2019 Nautique Super Air Nautique G23 — Should You Buy One?
Typical asking price: $90,000–$140,000. There are 2 high-severity known issues you need to know before handing over a check.
Kestrel Take
The benchmark wake-surf boat — the G23 makes the best wave in the business and holds value like nothing else in boating. It's also six figures used, so the inspection is serious: engine hours, the ballast and surf systems, and the drivetrain. These get used hard for surfing; buy on documentation.
Known Issues for the 2019 Nautique Super Air Nautique G23
Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents.
Wake boats fill and dump huge water ballast constantly; the pumps, bags, and valves fail and leak. Verify the entire ballast and surf system works and check for water damage from leaks.
Repair cost range: $500-$3,000
Surf boats run at high load for hours; verify engine hours (high for the age is common) and full service history.
Repair cost range: $200-$5,000
The surf-shaping tabs, screens, and electronics are complex; verify all function.
Repair cost range: $500-$3,000
The direct-drive/V-drive running gear takes load; inspect the prop, shaft, and struts.
Repair cost range: $400-$2,500
Walk-Away Red Flags
- ✗Ballast leaks or non-working surf system
- ✗Very high hours with no service history
- ✗Water damage in the bilge
- ✗Running-gear damage
Good Signs
- ✓Fully working ballast and surf systems
- ✓Documented engine service despite high hours
- ✓Clean bilge, healthy running gear
Found a specific Nautique Super Air Nautique G23?
This page covers what goes wrong on the 2019 Nautique Super Air Nautique G23 in general. The Kestrel report covers this specific car— the asking price vs. market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.
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Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.