Pontoons
Nautique G23 Paragon
Looking for a New or Used Nautique G23 Paragon? OnlyInBoards offers listings designed for wake lovers who expect more from their boat. With powerful engines, intuitive controls, and spacious seating, these models deliver style and substance in every ride, every time. This boat is perfect for anyone who loves wakeboarding, wakesurfing, and spending time on the water with friends and family.
The G23 Paragon, introduced by Nautique in 2020, is more than just a luxury wake boat — it’s a bold engineering statement. Designed to be the most refined and powerful 23-foot surf and wakeboard boat on the market, it combines jaw-dropping surf and wake performance, cutting-edge technology, and ultra-luxury design.
As an inboard towboat expert with over 30 years in the industry, I consider the G23 Paragon to be one of the most technically impressive boats ever produced in the wake segment — but it’s not for everyone. It’s for the buyer who wants everything maxed out.
G23 Paragon Origins & Purpose
Based on the widely popular Super Air Nautique G23 platform.
The Paragon edition is a premium, redesigned version that elevates every spec: hull tuning, surf system, powerplant, tech stack, and interior.
The G23 Paragon is Nautique’s direct response to ultra-premium boats like the Malibu M240/M242, Centurion Ri265, and MasterCraft XStar S.
Specifications (2023–2024 G23 Paragon)
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 23’0” |
| Beam | 102” |
| Dry Weight | ~7,200 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 88 gallons |
| Seating | 16 persons |
| Ballast | 3,500 lbs (factory hard tanks only) |
| Hull | Nautique Paragon Wake Hull |
| Engine | PCM ZZ8 6.2L Supercharged (600 HP) |
Note: While the ballast is “only” 3,500 lbs, hull design and displacement do a lot of the heavy lifting. The boat sits extremely deep in the water and behaves like it has much more.
Design Highlights
🛠️ Hull & Displacement
The Paragon hull is based on the standard G23 wake hull, but with refinements in:
Stern geometry for surf gate efficiency
Bow entry for better big-water ride
Transom platform shape for cleaner wave flow
Heavy freeboard and deep-V front entry give the Paragon a luxury ride in chop.
🛋️ Interior & Ergonomics
Multi-layered transom seats with footrests
Lounge seating with reversible bench, stadium-style seats, and drop-down armrests
Dual surf lockers, cool-touch vinyl, RGB accent lighting
Power tower with actuated speakers and Bimini
Enormous under-seat storage with gas shocks
Tech & Innovation
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Dual Touchscreen Helm (LINC Panoray) | Command of surf, ballast, audio, lighting |
| Wireless Charging Pads | Integrated at helm and port side |
| JL Audio Studio Elite System | Includes wake sub tower speakers and DSP tuning |
| Dual Stern Thrusters | Controlled via helm joystick or steering wheel buttons |
| Actuated Helm Chair | Slides and rotates electronically |
| Heated Seats & Air Vents | Optional luxury features for cold climates |
| Power Tower | Folds and deploys electronically |
Performance Breakdown
🏄 Surfing: The Gold Standard
Paragon’s integrated NSS (Nautique Surf System) delivers what many riders call the most refined and customizable factory surf wave available.
Extremely long wave with a tall, powerful face, plus adjustable wave length and height via helm.
Pocket is huge, and even heavier riders get strong push without aftermarket weight.
With thrusters and software tuning, switching sides is seamless and instant.
🏂 Wakeboarding: Pro-Level Wake
The wakeboarding wake is massive, clean, and aggressive.
Tons of vertical pop, especially at higher speeds with clean transitions and firm landings.
Easily shaped for any rider skill with custom presets.
🌊 Ride & Handling
The heaviest 23-foot boat in its class, the Paragon feels like a mini-yacht on the water.
Excellent tracking, minimal roll, and smooth ride in chop or intercoastal conditions.
Thrusters help enormously with low-speed maneuvering and docking.
G23 Paragon vs Standard G23
| Feature | G23 | G23 Paragon |
|---|---|---|
| Base Price | $$$ | $$$$+ |
| Engine | ZZ6 (450 HP) optional ZZ8 | ZZ8 (600 HP standard) |
| Tower | Manual or electric | Fully electric w/ speaker arms |
| Interior | High quality | Ultra-premium, more plush |
| Tech Suite | LINC Panoray | Enhanced LINC + wireless + thrusters |
| Audio | JL M6 system | JL Studio Elite DSP |
| Ride Feel | Excellent | Luxury-class smoothness |
Who Is the Paragon For?
Elite-level wakesurfers or wakeboarders
Buyers coming from luxury yachts, sport yachts, or super-premium wake boats
Riders who want a turnkey experience with no need for extra ballast or mods
Big water riders who value ride comfort and control
People who want to make a statement with design and tech
Expert Tips When Buying
Used Paragons (2020–2022) are great values and still dominate in performance.
Thruster system is a major plus for docking — check for proper calibration and joystick condition.
Tower actuators should be inspected for full range of motion.
Ensure audio DSP is tuned properly for your boat — often overlooked.
The ZZ8 engine is powerful but should be run on premium fuel for optimal performance and longevity.
Final Thoughts
The Nautique G23 Paragon is the pinnacle of performance and prestige in the world of wake boats. It combines pro-level wakes and waves with yacht-level luxury, and while it’s priced at the very top of the market, it delivers an experience that no other 23-foot boat can match.
It’s not just a boat — it’s a statement, and one that performs every bit as good as it looks.