Super Air Nautique GS20: First Look Video
The Super Air Nautique GS20 Electric offers an option for wakesurfing and wakeboarders looking for an alternative to diesel or petrol powered craft.
Wakesurfing is an American invention, and the 2017 Super Air Nautique GS20 is an all-American boat. Built in Orlando, Florida, wake surfing and Nautique boats go together like baseball and Louisville Slugger, or open highways and Harley-Davidson. So it might seem a little strange that our First Look Video of the new GS20 comes to us from a boat show in Dusseldorf, Germany. After watching it however, we’re pretty sure you’ll understand why.
As reviewer Alex Smith mentioned, the use of an electric powerplant could open wake surfing up in a number of areas where it previously wasn’t possible because of restrictions.
This isn’t Super Air Nautique’s first foray into the world of electric boats. In 2012 they introduced an all-electric 230 E, equipped with a pair of automotive electric engines providing 160 kW of thrust. The matching Li-ion batteries were good for 78 kWh. And of all the types of boats out there, it would seem that wakesurf and wakeboard models - which are designed to throw large wakes - would have the least problem with being weighted down by a bunch of batteries.
The GS20 is a bit more advanced than that first electric Nautique, with up to 220 kW of thrust powered by lithium-ion manganese batteries that pack 100 kWh. And we quite agree with Alex's assessment that the boat’s 2.5 hour running time and quick recharge period are more than acceptable for an average wakesurf trip on the lake.
