciated !

[Interjon]

I have not skied either, but I suspect they are similar. The previous generation was similar 22 to 24. The larger question, at least to me, is if the GS works for your skiing, regardless of length. I don't know what kind of skiing you are doing, but it is definitely not for running buoys. Be sure to demo.

[FMSKI]

I had to add a center pylon (moves the skier toward boat 4 ft), lithium battery, lightweight swim platform, interior panels, FMSS trim plates, run low fuel and ski at 32off, to be able to get a proper slalom rhythm going and ski acceptably for a SV211 (3300lbs). I can't imagine that the huge GS's 1000lbs more, would be OK for other than riding around "monoski".

Have to say the wake does flatten out. On youtube Charlie Ross really couldn't ski it properly until they went to like 35-38 off and 36 MPH.

[GMLIII]

minelson7 My post will create some anger from some GS owners, but I'm a boat owner who had a crossover boat (2001 Sport Nautique) and although it performed well, it was far from great. I used to be a big slalom skier in my youth and it was mediocre at best in the slalom course. One boat can't do it all. My recommendation would be to buy a new G23 and get a used Ski Nautique from Silver Cove Marine to slalom.

[kylant]

i've had a 20 and a 22. neither skied good. it was doable, but not really fun. the bump was really hard. line length and speed didn't really seem to make much of a difference. mind you, i was not skiing at 36 and 35 off either

my wife and i like to ski, kids do not. we are looking at going the 2 boat route

[GMLIII]

kylant Your reasoning makes great sense

[FMSKI]

Wake surfing is not a "sport" to me. There isn't much physical exertion, compared to skiing, or actual ocean surfing, where you have earn your turns.

So with that in mind our boat has to be able ski, foot, tube and surf as practice for the ocean, or to have fun in a group of friends. Because visitors to the dock here are beans about surfing but skiing doesn't seem to be on the menu.

I do like the room and lounging in a bigger boat and the V-drive is cool. I thought about getting a 196 again but geez they feel so tiny now. The 200 is a good size but it's low and the bow digs.
Therefore for us, previous gen boats, still skiable, but made to surf are a better option than the case of "buying what is sold". Let's face it, they are engineered to be safe to hold a ton of ballast and in effect become barges

[jpwhit]

The question I would ask the original poster, is what do you ski behind now? Because it's all about your reference for what is "good". If your reference boat is a direct drive, then you're not going to think any modern v-drive boat is anywhere close to good.

Second question, are we talking open water skiing or slalom course skiing? I'm just assuming we're talking open water. No modern v-drive is suitable for course skiing.

The only boat I would consider as a worthy "cross over boat" with slalom course skiing capabilities is a 1999-2003 Malibu Sunsetter LXI that is built on the diamond hull. It has high enough freeboard that will enough ballast and the wedge, it can produce a pretty respectable surfing wave if setup just right.

[FMSKI]

Ran the SV211 VDRIVE in the course for the first time today. Been a couple of years for me too :/
4 passes at 28off 30mph and got to 5 ball at least. At 30 mph the wake is a factor for sure, had trouble getting good follow-through at the gate to get a decent one ball then it was a slugfest from there. Newbie driver too so who knows where the boat was at.

I had my FMSS plates deployed so the rudder was light and it steered well. Maybe try longer line since 15 off the wakes are always bigger no matter what boat (except 2026 SN or my Carbon Interceptor, it has nothing across the board)