The Ultimate Ski Boat: Best Crossover Vessels

If you're looking for a boat that can do it all, a crossover boat might be the one for you. These vessels are designed to give you the ability to ski, wake, or surf and deliver the perfect wake for each task. The best crossover ski boat on the market is the MasterCraft XT21. As far as crossover water-skiing boats go, it doesn't get any better than this. It can track slalom runs with little wake generation and no ballast, even at high speeds, making it perfect for skiing. When a wake is required, the Gen2 Surf System kicks in to fill up the ballast and generate a powerful wake behind the boat, which is ideal for wake surfing. It also has a spacious layout and a 6.0L Ilmor engine.

Malibu Wakesetter 20 VTX

The Malibu Wakesetter 20 VTX is a triple-sport boat that is easily trailerable and can fit in most garages. It is a versatile boat that can be used for skiing, wakeboarding, and wakesurfing. It has a unique Malibu Cut Diamond Hull that is tournament-approved, allowing for pro-level slalom wakes. The hull design helps generate respectable wakeboard and wakesurf waves while still allowing for slalom skiing.

The Wakesetter 20 VTX has a powerful engine, offering awesome throttle control whether ballasted down or running light and fast. The boat is equipped with a 12-inch MaliView touchscreen that provides finger-tap control of the ballast, Power Wedge III, Surf Gate, and navigation. It also has a centre-mounted ski pylon and a TXi Performance Tower, allowing a slalom towline to swing across the cockpit.

The Wakesetter 20 VTX offers a range of features and accessories, including a walk-through open-bow design, a high-resolution touchscreen featuring ballast monitoring, GPS cruise, and Power Wedge and Surf Gate controls. It also has a keyless push-button start, a Malibu stereo system with Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, and a removable fibreglass swim platform.

The boat has a maximum capacity of 11 people and an approximate dry weight of 3,950 lbs, making it a lightweight and manoeuvrable option for water sports enthusiasts.

MasterCraft XT21

The MasterCraft XT21 is a 21-foot-long crossover ski boat with a traditional V monohull design, giving it a sleek look. It has a large 51-gallon fuel capacity and can accommodate up to 14 passengers, making it an excellent choice for larger groups.

The boat is powered by a 6.0L Ilmor engine, exclusive to MasterCraft, which delivers a smooth and powerful performance. During slalom runs, the XT21 tracks true and produces a minimal wake at higher speeds without ballast. When a wake is desired, the Gen2 Surf System comes into play, customised specifically for the XT21. This system includes an integrated ballast setup that provides 2,640 pounds of ballast, with 900-pound tanks on both port and starboard sides near the transom, and a 600-pound tank under the console's walk-through to the bow seating.

The MasterCraft XT21 also features shaping devices, or tabs, that help sculpt and shape the wake to each rider's preferences. All these settings can be easily adjusted using the in-dash Murphy touchscreen system.

One of the standout options available for the XT21 is the Dockstar Handling System, which makes docking and manoeuvring in tight spots a breeze. This innovative flanking rudder system takes the stress out of handling single-engine inboard boats. Additionally, the XT21 offers the choice of the ZFT4 or ZFT7 Power Tower, enhancing its versatility.

The MasterCraft XT21 is highly customisable when it comes to creature comforts, colours, and other options. It boasts world-class surf performance, athletic lines, and infinite customisation possibilities. MasterCraft's reputation for superior craftsmanship and reliability is evident in the XT21's thicker gel coat, billet aluminium accents, triple-density foam seating, and high-quality upholstery.

The XT21 is part of the XT family, which offers six models ranging from 20 to 25 feet in length. Each model delivers world-class surf performance thanks to the SurfStar system, the industry's best surf system. The XT family caters to various crew sizes and styling preferences, ensuring there's an ideal boat for every need.

Supra SR

The Supra SR is a powerful ski and wakeboard vessel, ideal for day cruising, watersports, and saltwater fishing. It is a premium boat with a luxurious open bow area, a large fuel capacity of 45 gallons, and the ability to seat up to 14 passengers.

The key feature of the Supra SR is its AutoWake system, an advanced autopilot system that utilizes onboard sensors to control the boat's pitch and roll, optimizing the shape of wakes and waves for each rider's preset. The Swell 3.0 Surf system further enhances the boat's performance by using inclinometers to measure the boat's movements and adjust the ballast and Supra Launch settings, ensuring the boat is perfectly aligned with its pitch and roll.

The Supra SR is equipped with either a 400 or 450 Raptor by Indmar 6.2L V-8 engine, capable of reaching high speeds in the 30s for skiing or cruising, while also producing the slow-speed torque required for surfing. The boat's FX1 Folding Power Tower and Vision touchscreen control system at the helm add to its appeal, making it a top choice for water sports enthusiasts.

The Supra SR is an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile and powerful boat for watersports and entertainment. With its advanced technology, spacious seating, and impressive performance, the Supra SR delivers an exceptional experience on the water.

Tigé 20RZX

The Tigé 20RZX is a sleek and spacious ski and wakeboard boat. It has the deepest freeboard, the widest beam and the most storage space of any boat in the 20-foot segment. It has a patented Convex hull, a cathedral-style hull that curves upward at the transom, which can produce a slalom-ready wake at high speeds (around 34 to 36 mph). The 20RZX can be filled with 3,000 pounds of ballast in a matter of minutes, using the in-dash Clear touchscreen.

The TAPS 3 system allows the driver to adjust the boat’s pitch, list and yaw to optimise the surf wave. The TAPS 3 system is a combination of three extended trim tabs on the transom that can operate independently from one another. These tabs help control three aspects of the boat to optimise the wave to the rider’s liking: pitch, list and yaw.

The 20RZX is powered by Raptor engines from Indmar, paired with a V-drive. The power options range from the smaller Raptor 440 up to the Raptor 575, a 6.2L V-8 inboard. The boat has a fuel capacity of 46 gallons and can seat up to 13 people.

The 2022 model of the Tigé 20RZX comes equipped with cool-touch vinyl, heated seats, port-side transform seat, reversible seat, chart plotter, InCharge phone holder, Isotta smart wheel, keyless ignition, Alpha E3 power tower, Surf+Wake Skylock board racks, surf bimini, transom stereo remote, RGB lighting package, billet aluminium grab handle, lexan windscreen, rearview camera, surf exhaust, heater, protect-all cover, Phender Pro, 110v battery charger, and a tandem-axle trailer/spare.

Nautique Super Air GS20

The Nautique Super Air GS20 is a powerful crossover ski boat, with a range of features that make it a great choice for water sports enthusiasts. It is a 20-foot boat that can be used for wakeboarding, wakesurfing, and waterskiing. The GS20 is an excellent choice for those who want to do it all and is a versatile option for those who enjoy a range of water sports.

The Nautique Configurable Running Surface (NCRS) is a key feature of the GS20. It includes an adjustable plate that automatically moves according to user settings in the in-dash Linc Panoray control system. This system allows the driver to set the boat for precise direction and speed control. The NCRS also has sensors that help it electronically adjust to ride conditions, providing a smooth and responsive experience.

For waterskiing, the GS20 offers a pop-up ski pylon option, which brings the tow rope's tow point down, providing better control and safety for skiers and tubers. The boat can also be equipped with a centre-mounted ski pylon, which allows the tow rope to be set at a lower angle, preferred by experienced skiers.

When it comes to surfing and wakeboarding, the GS20 delivers a quality experience. By adjusting the NCRS plate and filling up the 1,850 pounds of internal ballast, the boat creates a clean wake and a quality wave. The GS20 can be powered by PCM Marine engines, with options including a 355 hp ZZ5, 400 hp ZR4, or 450 hp ZZ6, providing ample power for various water sports.

The GS20 also stands out with its unique styling and design. It features aggressive, three-dimensional hull features and an artful interior design that maximises space. Additionally, the GS20 incorporates the latest technology, including the Nautique awareness camera and premium sound from JL Audio.

The Nautique Super Air GS20 is a top choice for those seeking a versatile and high-performance crossover ski boat. With its advanced technology, versatile performance, and stylish design, it offers an exceptional experience for water sports enthusiasts of all kinds.

Frequently asked questions