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Several years ago, MasterCraft added the NXT series to its line as a way to deliver the performance the boatbuilder’s reputation is built on at a more budget-conscious price. For 2020, the NXT22 has been completely redesigned from the bottom up to offer both better performance and more features.

The lines of the NXT are MasterCraft through and through, as it carries design cues from both the XT and X series boats, including the pickle-fork-shaped bow. Anodized elements at the base of the tower are carried through to the dash, completing the sporty look of the 22-footer.

At the helm, the captain is treated to a variety of upgrades, including a more ergonomic chair. Analog gauges and switches provide both easy viewing and control over most of the boat’s functions. New for 2020 is the 4.3-inch digital screen that contains factory presets for a variety of watersports activities. If you want to switch from wakeboarding to wakesurfing to water-skiing, you can do it all with the push of a couple buttons below the screen.

The U-shaped seating in the V-drive cabin provides a great social area for all aboard, while the aft seat can be converted into a rear-facing bench to better watch all the on-water action. Thanks to the subfloor ballast system, storage abounds under all the seats, including the bow. Opt for the CoolFeel vinyl interior, and your seats will never get hot, even under direct summer sun—even with a black colorway. Upgrade to the Klipsch audio system, and everybody’s ears will be treated to high-quality tunes throughout the boat.

MasterCraft’s GEN2 Surf System is available in the NXT series, helping provide large, customizable surf waves for a variety of riders. The three tabs on NXT22’s transom are all controlled via simple buttons on the dash. Ilmor’s 6-liter is all-new on the NXT22 and delivers 60 more horsepower than this past year’s model. Getting on plane won’t be an issue, even under a full load. With a 50-gallon tank you’ll be able to enjoy a full day of watersports fun with all your family and friends, no problem.

High Points

• Tower and Bimini are easy to operate, even for one person. The tower lowers below windshield level.
• Deep storage underneath the cabin seats has room for you to put all your gear away, leaving the cabin floor clear of clutter.
• Integrated tow pylon aft of rear seat is great for pulling tubes, water skiers, or anything else that doesn’t require the tower.
• A cutout windshield allows the captain easier access to holding onto a dock or communicating with a rider in the water.

Specs

LOA: 22′0″

Beam: 8′3″

Draft: 2′4″

Dry Weight: 4,300 lb.

Ballast: 2,150 lb.

Seat/Weight Capacity: 14/2,312 lb.

Fuel Capacity: 50 gal.

Available Power: Ilmor 6.0L MPI VD

Price: $79,995 (starting)

More Information

MasterCraft Boat Company – Vonore, Tennessee; 423-884-2221; mastercraft.com

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Built in the same vein as its bigger sister, the Makai, the Kaiyen is designed to bring versatile watersports fun to a range of users at an affordable price. At 21 feet, 5 inches, the Kaiyen offers room for a crew of 15, while delivering solid wakes and waves thanks to 3,700 pounds of ballast and onboard systems such as Autowake and the optional Flow 3.0 Surf tabs.

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The smaller size of the Kaiyen has several big advantages, especially for those boaters who don’t need something larger. Towing and stowing are easier, especially when optioned with the Roswell Pro tower, which, when lowered, allows the Kaiyen to fit through an 8-foot garage door.

Fuel economy is better, and handling—especially in tight docking situations—is not as nerve-racking.

While the Kaiyen is smaller, it still delivers fun, capable wakes and waves, great for beginners and even some more serious riders. The wakes present a great shape that you can customize with the transom-mounted wake plate, while the wave offers ample push, even for bigger riders. Add more friends (or ballast) to the Kaiyen and the wave only grows.

The 350 hp Indmar Raptor offers plenty of punch in this smaller boat, making it a fun driving experience all around, whether wakesurfing or cruising across the lake.

The helm offers a mix of analog and digital controls, highlighted by the 7-inch touchscreen display with menus for ballast, Autowake, speed control and more. Four presets keep things easy to use for riders and the captain—choose your preferred “amplitude” for the wake, and the boat will do the rest.

Toggle levers behind the tilt-adjustable steering wheel allow for on-the-fly adjustments to the Kaiyen’s speed and wake-plate settings.

A Fusion head unit, connected to an upgraded Wet Sounds speaker system, keeps the entertainment factor lively—both on board and for riders behind.

Controls also are placed at the swim step, so tunes can be adjusted while everybody is swimming and enjoying the big lifestyle that the Kaiyen offers up in its smaller package.

High Points

⋅Four rider presets make setting up the Kaiyen’s wakes and waves easy for all.

⋅Wireless phone-charging pad on the dash is a big plus.

⋅Roswell Pro Tower (optional) is equipped with surf tow points on either side.

Specs

LOA: 21′5″

Beam: 8′6″

Draft: 2′3.5″

Ballast: 3,700 lb.

Dry Weight: 4,500 lb.

Seat/Weight Capacity: 15/2,100 lb.

Fuel Capacity: 45 gal.

Price: $75,460 (starting)

How We Tested

Engine: 350 hp Indmar Raptor

Drive/Prop: V-drive/OJ 15.5″ x 16.5″

Gear Ratio: 1.76:1

Fuel Load: 41 gal.

Crew Weight: 310 lb.

More Information

Moomba Boats – Maryville, Tennessee; 865-983-9924; moomba.com

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As the tow boat of the Supra Boats Pro Wakeboard Tour for the past five years, the SA already carries a distinct pedigree. With updates both below the water and above, the 22-footer stands out this year as one of the best all-around wakeboats in its class, not to mention one of the most versatile.

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Comfort and storage abound aboard the SA, thanks in large part to the subfloor ballast that holds up to 3,500 pounds of water. While most other brands offer plug-and-play ballast as an add-on, Supra forgoes that option, with the claim that it isn’t needed. Truth be told, it isn’t—which means more room for boards, gear and all your friends. The cushy interior stays cool even under the hot sun, thanks to Chill Tech Vinyl; a flip-up back on the portside lounge, as well as the convertible rear bench, allow for numerous seating arrangements. We also loved the optional flip-up backrests on the engine-cover sun pad—great for relaxing when you’re beached or at anchor. Of course, the premium JL Audio system only ups the entertainment factor, whether you’re in the boat or riding behind it.

Two large touchscreen displays highlight the dash, providing the captain with menus that are easy to see and navigate. A third screen sits next to the glove box, allowing passengers to control the SA’s audio and lighting functions so that the captain doesn’t have to.

Setting the SA up for riding is a breeze thanks to Supra’s patented Autowake system and preprogrammed rider profiles for beginners to pros, while adjustments can be made on the fly via steering-wheel controls. Autowake utilizes onboard sensors to control not only the boat’s pitch and roll to optimize the shape of the wakes and waves. This means you don’t have to worry about moving passengers around to keep a consistent wake shape for the riders. New for 2020 is an auto-leveling feature. Made for cruising, Autowake will utilize the surf tabs at the transom to keep the boat level, no matter where passengers are seated.

With world-class performance and high-end comfort, the Supra SA 550 offers loads of fun and versatility, whether your family is new to watersports or home to aspiring pros.

High Points

⋅FXOne power tower folds with the push of a button.

⋅Multiple cameras (one in the tower, one at the transom) give the captain an extra set of eyes.

⋅A GoPro camera mounted on the transom can be fully controlled via the helm touchscreen.

Specs

LOA: 22′5″

Beam: 8′6″

Draft: 2′4″

Dry Weight: 5,800 lb.

Ballast: 3,500 lb.

Seat/Weight Capacity: 16/2,400 lb.

Fuel Capacity: 63 gal.

Price: $137,200 (starting)

How We Tested

Engine: 575 hp Roushcharged Indmar Raptor

Drive/Prop: V-drive/ACME 15″ x 14.25″ 4-blade

Gear Ratio: 1.5:1

Fuel Load: 47 gal.

Crew Weight: 360 lb.

More Information

Supra Boats – Maryville, Tennessee; 865-983-9924; supraboats.com

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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

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Malibu’s 23 LSV has long been the company’s most popular boat model. The new, 2020 model-year 23 MXZ adds another alternative at this size range but with the added benefits of a pickle-fork bow and a host of new, innovative performance and luxury features.

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The MXZ suffix translates to maximized, a nod to the 23 not only maximizing performance but also passenger comfort and space. Start with the space created by that pickle-fork bow. Malibu uses it to turn the bow cockpit into a 4-by-6-foot playpen, relocating batteries and the walk-through, wind-block door below the center cushion to open up stowage possibilities aft.

Like in the main cockpit, inwale nooks feature all the necessities the target audience requires, with dual USB ports, dual phone holders and a 12-volt outlet ready to both port and starboard.

In the main cockpit, nearly 16 linear feet of seating rings the perimeter, with storage below and extending under the port console. The aft bench can slide forward into the cockpit; the seatback pivots 180 degrees to focus on the wake. Flanking seat bottom cushions hinge upward to do likewise. When not in watersports mode, pivot that central seatback over to reveal a small table with cup holders.

At the transom, two inset, upholstered seats await passengers gearing up to ride or surf, with wet storage below and stereo remote close at hand.

While comfort is key, wakes will ultimately define the boat. The MXZ offers wakes and waves for all levels of riding. Up to 3,170 pounds of ballast can be added to build them from mild to wild. The Surf Gate—vertical tabs adjacent to the swim platform that disrupt water flow—groom and perfect those wakes for surfing on a rider’s preferred side.

Malibu’s Power Wedge III further customizes wakes and waves to your liking. Trim it up for a bigger wave face, or drop it down to lengthen it out. There is plenty of push, which is great for beginners learning to drop the rope the first time, or advanced riders looking to add tricks to their repertoires. The symmetrical wakes provide a substantial platform for big air.

High Points

⋅G3.5 tower has integrated board racks, tow point, Bimini, speakers and light.

⋅New mOS Command Center touchscreen controls ballast, wake shaping, speed and audio.

⋅Wake Plus hull displaces more water to boost wakes.

Specs

LOA: 23′0″

Beam: 8′6″

Draft (max): 2′8″

Dry Weight: 5,400 lb.

Ballast: 4,670 lb.

Seat/Weight Capacity: 16/2,256 lb.

Fuel Capacity: 58 gal.

Price: $138,806 (with test power)

How We Tested

Engine: Malibu Monsoon M5 Di

Drive/Props: V-Drive/Acme 3077 17″ x 15″ 4-blade Nibral

Gear Ratio: 2.0:1

Fuel Load: 45 gal.

Crew Weight: 360 lb.

More Information

Malibu Boats – Loudon, Tennessee; 865-458-5478; malibuboats.com

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This 23-foot Sanger was built around wakesurfing, and while it has ample room aboard that’s characteristic of a boat its size, it handles like a much smaller boat when driving. It’s comfortable, fast, and cranks into turns. And when it comes time to strap on your wakeboard or get behind it for some wakesurfing, it performs like a pro and is super customizable.

Specs

LOA: 22’10”

Beam: 102″

Draft: 29″

Dry Weight: 5,375 lb.

Ballast: 5,200 lb.

Seat/Weight Capacity: 16 Persons

Fuel Capacity: 70 gal.

How We Tested

Engine: Indmar Raptor 400

Prop: ACME 16” x 13” x .105 cup

Gear Ratio: 146:1

Fuel Load: 35 gal.

Crew Weight: 330 lb.

More Information

Sanger Boats – Fresno, CA – sangerboats.com

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Like all of Centurion’s boats, the Vi24 is built upon the Opti-V hull, which features 20 degrees of deadrise; and like the other Centurion boats, it offers the reward in wakeboarding wakes and wakesurfing waves, as well as a comfortable ride in rougher waters. The wakes and waves can be tweaked and tuned with the onboard Stinger Wake Plate and QuickSurf tabs.

Subfloor ballast holds a whopping 3,050 pounds, while three plug-and-play bags in the rear and the bow add 1,750 more. Centurion’s Ramfill system allows the subfloor ballast to fill in less than 90 seconds.

On board, passengers are treated to a comfortable Spradling interior that is also durable. Seating is customizable thanks to pop-up backrests on both the port and starboard sides, as well as a rear seat that slides into the cabin to act as a rear-facing bench—great for catching all the action on the water. A Roswell audio system keeps the tunes pumping.

From the helm, all of the Vi24’s functions can be controlled with a large, easy-to-navigate touchscreen. Paddle shifters behind the steering wheel allow for instantaneous adjustments to both the boat’s speed and the Stinger wake plate.

Mounted at the transom, the Stinger plate changes the Vi24’s running attitude, allowing riders to choose between a longer, more mellow wave, or a shorter, beefier one. The Vi24’s wave has a large pocket with plenty of push, great for all levels of riders.

With 24 feet of length, there is plenty of room for passengers to sit comfortably, and storage abounds—including a passthrough from the portside bow seat to the OB. The two lockers at the transom are great for stowing wet life jackets and ropes after all the action is done.

High Points

• Storage is well thought out and easy to access.
• Roswell Maximus tower can be color matched to the Vi24’s gelcoat for an added touch of customization.
• QuickLaunch puts the Vi24 on plane faster and with minimal bow rise.

Specs

LOA: 24′0″

Beam: 8′6″

Draft: 3′0″

Dry Weight: 5,250 lb.

Ballast: 4,800 lb.

Seat/Weight Capacity: 14/2,450 lb.

Fuel Capacity: 63 gal.

Price: $153,415 (as tested)

How We Tested

Engine: PCM 450 HO

Drive/Prop: V-drive/4-blade 16:13

Gear Ratio: 1.72:1

Fuel Load: 63 gal.

Crew Weight: 376 lb.

More Information: Centurion Boats – Merced, California; 209-384-0255; centurionboats.com

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