Following updates to the A22 and A20 the last two years, Axis has now redesigned and updated its flagship boat, the A24. Long known in wakeboarding and wakesurfing circles as offering some of the best wakes and waves for the price, the A24 has improved upon its hull design for a smoother ride in rougher water. Add to that an additional 4 inches of freeboard from the previous design, and the crew now has a more comfortable and drier ride.

The higher freeboard and new design cues give the A24 a sleeker look that still maintains the bold, aggressive lines for which Axis is known. New customization options provide buyers more ways to make the A24 their own, while design accents such as billeted aluminum in the dash and cabin areas add to the upgraded look. Another advantage of the increased freeboard is additional storage. The A24 features some of the deepest storage we’ve seen in the wakeboat class. The main portside seat in the cockpit features a new vertical hinge, providing easier access to the optional Engel soft cooler that fits beneath. Up front, the lines of the bow have been scaled back, adding to the sleek look while retaining plenty of room for friends to ride comfortably facing forward or aft.

The bread and butter of the A24 are the wakes and waves, thanks to the available Surf Gate and the Power Wedge III technology mounted at the transom. For 2021, the Power Wedge III now has more positions it can be set at, allowing for even greater control over the size and shape of wakeboarding wakes and wakesurfing waves. Press a button to activate Surf Gate, and riders can instantly ride endless waves on either side of the boat. Start the Power Wedge at position 1 for a longer wave with a more mellow face. Bump it toward position 6, and it gets shorter and steeper. For added convenience, riders can use the Surf Band—a wearable device that allows control of boat speed, Power Wedge position, Surf Gate (for easy transfers) and tower speaker volume.

Our A24 test model was equipped with the Malibu Monsoon M5Di engine designed and manufactured in-house, which had plenty of torque for getting on plane while filled with ballast, but was still economical—burning around 6 gph at wakesurf speeds.

High Points

• New audio system provides better sound coverage throughout the boat.
• New trash bin conveniently located in the walk-through.
• Transom seat easily slides to become rear-facing bench, allowing passengers to watch the action.

Specs

LOA: 24′5″

Beam: 8′6″

Draft: 2′8″

Dry Weight: 5,250 lb.

Ballast: 5,320 lb. (with Power Wedge deployed)

Seat/Weight Capacity: 18/2,538 lb.

Fuel Capacity: 76 gal.

Price: $99,995(starting)

How We Tested

Engine: Monsoon M5Di

Drive/Prop: V-drive/nibral

Gear Ratio: 2.00:1

Fuel Load: 38 gal.

Crew Weight: 300 lb.

More Information

Axis Wake Research – Loudon, Tennessee; 865-458-5478; axiswake.com

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The post 2021 Axis A24 appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Malibu M220

With the success of the M235 and now the M240, Malibu has added to the M line for 2020 with the M220. At 22-feet 5-inches, the M220, looks to pack a punch. Much like its bigger sibling, the M220 is full of Malibu’s biggest tech and features. If you like the idea of a boat with all the bells and whistles in a little smaller form factor, the M220 may be just what you’re looking for.

New Features

• Higher freeboard and deeper draft means smoother ride and more comfortable seating for passengers.
• Stern Turn thruster at the transom of the boat allows for easier maneuvering in tight spaces and while in reverse.
• The eMLS ballast system offers a 150% fill-time improvement over the previous generation.
• Option for the new GX Tower Mister and keep your entire crew cool on even the hottest days.

Specs

Length: 22′5″

Beam: 102″

Draft: 32″

Capacity: 15

Dry Weight: 6,200 lbs.

Fuel: 79 gal.

Max Factory Ballast: 5,160 lbs.

Power Options: 360 HP/400 FT-LBS – 607 HP/606 FT-LBS

Get more information at malibuboats.com.

Centurion Ri265

The Ri265 represents one of the biggest wake/watersports boats ever made. Similar to the previously-announced Ri245, the Ri265 features a slew of new designs and tech, including an updated Opti-V running surface and Roswell’s DropZone Auto tower.

New Features

• 7 ballast locations allow for a whopping 5,850 pounds of ballast to be added.
• Updated Opti-V hull features 20-degrees of deadrise (a deeper “V”) for a smoother ride in rough water, while minimizing bow rise at take off.
• Lay-flat sunpad lounge seats at the back of the boat.
• Software updates feature fuel-consumption data to help captain’s calculate distances/time left based on what’s in the tank.

Specs

Length: 26′6″

Beam: 102″

Draft: 36″

Capacity: 18

Dry Weight: 6,400 lbs.

Fuel: 92 gal.

Max Factory Ballast: 5,850 lbs.

Power Options: 450 ft/lb torque – 545 ft/lb torque

Get more info at centurionboats.com!

Centurion Ri245

Although badged with the Ri name, don’t think of the Ri245 as just an “in between” model flanked by the Ri237 and Ri257. The Ri245 is all new, with a modified Opti-V running surface, higher freeboard, and a slew of new features and technology. With more aggressive lines and featuring Roswell’s DropZone Auto tower, the Ri245 also looks different from its siblings.

New Features

• 5,650 pounds of factory ballast, the majority of which can be filled in 90 seconds courtesy of Ramfill.
• Revo side-by-side 12-inch touchscreen dash gives the captain digital control over nearly every function on the boat.
• Redesigned hull reduces bow rise even more, while a new QuickSurf Pro Surf System features longer blades to displace more water and create more powerful waves.

Specs

Length: 24′6″

Beam: 102″

Draft: 36″

Capacity: 16

Dry Weight: 5,700 lbs.

Fuel: 92 gal.

Max Factory Ballast: 5,650 lbs.

Power Options: 409 ft/lb torque – 521 ft/lb torque

Get more info from Centurion Boats here!

Axis Wake A24

The A24 is Axis’ biggest boat, and amongst pros and core fans alike, has been known as one of the best bangs for the buck in the game with its massive wakes and waves. So Axis went and made it better.

New Features

• Four additional inches of freeboard allow for a deeper, more comfortable ride for passengers, as well as increased storage space.
• Updated dash makes analog gauges and digital screen easier to see.
• Built-in trash can in bow walkthrough.
• Hull tweaks keep Axis’ signature wakes and waves while providing a softer ride in rougher waters.

Specs

Length: 24′5″

Beam: 102″

Draft: 32″

Capacity: 18

Dry Weight: 5,500 lbs.

Fuel: 76 gal.

Max Factory Ballast: 5,320 lbs.

Power Options: Malibu Monsoon M5Di, M6Di or LT4 by GM Marine (400-606 FT-LBS torque)

Get more info from Axis Wake here!

Malibu 23 LSV

The 23 LSV is touted as the best selling wake boat of all time, and there is a reason why it has been so popular for so many years. This versatile V-drive sits right in the comfort zone for many watersports boating families, at 23-feet it’s big enough to handle a large crew, but still easy to trailer and stow. Add in Malibu’s onboard systems like the Power Wedge III and Surf Gate, and you have killer, customizable wakes and waves for all skills, styles and abilities.

New Features

• Option for the new GX Tower Mister and keep your entire crew cool on even the hottest days.
• The 23 LSV now features the updated Command Center layout and features.
• A transom walkthrough has been integrated into the engine hatch.
• The eMLS ballast system offers a 150% fill-time improvement over the previous generation.
• Stern Turn offers increased maneuverability in reverse and tight quarters, like a crowded marina.

Specs

Length: 23′

Beam: 102″

Draft: 27″

Capacity: 15

Dry Weight: 5,200 lbs.

Fuel: 65 gal.

Max Factory Ballast: 4,250 lbs.

Power Options: 360 HP/400 FT-LBS – 607 HP/606 FT-LBS

Get more info from Malibu here!

MasterCraft NXT24

The NXT line for MasterCraft has been very popular since its debut, offering wake and watersports enthusiasts the brand’s performance pedigree without the price. For 2021 they’ve added to the line with the biggest model yet: the NXT24. MasterCraft starts the pricing at $82,995, and offers a well-equipped version at $92,995, which in today’s market is quite competitive for a 24-foot boat that holds 16 people.

New Features

• GEN2 Surf System equipped, offering customizable wakes and waves for the whole crew.
• DockStar Handling System can be optioned onto the NXT24, giving the captain more control and maneuverability in reverse and tight docking situations.

Specs

Length: 24′

Beam: 102″

Draft: 29″

Capacity: 16

Dry Weight: 5,000 lbs.

Fuel: 65 gal.

Max Factory Ballast: 2,600 lbs.

Power Options: 6.0L 380 HP/407 FT-LBS

Get more info from MasterCraft here!

Super Air Nautique G23

Nautique have taken their legendary G23 and given it some of the upgrades and styling cues found in 2020 Paragon series. You can think of the G23 as a Paragon-Light. That means you get the updated running surface of the Paragon, the new features in the LINC Panoray dash setup, and a lot more. With room for 16 and some of the best wakes and waves on the market, the 2021 G23 is setup to deliver big-time fun for all.

New Features

• Updated running surface matches the Paragon series.
• Like on the Paragon, the new G23 can be optioned with extended sun shades off the tower and bimini, providing coverage the length of the boat.
• New windshield designed to match the new lines of the G23.
• Actuated helm seat is fully automated with more support and options.

Specs

Length: 23′

Beam: 102″

Draft: 31″

Capacity: 16

Dry Weight: 6,000 lbs.

Fuel: 65 gal.

Max Factory Ballast: 2,200 lbs.

Power Options: 8LV – 370 HP / ZZ6 – 450 HP / ZR7 – 475 HP / ZZ8 – 600 HP

Get more info from Nautique here!

The post New Wake Boats for 2021 appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Axis Wake Research boats, built by premier towboat builder Malibu, aims to deliver similar quality and technology to the parent line of boats at a more affordable price. In addition to being the lowest-priced boat in the Axis lineup, the all-new A20 proves small enough to -easily tow and store on its trailer in many residential garages. During our test, we -noted that, for a 20-foot boat, it also -produces a surprisingly solid wake. Add more crew for more ballast—and more fun—and the wakes and waves will -continue to grow in size and excitement.

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A collection of standard and optional equipment produced that wake on our test boat. Settling the boat deeper still is accomplished via water ballast, up to 2,310 pounds spread between three standard hard tanks and flexible -plug-and-play ballast bags housed within storage compartments in the bow and stern. Axis Performance Surf Package then amplifies them further, shaping them to perfection. The Surf Gate’s vertical tabs pivot outward to build and shape the wake on a particular side. Their fast response enables surf riders to switch sides without pausing to reconfigure. The optional Power Wedge III hydrofoil simulated another 1,500 pounds of ballast; its angle could be fine-tuned to change wake shape and push, as well as helping the boat plane off more quickly with it’s lift mode. Ballast, Surf Gate and the Power Wedge are controlled via convenient buttons on the dash.

Like most passengers, our attention was frequently on the action happening in the wake, so we judged the rear-facing skybox seat a winner. It’s actually the -center bench, slid into the cockpit on a track to create legroom. Suggestion? Add the optional backrests for greater comfort. Elsewhere, seating rings the main -cockpit perimeter, and the bow cockpit is one big playpen. Thanks to the relocation of the batteries from the observer seat to the bow, underseat storage extends all the way through the port console.

Malibu’s Monsoon M5Di generated plenty of torque to pop riders atop the water. Top speed? It’s an afterthought on a tow-sports boat, but we hit 39.2 mph.

That’s all you really need.

High Points

⋅Garage-friendly size without sacrificing wake or wave.

⋅Wet Sounds stereo with six speakers.

⋅AW20 watersports tower elevates tow point; optional shock package eases raising and lowering.

Specs

LOA: 20’0”

Beam: 8’2”

Draft (max): 2’3”

Dry Weight: 3,500 lb.

Ballast: 3,810 lb.

Seat/Weight Capacity: 11/1,551 lb.

Fuel Capacity: 42 gal.

Price: $71,995 (with test power)

How We Tested

Engine: Malibu Monsoon M5Di

Drive/Props: V-Drive/OJ 950 15” x 13” 4-blade nibral

Gear Ratio: 1.5:1

Fuel Load: 42 gal.

Crew Weight: 360 lb.

More Information

Axis Wake Research – Loudon, Tennessee; 865-458-5478; axiswake.com

Explore This Model

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The post 2020 Axis A20 appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.