The 10 best wake boats

Sep 25, 2013 BY Paul McWilliams

Wake boats are designed to create the largest wake possible by sitting low in the water, with inboard rear engines. Most wake boats also have wedges or plates fitted to increase the size of the wake and allow riders greater control of its size. Here’s a rundown of some the very best wake boats available on the market.

Best wake boats flickr image by BZMills

We’ve tried to include a range of sizes, styles and costs to suit all needs. With some established classics and some future stars, we think this is a pretty good list of the best wake boats for anyone interested in buying or upgrading. But remember its not an exhaustive list and it is only our opinion.

In no particular order the 10 best wake boats are:

Mastercraft X-45

With room for a colossal eighteen people, you’ll need a lot of friends to fill this boat. Luckily, if you own a Mastercraft X-45 you won’t find friends that hard to come by. The wide-open main cabin is roomy, with a centre aisle for getting all the people on and off easily. The wide bow creates the space and the recliner style seats are incredibly comfortable for a wake boat.

The 6.0L engine is built to last and while it might not be the punchiest, for a boat of this size, the 0 to 30 mph time of 8.5 seconds is pretty impressive. The Auto Launch setting deploys all tabs for takeoff, which is very handy indeed when all the ballast tanks are full.

Price: $95,000

Malibu 21 Ride

This all-round wake boat offers you everything you’re going to need on the water at a very reasonable price. This former wakesetter has the classic Malibu look, build quality and dependable wakes. The speed control is steady and the analogue gauges are a nice retro touch. There’s also a comfortable captain’s seat as well as room for twelve others on board.

Best wake boats image by Malibu Boats

As standard you’ll get the hard-tank ballast system, Precision Pro speed control and the Illusion G3 tower complete with spinning board racks. If you’re in the market for high quality, style, craftsmanship and a great price, you’ll be hard pressed to beat this. One of the very best wake boats available for the price tag.

Price: $61,000

Moomba Outback

The Outback is one of those boats that the wake boat fraternity needs. It’s a solid, affordable tow boat that comes at a reasonable price. This is a versatile boat that can accommodate both skiers and boarders, and with the price for a basic model starting at around $40,000 (less for second hand models) it’s good to see it still a part of the Moomba range.

As standard you’ll get an Oz tower, four-speaker stereo system, a 330-horsepower 5.7L Indmar engine and a single axle trailer. You really can’t ask for more for your money.

Price: $40,000

Supra Sunsport 242

This is the biggest, most comfortable and most feature-filled boat in the Supra Sport line. As well as accommodating sixteen with ease, the 242 also looks great and throws out some huge wake to test riders to the limit. In short, what else are you looking for in a wake boat?

Best wake boats flickr image by Supra Boats

The sleek design looks the part and 270-degree wrap around seats are pretty swanky too. Its got a Progressive tower, 1,700lbs of ballast, a VISION control system and multisport electric wake tuning tab. These are all pretty good reasons why the World Wakeboarding Association uses this boat in its championships.

Price: $95,000

Tigé R20

Perhaps the ultimate starter wake boat for anyone new to the sport, this model has the same high-end hull and design as the more expensive RZR. The very compact design means it is really user friendly. It comes with an idiot-proof trailer and its smaller size means it’s also great for size-restricted waterways. However, it’s the fact that it is so much fun to drive that gets it in to the list of top 10 best wake boats.

As well as all that, features include an anodized Vector tower with racks, speed control and 900lbs of ballast. Not bad at all for a smaller sized boat. It’s got everything any beginner captain needs without all the expensive baubles of the more expensive Tigé boats.

Price: $52,000

Centurion Enzo SV244

The flagship Enzo boat, the catchily-named SV244 holds up to 1,750lbs of ballast, creating some of the biggest wakes you’ll find outside of major shipping lanes. The clever design incorporates a walk-over deck which is concealed by a hinged upholstered pad. That means you can relax in comfort but when you need it, there’s a fibreglass non-skid walkway to use.

Best wake boats image by Centurion

The ballast bags are located in the midships, with two more built into the hull itself. For riders who want more still (you know who you are you greedy so and so’s) there is an optional ballast bag in the bow. The standard Gladiator tower and rotating racks complete the look and convenience of one of the very best wake boats on the market.

Price: $88,000

Ski Nautique Super Air Nautique 230

This 23-foot boat is the official boat of the Wake Games and US Wakeboard Naional Championships, which should tell you everything you need to know. What you might not realise is that the Super Air Nautique is in fact an electric boat. They don’t seem to be able to manage a decent electric car but they’ve nailed the electric wake boat. However, this does mean that it doesn’t come cheap.

Twin motors with a combined output of 215-horsepower draw energy from lithium batteries with storage of about 78 kw-hours. The battery bank can be completely recharged in about four and a half hours.

Price: $93,000

Epic 23V

This is no kind of boat for going on a luxury, gentle tour around the lake. If the Epic 23V isn’t being ragged to its full potential it’s going to get upset with you. And trust us – you don’t want that. With a simply enormous 4,000lbs of factory ballast, a ten-speaker transom surround sound system and dual rudder steering for precise double-ups, pleasure cruising is just a waste of time.

Best wake boats image by Epic

With a lighter resin-infused construction, tough CCM-grade material and LED lighting throughout, this is a legitimate mean machine. This is a boat for riders who really want to ride.

Price: $68,000

Moomba Mojo 2.5

If you’re looking for a basic boat with pro level waves that won’t mean you have to re-mortgage the house, then this could be it. With upgraded ballast of 1,800lbs, there’s some serious wake to be had here. Throw in some standard features like a Sony sound system, improved Oz tower and extra comfort and this is an affordable boat that doesn’t disappoint.

Price: $55,000

Axis A22

Big enough to fit everyone on board but small enough to trailer and manoeuvre easily, this is a factory ballast boat suitable for all occasions. This 22 footer has a long pocket and big swell, and there’s plenty of power when you need it. Team this with wraparound lounge seating, twin-tip bow and industrial good looks and you’ve got one of the best wake boats money can buy.

Price: $52,000

All prices are in US dollars and are for new 2013 standard models. These may be subject to change and you may find them cheaper second hand.

 

Wakeboarding
Axis, Centurion, Malibu, Mastercraft, Supra
Top 10s
 

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