The Ultimate Wake Boat: Best Buys For Water Sports

Watersports enthusiasts and families looking for non-stop excitement on the water are increasingly turning to wake and surf boats. These boats are designed to deliver huge wakes, launching wakeboarders high into the air and letting surfers catch waves without hitting the beach.

The best wake boats have hull designs and ballast, as well as adjustable hydraulic tabs and plates for shaping the wake. Surf-specific modifications enhance the wave face, giving riders the perfect push to ride without a towrope.

So, which are the best wake boats on the market?

The best wake boats for 2023

If you're looking for a wake boat, there are a variety of options on the market, depending on your needs and budget. Here's a roundup of some of the top wake boats for 2023:

Super Air Nautique G23

The Super Air Nautique G23 is a premier wake and surf boat that has maintained its reputation over the years. The 2023 model introduces a new look, more amenities, and an even better wake. It features 2,200 pounds of subfloor factory ballast, a Nautique Configurable Running Surface, and a Nautique Surf Pipe, among other surf/wake amenities. The G23 can accommodate up to 16 people and offers a plush cockpit with wraparound seating.

MasterCraft XStar S

The MasterCraft XStar S is a top-of-the-line flagship that combines luxury with exceptional performance. It features integrated SurfStar technology and additional ballast for 2023, producing some of the most adaptable, polished, and reliable waves in the industry. The XStar S offers first-class amenities, standard telematics, and an exceptional boating experience.

Supra SE

The Supra SE is a luxurious and spacious boat, measuring 24'6" in length, and accommodating up to 18 people. With 4,700 pounds of ballast and a wide 102" beam, it creates optimal wakes and waves for wake surfing and wakeboarding while providing a stable ride. The Supra SE offers a walk-through transom design, a spacious swim platform, and a heated captain's chair with advanced features.

Malibu 26 LSV

The Malibu 26 LSV is the newest addition to the Luxury Sport V-Drive Series and Malibu's biggest boat yet. This 26.5-foot-long vessel can accommodate up to 17 people and offers features like plush transom seats, the Max-Pivot Seat™, and a port-side cooler storage locker. With over 6,000 pounds of ballast and customizable features like Surf Gate® and Power Wedge III®, the 26 LSV delivers an impressive wake and wave performance.

MasterCraft NXT24

The MasterCraft NXT24 offers big-boat thrills at a more value-oriented price point. It can accommodate up to 16 passengers and features a convertible rear seat, spacious storage, and a standard ZFT2 watersports tower. The Gen 2 Surf System includes 2,600 pounds of factory ballast, custom wake-shaping devices, and an intuitive 4.3" LCD color screen for fine-tuning wakes.

Moomba Mojo

The Moomba Mojo is a powerful wake boat with Flow Surf Systems and an enhanced AutoWake system. It offers 4,000 pounds of standard ballast and an optional G6 system for faster fill times. The AutoWake's Go Home Leveling feature ensures a comfortable and stable ride back to the dock. The 7" display allows for multiple views and user preferences, making it easy to optimize the wake.

Axis Wake T235

The Axis Wake T235 is the latest addition to the Axis family, offering world-class wakes and waves while being easy to handle and tow. This 23.5-foot vessel features classic bow lines, bold styling, ample speakers, cup holders, and storage. It can accommodate up to 16 people and is a perfect choice for families looking for both performance and elegance.

Regal LS2 Surf

The Regal LS2 Surf is one of the best and most affordable Forward Drive surf boats on the market. It offers 1,800 pounds of ballast, wake-influencing tabs, and a Volvo Penta touchscreen for integrated control. The Regal LS2 provides a surprisingly large and clean wave, making it an excellent choice for those seeking value and performance.

Centurion Ri230

The Centurion Ri230 is a 23' wake boat that displaces more water with less weight, thanks to its Opti-V hull design. It features flat, triangular pads at the transom corners for symmetrical wakes and up to seven ballast locations, including two sub-floor tanks, for a total ballast potential of 5,400 pounds. The boat also includes long-blade, QuickSurf Pro plates for improved surf wakes and lay-flat sun-pad lounge seats.

Yamaha 255XD

The Yamaha 255XD is a jet-propelled wake boat that combines ballast and speed control with a unique wake-enhancing system tailored to jet power. Its hull design sits lower at the stern for a naturally boosted wake size. The WakeBooster system and 1,600 pounds of ballast further augment the wake size. The Yamaha 255XD offers a spacious swim platform, stadium seating

The best wake surf boats

If you're looking for the best wake surf boats, there are a few key features you should look out for. These include ballast tanks, drop-down wedges, and side-mounted hydraulic fins, all of which work together to create the perfect shape and size of the wake. Additionally, a good wake surf boat should have an inboard engine with a V-drive to a shaft-driven propeller mounted away from the transom, or a water jet with exhausts mounted on the side to avoid the risk of a stern-mounted propeller causing injuries.

MasterCraft XStar S

The XStar S is the current flagship of the MasterCraft lineup and for good reason. It combines luxury with performance, featuring integrated SurfStar technology and additional ballast for 2023, producing some of the most adaptable, polished, and reliable waves in the industry. With a price tag starting at just under $245,000, it offers a premium experience and is available in a saltwater spec, making it a versatile option for wake surfing enthusiasts.

Super Air Nautique G23

The Super Air Nautique G23 has long been one of the premier wake and surf boats on the market, and its 2022 redesign further solidified its reputation. The 2023 model maintains the new look, amenities, and an even better wake. With features like 2,200 pounds of subfloor factory ballast, Nautique's Surf System, and the Nautique Configurable Running Surface, it's no wonder the G23 remains a top choice. While the price varies, additional features like an optional supplemental ballast system that adds 1,450 pounds of ballast, further enhance its appeal.

Axis Wake T235

The Axis Wake T235 is the latest addition to the Axis family and takes wake surfing to the next level. This 23.5-foot vessel is specifically engineered for water sports, creating world-class wakes and waves while remaining easy to handle and tow. With a price point similar to the Axis range, starting at around $75,000, it offers exceptional value for a purpose-built wake boat. It includes features like hydraulic surf gates, hydraulic wedges, and a ballast system controlled via a 7-inch touchscreen, all designed to create the perfect surfing wake.

Yamaha 222XD

If you're in the market for a jet-powered wake surf boat, the Yamaha 222XD is an excellent choice. Starting at $86,000, it comes fitted with twin 1.8L Yamaha marine engines and a jet drive system, making it safe and user-friendly. While the wake it creates may not have the same finesse as higher-end prop-driven boats, the 222XD still offers a fun and cost-effective way to get into wake surfing, with features like a folding wake tower and fin-based wake boosters.

Tige 24 RZX

The Tige 24 RZX stands out for the versatility of its convex hull shape, which can create a range of wake profiles, from a virtually flat profile for slalom skiing to an asymmetric curling wave. The combination of the convex hull and the TAPS3T control system allows for pre-set configurations that can be recalled with the touch of a button, making it easy to customize your wake. With a starting price of $230,000 and the option to add full custom paint and top-of-the-line audio, the Tige 24 RZX offers a high-performance and stunning wake surf boat experience.

Pavati AL26

The Pavati AL26 for 2025 brings innovation and luxury to performance wake boats. One of its standout features is the Rip Tide™ 6.0 Surf System, which allows riders to fine-tune wave size and shape according to their skill level and preferences. The AL26 also offers enhanced comfort with RGB lighting, heated and air-cooled captain's chairs, and heated and chilled cup holders. Additionally, the boat's handling is top-tier, with bow and stern thrusters and advanced gyro stabilizers, making it one of the most responsive wake boats in its class.

So, whether you're a beginner or a pro, these wake surf boats offer a range of features and performance capabilities to suit your needs and help you create the perfect wake.

Electric vs petrol-powered wake boats

Electric boats have been around for a few years, but they are now becoming more popular as a viable alternative to petrol-powered boats. Electric boats have several advantages over their petrol-powered counterparts. Firstly, they produce zero direct emissions, which is better for the environment and creates a more enjoyable experience for the user. This also means that electric boats have access to areas that have restrictions on emissions, such as some lakes and marine areas.

Another benefit of electric boats is that they are much quieter. This makes for a more pleasant experience when trying to have a conversation while out on the water, and they are also less likely to be restricted in areas where noise pollution needs to be kept to a minimum. For example, in the Swiss Alps, boats louder than 72 decibels are often restricted in where they can go, which is an issue for petrol-powered boats that can reach 80 decibels at cruising speed.

Electric boats also have fewer moving parts and require less maintenance. They do not require fuel or oil for propulsion, so there is less chance of poor maintenance causing major damage to environmental systems. They are also easier to operate, often requiring just the simple switch of a button to start, and they are more user-friendly for beginners.

However, one of the biggest drawbacks of electric boats is the range. Due to battery constraints, the range for an electric engine is much more limited than that of a petrol engine. They also tend to be heavier than petrol-powered boats of a similar size, which can affect speed and range. Additionally, the acquisition cost of an electric boat is currently higher than that of a conventional powerboat.

Petrol-powered boats have the advantage when it comes to range and cost-effectiveness. They also have more high-power options available. However, they produce emissions and fumes, which can be unpleasant and harmful to the environment. They also tend to be louder, which can be a problem in areas with noise restrictions. Petrol-powered boats also require more maintenance due to having more moving parts and the need for regular fuel and oil changes.

So, which is the best option for a wake boat? It depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a more environmentally-friendly and quiet option, an electric wake boat could be a good choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize range and cost, a petrol-powered wake boat may be more suitable.

Electric Wake Boats:

• Super Air Nautique GS22E: Based on the petrol-powered GS22, this electric boat offers a hydraulic folding wake tower, custom finishes, a configurable cockpit, and a touchscreen to change from ski boat to wake surf or wakeboard use. It has a range of up to 3 hours on a single charge and offers a silent and low-impact experience.
• Duffy Sun Cruiser 22: With a top speed of 5.5 knots and a range of 40 nautical miles, this is the world's best-selling electric boat. It features a patented Power Rudder system that integrates the electric motor with the rudder and propeller for easier docking.
• Vita LION: This elegant 10.5-metre day boat is packed with powerful electric motors and batteries, offering a top speed of around 35 knots and a range of up to 70 nautical miles.

Petrol-Powered Wake Boats:

• Super Air Nautique G23: One of the premier wake and surf boats on the market, offering a new look, amenities, and an even better wake. It features 2,200 pounds of subfloor factory ballast, a configurable running surface, a folding wake tower, and an intuitive touchscreen helm control.
• MasterCraft XStar S: The top-of-the-line flagship of the MasterCraft lineup, offering luxury and exceptional performance. It features integrated SurfStar technology and additional ballast for 2023, producing some of the most adaptable and reliable waves in the industry.
• Malibu 26 LSV: The newest addition to the Luxury Sport V-Drive Series, this 26.5-foot boat accommodates up to 17 people and offers plush seating, a Max-Pivot Seat, and a port-side cooler storage locker. It provides over 6,000 pounds of ballast and customizable features like Surf Gate and Power Wedge III to enhance your wake and wave performance.

Whether you choose an electric or petrol-powered wake boat, there are plenty of options to suit your needs and provide an exciting experience on the water.

The best all-round wake surf boat

The MasterCraft XStar S is the best all-round wake surf boat. It is the current flagship of the MasterCraft lineup and is known to produce some of the most adaptable, polished, and reliable waves in the industry. The XStar S is also designed with luxury in mind, featuring first-class amenities and standard telematics that provide an exceptional boating experience.

MasterCraft has been the benchmark for tournament tow boats for over 50 years. The XStar S has all the premium features of its competition for 2023, but with the most powerful production tow boat engine ever produced. The new 630hp supercharged motor is the new gold standard in both torque and horsepower.

The MasterCraft is also available in a saltwater spec, featuring closed freshwater cooling, hydraulic steering, extra electrical bonding, and Teflon-coated aluminum components. Other new features include an optional fold-down step on the bathing platform, aft-facing chaise lounges on the transom, and convertible seating throughout.

With arguably the best and driest ride on this type of boat, along with wake-producing systems that are the best in this segment, the 23ft XStar S is the best overall wake surf boat. Starting at just under $245,000, this is a premium boat, and when fully optioned, it nears the $400,000 mark.

The best affordable wake boat

If you're looking for an affordable wake boat, you'll likely be considering an older model. A budget of around $30,000 will get you a 20-year-old wake boat, which can still offer plenty of fun on the water. When considering an older boat, it's important to know what you're looking for to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Recommended Brands

Some premium brands that offer reliable performance include Supra, Nautique, and Tige. These boats often come with factory ballast, but you may need to invest in a wake-shaper for surfing. A V-drive model, where the motor is at the back of the boat, is also recommended.

One suggested option is the Nautique "OG" 210 (produced between 1995-2006), which can be found in the $15,000-$30,000 range. These boats are known for their durability and can last a long time with proper maintenance. They offer a great wake for wakeboarding and can be surfed with modern wake-shapers and ballast.

Another recommended option is the Malibu Wakesetter 26 LSV, which offers a spacious 26.5-foot-long vessel with room for 17 people. It boasts impressive ballast capacity and customizable features like Surf Gate® and Power Wedge III® for an enhanced wake and wave experience.

Additional Considerations

When purchasing an older wake boat, it's important to budget for maintenance and repairs, which can cost around $3,000 per year. Additionally, consider the convenience of having a dealer nearby for any maintenance or troubleshooting needs.

If you're looking for a boat that can be used for both wakeboarding and water skiing, keep in mind that wake boats tend to create larger wakes, and the suitability for water skiing may depend on the sensitivity of the skier to the wake.

For surfing, a high freeboard model is recommended for safety, as older boats may require a significant amount of ballast, which can cause the boat to dip low in the water.

Final Thoughts

When considering an affordable wake boat, it's important to balance reliability, performance, and safety. While older models can offer a great entry point into the world of wake sports, they may require additional investments in wake-shaping equipment and ballast. With a careful selection and proper maintenance, you can still find plenty of fun and excitement on the water without breaking the bank.

Frequently asked questions