Best Ski Wakeboard Boats: Top Models Reviewed

Water skiing and wakeboarding are two of the most popular water sports in the world. Each year, over 11 million Americans head to lakes to perform tricks on the water. If you're one of them, you've probably considered buying a boat. But before you do, it's important to know that not all boats are designed for towing people—choosing the wrong type can lead to serious injury.

So, what is the best ski wakeboard boat? Well, that depends on your needs and preferences. Some boats are designed specifically for water skiing, while others are made for wakeboarding. Water skiing requires a relatively flat wake, while wakeboarding is all about creating massive waves.

If you're looking for a boat that can do both, you'll want to consider a crossover boat. These boats are designed to generate both flat wakes for water skiing and large wakes for wakeboarding. When choosing a crossover boat, look for one with an inboard motor, as these are known to produce the flat wakes needed for water skiing. You should also consider the hitch point—for water skiing, you'll want a hitch point at the same height as the skier's hands, while wakeboarding will require a higher hitch point, usually achieved with a wakeboard tower.

Some of the best ski wakeboard boats on the market include the Ski Nautique, Malibu Response TXi, Nautique 200, Tige 20 RZX, and MasterCraft XT21. These boats offer features such as soft flat wakes, spacious interiors, advanced technology, and excellent performance.

When choosing the best ski wakeboard boat for you, consider your budget, the type of wakes you need, the boat's versatility, and the reputation of the manufacturer. By taking these factors into account, you'll be sure to find the perfect boat for your water sports adventures.

Water skiing vs wakeboarding: what's the difference??

Water skiing and wakeboarding are two distinct water sports with several similarities and differences. Both sports require specific equipment, physical abilities, and techniques to navigate the water successfully. Here is a detailed comparison of the two:

Similarities:

Water skiing and wakeboarding share several commonalities in terms of equipment, techniques, and physical demands. Firstly, both sports require a boat capable of reaching ideal speeds to enable the rider to stand up on the water's surface. The driver must adjust the boat's speed accordingly. Additionally, both sports utilise a tow line or rope to connect the rider to the boat. This rope has a handle at one end for the rider to grip, while the other end is attached to a tow point or wakeboard tower on the boat.

In terms of equipment, both wakeboards and water skis are designed for buoyancy and smooth gliding. The boards typically feature concave bottoms for easy riding, and they can have sharp or rounded edges depending on the desired manoeuvrability. The length of the board or skis is determined by the rider's weight. Riders in both sports are advised to wear swimsuits, and a wetsuit may be necessary during cold weather. Life jackets are essential for safety, and bindings are attached to the skis or boards to secure the rider's feet.

When it comes to stance and technique, both sports require the rider to begin in a crouching position with knees tucked towards the chest and arms stretched out. A balanced stance is crucial to avoid falling forward or backward. Strength in the core, legs, and arms is important for both water skiing and wakeboarding. The handle of the tow rope is typically held with both hands, palms facing down.

Differences:

While water skiing and wakeboarding share similarities, there are also notable differences between the two sports. The most apparent distinction is the equipment used. Wakeboarding is performed on a single large board, with the rider standing perpendicular to the board and one foot in front of the other. On the other hand, water skiing typically uses two separate skis, one for each foot, and the skier stands facing forward.

The bottom shapes of the skis and boards are designed differently to suit the specific sport. Wakeboards often have concave bottoms to create lift and facilitate gliding. They may feature channels or V-shaped spines for better control and soft landings. Wakeboard edges can be sharp for acceleration and speed or rounded for a smoother ride and easier tricks. Water ski bottoms, on the other hand, may have narrow tunnels for stability and direction, with bevelled or square edges for control and predictability.

The history of the sports also sets them apart. Water skiing is the older sport, dating back to 1922, while wakeboarding made its appearance in 1985. The development of boats for these sports also differs. Initially, boats for water skiing were designed to create minimal wake for a smooth ride. However, with the rise in popularity of wakeboarding, boat builders had to modify their designs to generate more wake, which is advantageous for performing tricks in wakeboarding.

Another difference lies in the speed requirements of the two sports. Wakeboarding is performed at slower speeds, typically between 19 and 22 miles per hour. In contrast, water skiing requires faster speeds, ranging from 26 to 34 miles per hour.

The placement of the tow point also varies between the sports. In wakeboarding, the tow point is higher, usually attached to a wakeboard tower, as riders aim to get airborne for tricks. On the other hand, water skiers attach the rope to the boat's central tow point, as they rarely intend to leave the water's surface.

Additionally, the type of rope used differs. Water skiers use a braided nylon rope that provides some stretch to absorb shock when crossing the boat's wake. Wakeboarders, on the other hand, use a heavier cord without stretch to facilitate aerial tricks. The handle size on the rope also varies, with shorter handles for water skiing (11 to 13 inches) and longer handles for wakeboarding (13 to 15 inches) to allow for trick manoeuvres.

Top 5 best ski wakeboard boats

Malibu Wakesetter 247 LSV

Malibu's Wakesetter 247 LSV is a premium pick for those looking for a spacious option. As the largest model in the Malibu line, it can carry up to 17 people and is a great choice for those who want to bring their friends and family along for the ride.

MasterCraft ProStar

MasterCraft, originally a ski boat builder, offers one of the best tournament ski boats on the market with the ProStar. This boat performs exceptionally well for slalom skiing, with a direct-drive inboard, a driver-focused helm, a two-up observer seat, and a split bench at the rear. It also offers a surprise closed bow for additional room when needed.

Nautique Super Air Nautique 230/230 E

The Nautique Super Air Nautique 230 is a great option, and it also comes in an all-electric version, the 230 E. This boat is a rare find on the used market, but it offers a unique electric wakeboard boat experience.

Centurion Enzo SV244

The Centurion Enzo SV244 is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a used boat. This boat dates back about a decade and represents a great value in the used boat market. Centurion upped their game with this line, and it shows in the features and performance.

Moomba Outback

If you're looking for a competent tow boat at a reasonable price, the Moomba Outback is an excellent option. Moomba has a reputation for building excellent boats at a great price point, and the Outback is a welcome addition to their lineup.

Best ski wakeboard boats for beginners

If you're a beginner to the world of wakeboarding, you'll need a boat that's not only designed with newbies in mind but can also grow with you as you hone your skills. Here are some of the best ski wakeboard boats for beginners:

Malibu Response TXi

The Malibu Response TXi is designed for those just starting in the world of water skiing. It uses Malibu's Advanced Rudder Control technology to produce soft, flat wakes and a tracking system that provides a consistent pull throughout your ride. Standard features include underwater lights, a Malibu OS-powered command centre, and M5DI/M6DI Monsoon engines. While it's not ideal for wakeboarding or fishing, it's a great option for beginners looking to get into water skiing.

MasterCraft ProStar

MasterCraft originated as a ski boat builder, so it's no surprise that they build one of the best tournament ski boats on the market. The ProStar performs at the top of its game, with a layout that includes a direct-drive inboard, a driver-focused helm, a two-up observer seat, and a split bench at the rear. It also has a step-through to the swim platform and room for more people under the bow cover. The ProStar delivers on horsepower and incorporates 50 years of hull technology to lay down buttery-smooth wakes.

Axis A20

Starting at around $70,000, the Axis A20 is the smallest of the Axis range but still packs a punch. It can carry up to 11 people and includes features like hydraulic surf gates port and starboard, hydraulic wedges that add 1,500 lbs of displacement, and a ballast system controlled via a 7-inch touchscreen. Even the smallest engine option offers the torque needed to push a fully loaded and ballasted Axis up to surfing speeds.

Chaparral 21 Surf

The Chaparral 21 Surf is a more affordable option, with a list price of $54,616, but it doesn't compromise on features. It offers 21 feet of length, a 12-passenger capacity, and all the bells and whistles of Chaparral's SSi line. It includes a Medallion Viper II touchscreen display that allows you to create and store your perfect wake-making mode. The Chaparral utilizes a Malibu Surf Gate and a Volvo-Penta Forward Drive for excellent trimming and handling advantages.

Heyday WT-2DC

Heyday specializes in creating affordable and purpose-built boats for wake sports, and the WT-2DC is an excellent option for those looking to get into wakeboarding and wakesurfing. It comes with a folding tow tower and a tri-hull-style hull designed to displace water to boost its wave-making abilities. With 1,800 lbs of onboard ballast and an angled transom, the Heyday WT-2DC will have you riding like a pro in no time.

Best budget ski wakeboard boats

If you're looking for a budget ski wakeboard boat, there are a few options to consider. Here are some detailed suggestions:

Moomba Mondo

The Moomba Mondo is a great choice for those seeking a balance between performance and affordability. It comes equipped with the Moomba Flow 2.0 surf system, SmartPlate 2.0, Launch System, and AutoWake technology. With a price range of $60,000 to $68,700, it offers a lot of features for its value.

Tigé R20

Tige's R20 model is another budget-friendly option, retailing for around $60,000. It includes the Alpha M2 tower, TAPS 3 Surf System, Tigé Touch 2 display, and Zero Off cruise control. The R20 also has a stylish and modern design that will keep it looking good for years to come.

Axis Wake A20

The Axis Wake A20 is a fantastic option for those on a tighter budget, with a price tag of around $73,795. Despite its smaller size, it can accommodate up to 11 adults and creates impressive wakes with its wave-making wedge and Surf Gate. It also comes with a tandem-axle trailer and a mooring cover.

Chaparral 21 Surf

With a list price of $54,616, the Chaparral 21 Surf is an excellent value for a dedicated watersports boat. It offers a 21-foot length and a 12-passenger capacity, along with features like the Medallion Viper II touchscreen display, Malibu Surf Gate, and Volvo-Penta Forward Drive.

Gekko Revo 6.7

Gekko's Revo 6.7 is a 22-foot versatile boat that offers a lot for its asking price. It handles exceptionally well and has a hull designed to produce solid wakes for various watersports. While the exact price is not mentioned, it is known for being a great value.

These options provide a range of features and capabilities to suit different needs and preferences, all while being mindful of budget constraints.

Best luxury ski wakeboard boats

If you're looking for a luxury ski wakeboard boat, there are several options on the market that offer opulent features and powerful performance. Here are some of the best luxury ski wakeboard boats available:

Malibu M235

The Malibu M235 is a top-of-the-line tow boat that spares no expense when it comes to features and performance. It boasts the latest technology and design innovations, with ample ballast and adjustability to suit both novices and pros. The boat accommodates large groups, with plenty of seating for friends and throngs of people on board.

Nautique G25

The Nautique G25 is an extravagant offering from Nautique, introduced in 2016 as a 2017 model. It's designed with wakeboarding and wakesurfing in mind, featuring 2,850 pounds of ballast and the Nautique Surf System to create the perfect wave. The interior is luxurious and spacious, accommodating up to 19 people with ample storage for gear and boards.

MasterCraft ProStar

MasterCraft has a strong reputation as a ski boat builder, and the ProStar lives up to this legacy. While slalom skiing has declined in popularity, the ProStar remains a top choice for tournament skiers. It offers a powerful small-block V8 engine and utilises advanced hull technology to create smooth wakes. The interior layout is centred on a direct-drive inboard, with a driver-focused helm and a split bench at the rear for observers.

Malibu TXi MO

The Malibu TXi MO is an open-bow tournament inboard with an impressive record of 10 world records. It's designed to produce soft, flat wakes and track precisely, thanks to its three-fin T-Cut Diamond Hull. The boat features a lowered dash for improved visibility and a Sea Dek foam deck covering for added comfort. The dash is minimalist yet fully functional, offering full control without clutter.

Tigé RZX3

The Tigé RZX3 is perfect for those who want to bring a crowd along for the ride. It offers ample seating, including a full-boogie playpen design in the bow area and a convertible rear bench seat. The helm seat swivels to face your friends, and the low sightlines and uncluttered dash make it easy for the driver to focus on navigation.

These luxury ski wakeboard boats offer a combination of high-end features, powerful performance, and ample space for both passengers and gear. They are top choices for those seeking an opulent and thrilling experience on the water.

Frequently asked questions