Given the growth of the inboard watersports boat market over the last decade, it should come as no surprise that the trend of offering bigger and bigger models has only—for lack of a better term—grown. Manufacturers such as Centurion, Malibu and MasterCraft all offer models 26 feet or longer. But does bigger always mean better? Not necessarily. Fortunately, for prospective buyers who need something smaller, there are still plenty of options to choose from. Most brands offer at least one model 21 feet or under, and several offer multiple. While the advantages of larger boats specific to wakeboarding and wakesurfing are fairly obvious, such as more room for friends, larger ballast systems for superior waves, etc., there are a lot of benefits to smaller boats.

The most obvious advantage is the purchase price. Generally, a 20- to 22-foot model is going to cost significantly less than a 25- to 26-footer. The second biggest economic advantage for smaller boats is fuel efficiency. Less fuel consumed means more wallet savings. Plus, if you’re a boater who needs to trailer your boat to and from your favorite riding spots, a smaller boat means better gas mileage for the tow vehicle (and quite possibly a cheaper ­vehicle that doesn’t require such a large tow rating).

Along with being easier to tow, smaller boat models are much easier to store, especially if you need to keep one in a standard-size garage. Every model listed in this roundup features a collapsible tower, making it ideal for storing in tighter places. The ­smaller size also presents an advantage when it comes to handling. A 20-foot boat is going to be easier to maneuver than its ­26-foot sibling. MasterCraft’s XT20 is 6 feet, 5 inches shorter, 2 inches narrower and 1,800 pounds lighter than the Yacht ­Certified X26, so you know it’s going to be less demanding to handle in tight quarters.

With all the advancements in hull design and wave-shaping technologies, the smaller boats in the watersports segment are able to produce better wakes and waves than ever before. In years past, buyers who wanted clean surf waves with plenty of push for all the riders in their family often had to go for the bigger boats that displaced more water. In 2024, that’s not always the case. All the boats in our list can create waves that cater to all types of different riding levels and styles. You won’t be able to bring 16 or 17 of your closest friends; however, you can have a blast on the water with everybody you can bring, and you’ll likely save some money while doing it.

Here’s a look at nine of the best wakeboats under 21 feet.

MasterCraft XT20

The MasterCraft XT20 has been redesigned from the bottom up and MasterCraft have put a lot of time into making sure this 20-footer packs a punch more in line with bigger models. Equipped with the revamped SurfStar system, the XT20 can push out sizeable waves with plenty of push, along with clean, symmetrical wakeboarding wakes. The convertible rear bench and transom lounge seats–built with MasterCraft’s triple density foam and ultra-comfy vinyl–ensure everybody onboard will be comfortable. The XT line is one of the most customizable in the market, so buyers can opt to go more minimal with a new build, or take this 20-footer to the next level with all the bells and whistles MasterCraft have to offer.

Pricing and Specs

Heyday H20

All-new for 2023, the Heyday H20 builds on the success of its bigger sibling, the H22. Heyday has carved out a solid spot in the marketplace by offering great performance at a very affordable price. The H20 is the only boat in this lineup without an automated surf system, but it doesn’t necessarily need one – it still puts up a solid wave, and that can be added to with an optional suction-cup-mounted wave shaper device. Two features we love about the H20: the rear-facing transom seats are an awesome way to watch the action on the water–no other manufacturer has seats like these, and the power-folding swimstep. This makes the H20 even easier to store in a garage or other tight spaces.

Pricing and Specs

Moomba Mondo

Moomba have consistently upgraded the performance and capabilities of their models, allowing buyers to get solid performance at a more budget-friendly price. The 20-foot Moomba Mondo is the smallest in the lineup, but thanks to an impressive 3,700 pounds of ballast, the Swell Surf System plates and AutoWake technology, it kicks up seriously fun wakes and waves. AutoWake is key for the Mondo, as the system utilizes onboard sensors to monitor the boat’s running attitude. It will automatically adjust the Swell Surf System and ballast as needed in order to keep the wake or wave in an optimal spot. This takes a ton of the guesswork out of setting the Mondo up, which is great for new users or veteran riders alike, because it means less time trying to figure things out and more time on the water having fun.

Pricing and Specs

Axis A20

The Axis A20 has been a staple in the Axis lineup since the brand’s inception, and it saw a major refresh in 2020. An improved running surface, combined with a more comfortable ride make the A20 a great option for families getting into the watersports scene. The ease-of-use of the Surf Gate and Power Wedge III systems for wakeboarding and wakesurfing can’t be overstated. The A20’s versatility make it great for riders just learning to get up or those looking to add more advanced tricks to their bag.

Pricing and Specs

Centurion Fi21

The Centurion Fi21 is the smallest boat in the Centurion line, but it still prides itself on the wave-making performance Centurion is known for. At 5,100 pounds, the Fi21 is the heaviest in this group (tied with the MasterCraft XT20), and combined with its whopping 4,750 pounds of ballast (by far the most in this group), it can displace a lot of water. Featuring Centurion’s acclaimed Opti-V hull for a running surface, that means riders are getting clean, powerful waves with a large pocket and plenty of push. The QuickSurf Pro plates at the transom ensure the waves stay consistent and fun, while allowing for limitless customization for riders of any skill level.

Pricing and Specs

Malibu 21 LX

Introduced in 2022, the Malibu 21 LX is a model that takes influence from several previous Malibu models and molds them into a multisport, family-fun machine. The hybrid bow is one easy-to-spot representation of this–the 21 LX has lines similar to a traditional bow, but the interior area is shaped like a bigger pickle fork bow, allowing more room for passengers. Buyers can choose between two hull types, Wake Plus and Diamond. Wake Plus caters to those looking more toward wakesurfing and wakeboarding performance, while Diamond is geared toward ultimate versatility for users who also want to water ski more aggressively behind the 21 LX. As for the wakes and waves, the combination of Surf Gate and Power Wedge III ensure the 21 LX can be quickly and easily tweaked for all different levels and styles of riding. Opt in for the Surf Band remote and the rider can control those systems from their wrist while riding.

Pricing and Specs

Nautique GS20

The Nautique GS20 underwent a complete redesign and is all-new for 2023. Touted as a true crossover performer, it can pull a fun wakesurf session with solid waves and then in a matter of minutes tow a skier through the slalom course. The GS20’s hull takes design cues from its Ski Nautique and Super Air Nautique G23 cousins, allowing it to perform better than you’d think in both extremes for a 20-foot V-drive. With Nautique Surf System plates tooled into the transom of the boat, the GS20 can quickly kick up solid wakesurfing waves that can be fine-tuned for beginners to more advanced riders. NSS plates are also much smaller than other surf system plates on the market, allowing for quick transfers from side to side when wakesurfing.

Pricing and Specs

Supra SR

The 20′ 11” Supra SR offers the sporty, aggressive looks Supra have become known for, with all-around performance that caters to first-timers and more advanced riders alike. At just under 21-feet, the SR is rated for 14 passengers, more than any other boat on this list, and if you load up with friends, along with the 3,300 pounds of ballast and Supra’s Swell Surf System, you’re going to get some endless waves that are a ton of fun. Supra’s patented AutoWake system comes standard, making the on-water experience that much easier and more fun for both the rider and the captain.

Pricing and Specs

Tigé 20 RZX

Despite being 20 feet on the dot, Tigé’s pickle-fork shaped 20RZX offers room for 13 while holding up to 3,000 pounds of ballast. With just one screen at the helm–the vertically-mounted Clear Screen–the 20 RZX keeps things simple and clean. The single screen on the right of the steering wheel means the captain has a clean line of sight and minimal distractions, while the 20 RZX’s systems can still be quickly and easily controlled with a couple finger taps. Preset settings for surfing, wakeboarding and water skiing make the 20 RZX a breeze to set up and start riding, and the TAPS 3T surf plates allow for easy customization of the waves for a variety of riders.

Pricing and Specs

Three More to Check Out!

• ATX 20 Type-S
• Malibu 20 VTX
• MasterCraft NXT20

Advantages of Smaller Watersports Boats

While the advantages of larger boats specific to wakeboarding and wakesurfing are fairly obvious – more room for passengers, larger ballast systems for bigger waves, etc. – there are a lot benefits to smaller boats.

• Price: The most obvious advantage is the purchase price. A 20-to-22-foot model is generally going to cost significantly less than a 25-26-footer.
• Fuel Efficiency: The second biggest economic advantage for smaller boats is fuel efficiency. Less fuel consumed means more savings in the wallet. Plus, if you’re a boater who needs to trailer your boat to/from your favorite riding spots, a smaller boat means better gas mileage for the vehicle you’re towing with (and quite possibly a cheaper vehicle that doesn’t require such a large tow rating).
• Easier Towing & Storage: Along with being easier to tow, smaller boat models are much easier to store, especially if you need to keep one in a standard-sized garage. Every model listed in this roundup features a collapsible tower, making them ideal for storing in tighter places. The smaller size also presents an advantage when it comes to handling. A 20-foot boat is going to be easier to maneuver than its 26-foot sibling. MasterCraft’s brand-new XT20 is 6 feet 5 inches shorter, 2 inches narrower and 1,800 pounds lighter than the yacht-certified X26, so you know it’s going to be less cumbersome to handle in tight quarters.
• Clean Wake & Waves: With all the advancements in hull design and wave-shaping technologies, the smaller boats in the watersports segment are able to produce better wakes and waves than ever before. In years past, buyers who really wanted clean surf waves with plenty of push for all the riders in their family often times had to go for the bigger boats that displaced more water. In 2023, that’s no longer the case. All the boats in the list below can create waves that cater to all types of different riding levels and styles. While you won’t be able to bring 16 or 17 of your closest friends with you, you will still be able to have a blast on the water with everybody you can bring, and you’ll likely save some money while doing it.

The post 9 Best Small Wake Boats 2024 appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

The Moomba Craz is a 22-foot boat designed to bring a premier wave to a recreational surf crowd while still being able to entertain a crew on the water. It offers a lot of great amenities combined with a full-on ballast and surf system that produces a great wave on a midsize—and midpriced—watersports boat. It has a lot to offer for a family with surfers and boarders of all levels.

Let’s start with the watersports features. The first thing to note is the power: The standard 350 hp Indmar Raptor 400 inboard engine produces 404 foot-pounds of torque, helping it excel at the slower speeds needed to produce a good wave. If you want to get even more gnarly, upgrade to the 410 hp Indmar Raptor 450 that produces over 452 foot-pounds of torque. The surfing between 2,500 and 3,500 rpm is the Raptor’s sweet spot. If you’re just looking to cruise, the Craz can hit speeds over 40 mph, which not every watersports boat can do.

Combine the Indmar Raptor with the G ballast system capable of doubling the boat’s dry weight, the Flow Surf System that helps you sculpt the wave, and the AutoWake technology that lets you customize everything to each individual rider, and you’re set for a day of awesomeness. Not an experienced surf driver? AutoWake lets even novice captains set up everything with the push of a button, taking out the guesswork.

For half the price of some of the tournament-level boats currently available, you get many great standard features, including premium Roswell Triton II board racks with R-Flex suspension technology to keep your boards secure while being adjustable and easy to access. The Wet Sounds premium audio system equips the boat with a subwoofer and Revolution Series speakers that pump clean, crisp sound from the sport tower. You can control everything from the standard 7-inch touchscreen display at the helm.

Did we mention the Moomba Craz’s good looks? It has the athletic style of a classic watersports boat while still maintaining a heavy dose of creature comforts for the entire crew. Oh yeah, that crew can be as many as 15 people.

High Points

• The 4,500-pound ballast system doubles the displacement and helps produce an awesome wave for a 22-foot boat, so you can surf all day.
• Wireless charging mount keeps your smartphone going strong all day for enjoying tunes and communication.
• Standard GatorStep nonskid flooring throughout the boat is soft and cool underfoot.
• Indmar power puts the torque where you need it to help produce a great wave with a deep pocket.

Pricing and Specs

More Information

Moomba Boats – Maryville, Tennessee; 865-953-9924; moomba.com

Visit Moomba Homepage

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Moomba Boats Facebook

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Moomba’s Mojo performs for those seeking a boat from which to wake and surf, whether they’re just learning the sport or for experienced riders expanding their abilities with every tow. Powered by a selection of Raptor engines, this 23-footer also offers seating for 17, a hybrid-bow configuration, and great standards including a tower and a host of wave-and wake-shaping systems. It’s priced to excite as well.

Specs

Moomba’s Mojo seats up to 17 of your family and friends, offers 4,000 pounds of ballast, and can be powered by engines delivering up to 452 foot-pounds of torque and 450 hp. It’s 23 feet long, a trailerable 8 feet, 6 inches wide, weighs 4,800 pounds, and carries 70 gallons of fuel.

Electronics

If this is your first wake and surf boat, you’ll easily control the action thanks to the included intuitive innovations such as AutoWake, SmartPlate and Flow 2.0 surf systems. If you’re a seasoned enthusiast, all this technology will help your game explode.

Engine

Performance to spare. Choose a 2022 Moomba Mojo, and you can select between two top watersports engines. There’s the Indmar 6.2L Raptor 400 Catalyst, or for more power and torque, choose the 6.2L Ford Raptor 450 Catalyst. Either engine delivers excitement to the water using a 1.76-to-1 ratio trans V-drive.

Details

The standard A3 tower looks great and helps launch the excitement. It includes board racks and fold-assist surf storage, and a Bimini for shade can be added.

The post Moomba Mojo appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

While the Mojo’s recipe for success might start with ballast and power, it’s the transom-mounted Smart Plate that fine-tunes wake size and shape, adjusting the boat’s running angle to affect the height, length and ramp of the wake, making the end result as poppy or mellow as riders desire. Surf enthusiasts will next turn to the Flow surf system’s. The dual surf tabs independently deploy to alter the position of the boat in the water, enhancing the surf wave on a rider’s preferred side, providing plenty of forward push, even allowing riders to switch sides of the wake on the fly.

Moomba’s patented AutoWake system takes much of the stress off the driver and allows them to concentrate on the water. Once the driver or rider chooses their preferred setting on the intuitive optional 7-inch touchscreen display, AutoWake continually monitors the boat’s pitch, roll and displacement via onboard sensors, automatically adjusting ballast tanks to maintain the correct running attitude despite changing conditions or passenger load. It’s a rare feature at this price point.

As to the passenger experience, the Mojo’s interior boasts impressive fit-and-finish, with a hybrid-style bow cockpit, increasing comfort forward, and a wraparound bench providing plenty of passenger space in the main cockpit. Moomba puts a welcome twist on the status quo bench seating, providing a lift-out filler cushion at the observer seat that allows the spotter to comfortably sit back with feet on the floor. Add removable backrests to the remaining portside bench and do likewise at the opposite end adjacent to the helm, and you’ve created two more, aft-focused positions. Slide the center bench seat forward into the cockpit, add its optional backrest, and there’s even more aft-facing seating to take in the show happening in the boat’s wake.

High Points

• Wake and surf features—including Smart Plate, Flow 2.0 surf system, ballast and AutoWake system—combine to produce ideal results for wide variety of board riders.
• Standard with A3 Tower includes board racks and fold assist; upgrade to add Bimini and surf storage.
• Gator Grip cockpit flooring carries onto convenient transom walk-through and swim platform. The latter area offers a bench seat for gearing up, as well as cup holders and stereo remote.
• Two wireless phone-charging stations are featured at the helm, along with control for multicolor RGB accent lighting. Lighting can also be controlled via a convenient smartphone app.

Pricing and Specs

Moomba Boats – Maryville, Tennessee; 865-953-9924; moomba.com

Visit Moomba Homepage

Find A Dealer

Build Your Boat

Moomba Boats Facebook

Moomba Boats Instagram

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Build Your Boat

The Makai is Moomba’s newest flagship model, aimed at delivering the best experience at a more wallet-friendly price.

With an overall weight of 5,200 pounds and 4,000 pounds of available sub-floor ballast, the Makai is built to displace serious amounts of water. While we could not collect fuel-flow data, we did prove that the Makai creates the largest wakes and waves of any Moomba. The Flow 2.0 system engaged — two automated contoured plates that extend off the running surface of the transom— the wave forms into a large rideable surface with plenty of push and a pocket that’s easy to find and stay in while riding. By adjusting the Moomba Smartplate 2.0, a tab center-mounted at the transom, the wave can be made longer and mellower or shorter and steeper.

The helm features a 7-inch touchscreen that allows you to swipe through the menu and access different functions and screens, such as AutoWake and navigation. Simple toggle switches on the left side of the dash offer easy control for many of the boat’s functions, while a toggle to the right changes the Flow 2.0 surf system, allowing riders to switch from a port wave to a starboard wave, or vice versa. There is a convenient area with 12-volt and USB ports for storing a phone, as well.

With room for 18 and that sub-floor ballast, there’s plenty of space for passengers and their gear. The vertical Triton board racks are simple to operate and can hold a variety of boards. Interior heaters add to the comfort, and the adjustable rear seat is great for watching the action on the water. The transom walk-through is welcome as it keeps foot traffic off the boat’s upholstery. Up front the bow has plenty of room for lounging in comfort, along with the requisite speakers, cup holders and USB chargers.

AutoWake makes setting up the boat’s systems for wakeboard or wakesurf action a breeze. On-board sensors detect, among other things, the pitch and roll of the boat, adjusting the ballast accordingly to keep the wakes symmetrical and balanced. The Makai truly is a flagship model for Moomba, and a big step toward competing with the premiere wake boats on the market.

High Points

• Built-in board stowage atop the Bimini keeps the interior decluttered.
• G6 ballast system utilizes two pumps per tank, expediting fill and drain times.
• New Pro Tower features LED lighting and surf tow points on both sides.

Price: $80,180 (base with 400 hp motor)

How We Tested
Engine: 450 hp Indmar Raptor
Drive/Prop: V-drive/OJ 14.25″ x 14.5″ 4-blade
Fuel Load: 60 gal.
Crew Weight: 300 lb.

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

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Over the last few years Moomba has made strides in putting out high-quality wake boats with top-notch wakes and waves at budget-friendly prices. Today they just announced the next step in that direction, as well as their newest flagship, the Makai.

At 24.5 feet, the Makai is Moomba’s biggest boat, which means it has some big expectations. From the looks of it, this thing delivers. It features 4,000 pounds of subfloor ballast, a 7-inch touchscreen display, an all new Pro Tower setup, and room for 18 people. Plus, AutoWake and Flow 2.0 Surf systems are optional. For more info, check out the Makai here.

Here are the rest of the specs:
Length: 24’5″
Beam: 102″
Weight: 5,200 lbs
Ballast: 4,000 lbs
Fuel capacity: 60 gal
Seating capacity: 18
Standard engine: 6.2 L 400 (450/575 optional)
Draft: 28″

More Information: moomba.com

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Skier’s Choice has been awarded a 2017 Top Product Recognition Award from Boating Industry Magazine for the all-new AutoWake® technology.

The AutoWake® technology monitors the running attitude of the boat and adjusts ballast levels automatically to maintain optimal hull position for either surfing or wakeboarding. Combined with surf systems and a second-generation smart plate, AutoWake® delivers precise wakes or surf waves that are easy to set up, repeatable and customizable for riders of any skill level. The technology is standard on all 2017 Supra models and an optional feature on all 2017 Moomba models.

The post Skier’s Choice Wins Top Products Award for AutoWake® Technology appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Heading into 2017, there are more than eight sub-21-foot boats being offered by the main manufacturers in wake, and each has its own unique stylings, features and calling cards. Some are more entry-level boats, whether that is in terms of size, price or both. Some are strictly wake — both board and surf. And some are touted as the do-it-all machines that serve up wakes big enough for big air and small enough for a rip through the slalom course.

While smaller boats have their disadvantages, like less room for your friends and potentially smaller wakes, the advantages are numerous. For one, the smaller size makes 20-foot boats easier to tow, easier to store and more fuel-efficient. And for those who are on lakes with boat-length restrictions, not only are these 20-footers the only option, but they’re also great options at that. What’s amazing is just how much you can get out of a 20-foot wakeboat in today’s market.

For Malibu, the Wakesetter 20VTX was created with the do-it-all mentality in mind. The hull was designed specifically for the 20VTX and for the family that spends equal amounts of time wakeboarding, wakesurfing and water-skiing behind it. After spending a lot of time on Malibu’s latest offering, Cobe Mikacich was more than impressed. “I was surprised at how clean and solid the wake was,” he says. “I’ve been spoiled to where a 24-foot boat is normal now, but what the VTX delivers in 20 feet is amazing. It’s a great all-around boat and very user-friendly and manageable.”

On the other side of the equation is the Axis A20, the boat that kicked off Axis‘ entry into the world of wakeboats. Designed for core riders with slightly smaller budgets, the A20 delivers giant wakes for wakeboarding and solid waves for surfing, all in a relatively compact package. If you need proof, just look for photos of Randall Harris doing Randall-size tricks into the flats behind the A20 and you’ll see. For core riders that don’t need a big boat, a model like the A20 could be an ideal offering, especially when you add on signature options like the Auto-Set Wedge and Surf Gate.

Tigé has taken a high-end and budget-conscious approach to the 20-foot market by offering both the R20 and RZR, with the RZR offering the bells and whistles. Not every rider or family needs the biggest boat out there, so it’s nice to see smaller boats getting the big-boat treatment, which several manufacturers are doing. “The trend in wakeboarding for a while was everything getting bigger and bigger,” says longtime team rider Erik Ruck. “I think it’s awesome to see features like TAPS 3 and the Alpha E2 tower put into a 20-foot boat like the RZR. The RZR puts out a thumping wave and a solid wake. I think anybody could ride it and be stoked doing what they’re doing, whether that’s wakeboarding, surfing or even skiing.”

Moomba, known for offering solid wakeboats at more budget-friendly prices, released the brand-new Helix for 2017: a wake-making machine in a 20-foot-5-inch package. Even though he’s used to his huge 24-foot Supra SE, Trevor Hansen is a fan of the Helix. “I’ve recommended it to friends looking at buying a wakeboat for the first time,” he says. “It’s got a great wake, and you can add awesome features like AutoWake to it. It’s an unbelievable bang for the buck.”

Not to be outdone, Supra now has the SR, a sub-21-foot boat that packs a lot of features normally found in models like Hansen’s SE. From the Swell Surf system to AutoWake to Supra Launch, the SR delivers the best of what Supra is known for across the board. The results can be seen in the wake and waves — and the air riders get because of them.

The smaller size really can be an advantage with any of these 20-foot boats, whether it’s easier towing, less fuel consumption, easier handling on the water, or even the ability to put it in your garage.

The post The Influx of 20-Foot Wakeboats appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

MARYVILLE, TN (October 31, 2017) – Skier’s Choice is excited to announce the new Mojo Pro Package that will be offered on all ongoing 2017 Moomba Mojo Boats.

The 2017 Moomba Mojo Pro Package includes the most sought after Moomba options including the All-New Patented AutoWake® System, Removable Seat Back Kit and Moomba Premium Bimini. In addition, the package combines several all-new premium features like custom GatorStep flooring, Wet Sounds Premium Audio Package, and Flow 2.0 Surf MAX Package with 3,000 pounds of capacity.

This new package allows consumers to get even more performance out of their 2017 Mojo and stand out from the crowd with bold new graphics, color matched components and 3 attention grabbing color options.

The New Mojo Pro Package is available in Pacific Blue, Vivid Orange and Intense Green Color Options and is shipping to dealers now. To customize a Mojo with the new Mojo Pro Package, visit www.moomba.com.

About Skiers Choice, Inc.: Skier’s Choice, Inc. is the proud manufacturer of Supra and Moomba performance inboard wakeboard and waterski towboats. Supra has been a leader in the inboard industry since 1980. The Supra brand is synonymous with innovative styling, luxurious interiors, highest construction quality, and unsurpassed wake performance. Moomba is a value-oriented brand that delivers quality and performance comparable to other inboard brands but at a price significantly less. Moomba delivers the “best bang for the buck.” The company is privately held and is located in Maryville, Tennessee.

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