Malibu/Axis or Nautique?
 

Hi.

looking for advice on my new/used boat purchase.

I have surfed the following boats and was really impressed as a noob.

-2017 Malibu 23 LSV
-2018 Nautique G23
-2018 Axis A22

My budget is $80,000, so the newer 23’ are out.

How would a 2014 G21 compare to a A22?
Should I look at the SAN 210 or 230?

I was amazed how fast the A22 went through fuel, But the surf wave was awesome.

I am only considering Malibu/Axis or Nautique, based on my local dealer reputations.

I’d say at 80k the axis is the only one you will be able to get in that price range

Plenty of used SAN 210 or 230’s in the 80k range and a few 2014 G21’s.

Sorry I just read until the three you listed you’ve surged behind

Surfed

Thanks Padge.

Should of been more detailed. These boats are in my budget of $80k
Surf wave, cost of ownership and dependability are huge factors to me.

2014 G21
2015 SAN 230
2016 SAN 210
2017 A22
2017 T23

I would rather have the g21 over the other two san’s. The axis is a great surf boat. Fit and finish will definitely be behind compared to the nautique

Thanks Padge.

It’s a ridiculous amount of $, even used. I was foolishly hoping the 210 or 230 would compare to the G21. I purchased a new 2017 21’ surf boat from a tier 2 manufacturer last year. It’s been a complete nightmare. So hoping more research will equal Less break downs.

G21 and the 230: I regularly surf these two boats back to back with a G21-owning buddy. The consensus is if surf is the only concern, the G21 can't touch a properly ballasted 230. The 230's wave has almost double the surfable real estate of the G and has a MUCH better shape to boot.

Storage and wake boarding wake more important? G all the way.

Markj.

What’s the setup on the 230 to achieve this surf wave? I just surfed a 2018 G23 with 500lbs of lead. The wave was perfect in every way. I will also say the 2017 LSV with 500lbs of lead in the front was equally awesome.

I had wakemakers build custom bags for the front and back. I used to have an 1100 lb fat sack in the cabin, but switched to 900 lbs of leadwake bags spread throughout the side storage areas instead. Everything is hidden now. I’d put my wake up against darn near anyone’s now. Between the boat, gear, fuel and ballast I’m pushing about 9500 lbs total plus people.

As far as comparing to a G23 with 500 lbs of lead, my boat still weighs more and should displace more water=bigger wave. As for the shape, the difference between mine and the G21was mine was more of a consistent ramp with a nice hook in back compared to the G’s steep, square curb-like shape.

Thanks Markj.

Should I shoot for a certain year and engine?

2014+ is all I know on the 230. For the record, I’ve yet to surf behind a G23. I’d love to, but I wouldn’t bother unless there was a bunch of extra weight being applied or I could bring my 1100 lb sack along with me.;)

We were out with Wakesurf AZ for lessons. They have a 2019 G23. I believe only 500lbs of lead in the rear. Really impressive boat and wave. Angie and Mike are amazing coaches. My son learned 5 new tricks in 2 1/2 hours.

If I had the cash, G23 no question.

I had a 2013 LSV and now a 2017 G23. No comparison. I was going to go with a 2018 230 but opted to step up to the G. My buddies have 230’s and there is absolutely no question that I would go with a Nautique over a Malibu every day of the week. To get in the $80k range go with a 2014 or 2015 230 with NSS.

Thanks Thejean.

The 2017 LSV 23 surf wave is awesome. The fuel economy with the wedge is my main concern. But I agree the G23 is as close to perfect is you can get.

Thejean,

How does the stock surf wave compare between the G23 and SAN 230. Will I be disappointed going to with a G21 or SAN 210, as far as stock surf wave size?

I tested a 2018 LSV and still chose a demo 2017 Nautique at $30k more than it. The LSV is a nice boat for sure and has a great wave but I far prefer the steepness / shape of the Nautique and the quality of the newer Malibu’s seems to be suffering. For similar money I would choose a 230 over and LSV every time.

G23 and 230 are very different waves. Both are great. I would say the goofy wave on the 230 is amazing. The G23 has a slight edge on the regular side. The 230 wave is longer and more rampy whereas the G waves are a little shorter but much steeper (which is good for tricks). The G waves are quite steep and you almost want a surf style board for them. The 230 has way less storage than the G as well if that matters.

As for G21 vs 210 vs the 23 footers - if you can swing it and have the space to store it then definitely go 23’. The shorter boats do well and the waves are largely the same shape as the 23’s, just a bit shorter and steeper typically.

If you wakeboard to any decent level, you will appreciate the G series over the 210/230 as
It’s wakeboarding capabilities are second to none.

If you water ski at all, you might want to consider a GS22.

Thejean,

I do waterski. But no one else does. My family and friends all want to surf. My son and some of his friends wakeboard. He is 13 and Just started. I do not pull him faster than 18.5 MPH. He is almost clearing the wake at that speed and had some painful wipeouts. My wife is trying to get him to wear a helmet with ear flaps.

So huge surf wave and low speed wake boarding would be ideal.

2014+ 230 all day long...

Thanks!

Really appreciate the input. Wish I would of spent a little more time researching my 1st boat purchase and the dealership. Probably overdoing this time.