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When we first saw the announcement of Nautique’s new GS22 we knew we had to check it out. The first GS boat, the GS20, floored us with how versatile and compact it was, so we were excited to see what a bigger version would be like. In case you are good at deducing things, it’s just like the GS20, but two feet bigger.

Nautique hosted us for a morning get together with Shaun Murray and Shawn Watson, along with pro water skier Nate Smith. Of course, we being Alliance Wake, didn’t really need Nate to be there, but Nautique being Nautique, really wanted to show off the true capabilities of the GS22, so there he was with his shred stick of a water ski. The first thing you notice when you see the GS20 or the GS22 is how much lower it sits in the water than its G-series cousins. The gunwales are a lot lower and the lines harken back to the day of ski boat lines on wakeboard boats. Despite being smaller than the G-Series boats though, the GS22 has a ton of room. The GS20 was designed around maximizing space in a smaller boat and the GS22 is built in the same vein. You never feel crowded, and with ample storage space for ballast bags, the floor is still open for hanging out. “When you’re in it you have to remind yourself you’re in a 22-foot boat, because it actually feels like a 23 or 25-foot – it’s huge inside,” said Murray.

Of course Murray had a Santa hat with him ready for our pre-Christmas gathering in Nautique's new gift to watersport enthusiasts the world over

Of course Murray had a Santa hat with him ready for our pre-Christmas gathering in Nautique’s new gift to watersport enthusiasts the world over

Yep, slalom shred courtesy of Nate Smith. Sans gloves. In choppy water. At 8:30 AM.

Yep, slalom shred courtesy of Nate Smith. Sans gloves. In choppy water. At 8:30 AM.

We don't care who you are, this is impressive (from both Nate and the GS22)

We don’t care who you are, this is impressive (from both Nate and the GS22)

Of course, the GS22 is built around being able to do it all and it does that very well. Nate started off in the slalom course before the wake guys got a hold of the boat and loaded up the ballast. Yes, you read that right: slalom course. Nate ripped four passes through the course at 35 MPH and to say it was impressive would be an understatement. Yes, we’re Alliance Wake, but you tip your hat to awesomeness when you see it. Nate shredding a course behind a 22-foot boat first thing in the morning was more than impressive.

Murray forgot his fins, which just made his turnaround carves that much more fun

Murray forgot his fins, which just made his turnaround carves that much more fun

From there Murray filled up the ballast and took a wakeboard shred. Utilizing the internal ballast, a few extra bags, and Nautique’s signature NCRS system, the wake jacked up so Shaun could easily go out and do what he does: big air and fun on the water.

Waves for days, brah

Waves for days, brah

Shred ready

Shred ready

After Murray was Watson, who opted to wakesurf as he’s still in rehab from shoulder surgery a couple months ago. Once again with just the push of some buttons the GS22 was in full surf mode and the NSS and NCRS engaged to make a wave Shawn could happily and easily shred. “This boat really does do it all. For the family that wants to do a bit of everything and change from one sport to the next with the push of a button, this is for you,” said Murray. After just a couple hours checking out the GS22, we can’t disagree at all.

Yep, that's Murray, in a Santa beard, pulling a water skier at 35MPH, with a 22-foot Nautique...

Yep, that’s Murray, in a Santa beard, pulling a water skier at 35MPH, with a 22-foot Nautique…

The little boat that could

The little boat that could