Best Wake Surf Boats: Unlocking The Perfect Wave

Wakesurfing boats are designed to create the perfect wave for surfers. The best wakesurfing boats are those that can create tall waves with a clean face, giving the surfer ample room to play and shred. These boats are also designed with safety in mind, as wake surfers often find themselves only 5 feet away from the boat's stern.

Some of the top wakesurfing boats on the market include the Super Air Nautique G23, the MasterCraft XStar S, the Yamaha 255XD, and the Axis Wake T235. These boats offer luxurious features, powerful engines, and advanced wake-shaping technologies to provide the ultimate surfing experience.

When choosing a wakesurfing boat, it is important to consider factors such as hull design, ballast, and adjustable hydraulic tabs and plates that allow for shaping the wake to the user's preferences. Additionally, stability and safety are crucial factors, with some boats offering hull designs that eliminate the shock of rough water and ensure the safety of riders.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer, there is a wakesurfing boat that can cater to your needs and provide an exhilarating experience on the water.

Best wake surf boats for beginners

If you're a beginner at wake surfing, there are a few things to consider when choosing a boat. Firstly, it's important to understand that wake surfing requires a different setup to water skiing or wakeboarding. While all three sports involve being towed behind a boat, wake surfing requires a specific type of wake that can be challenging to create without the right equipment.

When it comes to choosing a boat for wake surfing, there are several features that you should look out for. Here are some of the best wake surf boats for beginners:

Axis Wake T235

The Axis Wake T235 is a 23.5-foot vessel that offers both wakeboarding and wakesurfing capabilities. It's designed specifically for water sports and can create world-class wakes and waves while being easy to handle and tow. The T235 builds on the performance of the T23, a fan favourite, and adds elegant classic bow lines and bold styling. It offers comfort and convenience for up to 16 people with ample speakers, cup holders, and storage in the bow and wraparound lounge. The Axis Wake T235 is a perfect compromise for families who want both performance and elegance.

Chaparral 21 Surf

The Chaparral 21 Surf is an excellent option for those looking for a dedicated watersports boat at a relatively low price. With a list price of $54,616, it offers 21 feet of length and a 12-passenger capacity. It utilises a Malibu Surf Gate to generate big curls, along with propulsion provided by a Volvo-Penta Forward Drive, which also enhances trimming and handling. The Chaparral 21 Surf is a great choice for those who want a feature-rich and affordable wake surf boat.

Heyday WT-2

The Heyday WT-2 is a 22-foot, 6-inch vessel that is purpose-built for wake sports enthusiasts. It offers a unique truncated sponson bow design that resists swamping and reduces overall boat length for easier trailering. The transom is angled at 117 degrees, creating a natural curl and push effect at wake speeds. The WT-2 doesn't need additional wake-generating devices as it has an impressive wake-making ability. It also features a speed-control system, tow towers, and an 1,800-pound ballast system. With a price of $49,995, the Heyday WT-2 is an excellent value for those seeking a feature-rich and affordable wake surf boat.

MasterCraft XT20

The MasterCraft XT20 is a premium wake boat that just sneaks under the $100,000 mark. It's equipped with the GEN2 Surf System, which includes wake-shaping tabs controlled by a touchscreen at the helm. It offers preset surf profiles for riders of different skill levels and custom wave-making abilities. The XT20 also features a ZFT Tower with spinning board racks and a convertible centre cockpit seat, providing a lounge area to watch the action. If you're looking for a premium wake surf boat with customisation options, the MasterCraft XT20 is an excellent choice.

Moomba Mondo

The Moomba Mondo is a wake boat that packs a punch when it comes to creating massive wakes. With a ballast capacity of 3,700 pounds, it can generate some impressive waves. The Multi-Sensor AutoWake system and Flow 2.0 contoured wave-making plates ensure repeatable and rider-specific wakes. The Moomba Mondo also features a seven-inch touchscreen helm interface and a split-pad walkthrough transom design, making it easy to move between the cockpit and the swim platform. Priced at $68,700, the Moomba Mondo offers a lot of features and performance for its price.

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 tooled-into-the-hull Surf System, a Configurable Running Surface, a Nautique Surf Pipe, and a standard folding wake tower. In the cockpit, it offers wraparound seating for up to 16 people, with a rear-facing transom seat and flip-up bench backrests. The Super Air Nautique G23 is an excellent choice for those seeking a well-rounded and feature-rich wake surf boat.

These boats offer a range of features and price points that cater to different needs and budgets. Remember to consider your specific requirements, such as passenger capacity, desired features, and your budget when making your decision.

Electric wake surf boats

Super Air Nautique GS22E

The Super Air Nautique GS22E is a fully electric, multi-sport towboat that delivers an exceptional on-water experience with zero emissions. It is the world's first 100% electric towboat and was awarded the title of "Boat of the Year 2021" by Boating Magazine. The GS22E offers a unique combination of performance and sustainability, with a high-torque, maintenance-free electric motor and a large battery pack. This boat can run for about two to three hours on a single charge, providing ample time for watersports enthusiasts to enjoy their time on the water. One of the standout features of this boat is its quiet operation, allowing for easy conversations without having to raise your voice. The GS22E also boasts a stylish exterior, modern lines, and custom touches throughout the interior. However, it comes with a significant price tag, starting at US$292,711.

Gigawave

Dubbed the "Tesla boat," Gigawave is a revolutionary electric-powered wake surf boat. It features a patented advanced surf system that delivers an unparalleled experience. The boat's hull is specifically designed for wake surfing, allowing for the displacement of a large amount of water to create massive waves. The boat also includes multiple board racks, a forward helm, and an open aft cockpit for quick access to the water. The electric powertrain provides high torque for a stable wave, a silent motor for an enhanced experience, and a simple motor for reduced maintenance. While the price is not mentioned, the boat is targeted at riders who want to elevate the sport.

Other Options

In addition to the above-mentioned boats, there are other electric boats that can be used for wake surfing, although they may not be specifically designed for it. One example is the Hacker-Craft 27ft Special Sport, powered by the Ingenity Electric Drive Train. This boat offers a sturdy construction and a comfortable riding experience.

As the world of electric wake surf boats continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative and sustainable options entering the market, providing environmentally conscious watersports enthusiasts with exciting opportunities to enjoy their favourite activities while reducing their carbon footprint.

Luxury wake surf boats

If you're looking for a luxury wake surf boat, you'll be spoilt for choice. Here are some of the best options on the market:

Super Air Nautique G25 Paragon

With a base price of just under $250,000, the G25 Paragon is an excellent choice for those seeking a luxury wake surf boat. It can accommodate up to 19 people and offers both petrol and diesel engine options, with a maximum of 600hp. The wide beam and squared-off bow provide ample lounging space, and the boat comes with a class-leading integrated Nautique surf system and configurable running surface. The supplemental ballast system allows you to create a huge wake with various wave shapes. The app-based Mynautique system allows you to monitor the boat's fuel, battery, and engine management information remotely. With its extensive standard specifications and customisation options, the G25 Paragon's price can easily exceed $400,000.

MasterCraft XStar S

The MasterCraft XStar S is the current flagship of the MasterCraft lineup. With its integrated SurfStar technology and additional ballast, it produces some of the most adaptable, polished, and reliable waves in the industry. Every aspect of this boat is designed with luxury in mind, featuring first-class amenities and standard telematics for an exceptional boating experience. The XStar S starts at just under $245,000, and with all the optional extras, the price can reach nearly $400,000.

Tige 22 RZX

The Tige 22 RZX stands out for the sheer versatility of its convex hull shape, which creates impressive wakes for surfing and wakeboarding. The Tige’s breadth of configurable wakes ranges from a virtually flat profile for slalom skiing to an asymmetric curling wave. The TAPS3T control system allows you to programme and recall pre-set configurations for cruise speed, running attitude, ballast, and wedge system. The Tige 22 RZX is equipped with powerful Indmar Raptor series engines, providing exceptional pulling power. Prices start at $230,000, and a top-spec boat will cost over $300,000.

Yamaha 255XD

While jet-drive boats may not be the best option for wake surfing, the Yamaha 255XD is an excellent choice if you're looking for a jet boat that can also be used for wake surfing. Starting at $108,799, the 255XD comes with twin 1.8L Yamaha marine engines, a folding wake tower, and fin-based wake boosters. An additional 360 lbs of ballast can be added with optional ballast tanks. The Yamaha 255XD offers a fun and cost-effective way to get into wake surfing, with all the features and performance you'd expect from a jet boat.

Jet-powered wake surf boats

If you're looking for a jet-powered wake surf boat, the Yamaha 255XD is a great choice. Starting at $108,799, the 255XD combines ballast and speed control with a unique wake-enhancing system tailored to jet power. The hull is designed to sit lower at the stern to boost wake size. The WakeBooster system features integrated, electronically controlled plates that lower beneath each corner of the swim platform to influence water flow and boost and shape the wake on the rider's preferred side. The 255XD also has a total of 1,600 pounds of ballast. All of this can be controlled via a 12.3" Connext touchscreen at the helm. The 255XD has a unique paddle system on the steering wheel that controls forward, neutral, and reverse during docking or other slow-speed maneuvers. The Yamaha's Stadium Seating configuration on the swim platform is ideal for coving or hanging out at the sandbar.

Another option is the Yamaha 222XD, which starts at $86,000. The 222XD is fitted with twin 1.8L Yamaha marine engines as standard. The jet drive system has no external propellers and a shallow draft, making it a safe, user-friendly day boat with capacity for up to 10 passengers. The base boat also comes with a folding wake tower and fin-based wake boosters on the stern. An additional 360 pounds of ballast can be provided by speccing the optional ballast tanks, which are mounted within the bathing platform and cost an extra $660. This creates a significant wake, although without the finesse of the integrated systems on higher-end prop-driven wake surf boats. The 222XD is a fun and cost-effective way to get into the sport, with all the additional features and performance you’d expect from a jet boat.

Tournament wake surf boats

When it comes to tournament wake surf boats, there are several options that stand out for their performance, features, and versatility. Here are four to six paragraphs detailing the best choices in this category:

The Tige 22 RZX is an exceptional tournament wake surf boat known for its versatility and performance. Its convex hull shape sucks the hull down, allowing it to create a wide range of configurable wakes. Whether you're a slalom skier or a surfer, the Tige 22 RZX can deliver the perfect wave. Its TAPS3T control system allows you to programme and recall pre-set configurations for cruise speed, running attitude, ballast, and wedge system with just the touch of a button. The boat is powered by Indmar Raptor series engines, with the top-spec Raptor 575 providing an impressive 510 horsepower and 580 lb-ft of torque. The Tige 22 RZX also offers full custom paint options and top-of-the-line Ausdison audio, making it a great choice for those seeking a combination of performance and luxury.

Another excellent option in this category is the MasterCraft XStar S, which is currently the flagship model of the MasterCraft lineup. The XStar S is known for producing some of the most adaptable, polished, and reliable waves in the industry. It features integrated SurfStar technology and additional ballast, ensuring a perfect wake for surfers. Every aspect of the boat is designed with luxury in mind, offering first-class amenities and standard telematics for an exceptional boating experience. With its stunning aesthetics and powerful engine options, the MasterCraft XStar S is a top choice for those seeking a premium tournament wake surf boat.

The Super Air Nautique G23 is another premier wake and surf boat that has maintained its reputation over the years. The 2023 model builds on its strong foundation, offering a new look, more amenities, and an even better wake. With 2,200 pounds of subfloor factory ballast and Nautique's Surf System, it delivers an exceptional surfing experience. The configurable running surface and Nautique Surf Pipe further enhance wake shaping capabilities. The plush cockpit provides comfortable seating for up to 16 people, making the Super Air Nautique G23 an excellent choice for larger groups.

The Malibu Wakesetter 26 LSV is a new addition to the Luxury Sport V-Drive Series and one of the largest boats in its class. With room for up to 17 people and plenty of plush seating, it offers a luxurious and spacious experience. The Malibu Wakesetter 26 LSV also boasts over 6,000 pounds of ballast and customizable features like Surf Gate® and Power Wedge III®, allowing you to carve up the water like a pro. It's a great option for those seeking a combination of performance, luxury, and ample space.

Lastly, the Yamaha 255XD, with its jet propulsion system, is a unique offering in the tournament wake surf boat category. It combines ballast and speed control with a wake-enhancing system tailored specifically for jet power. The hull is designed to sit lower at the stern, naturally boosting the wake size. The WakeBooster system further influences water flow and shapes the wake to the rider's preferred side. With 1,600 pounds of ballast and a massive 12.3" Connext touchscreen control system, the Yamaha 255XD delivers an impressive performance and provides a comfortable, stable ride.

These tournament wake surf boats offer a range of features, performance levels, and price points to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize wave-making capabilities, luxury amenities, or spacious interiors, one of these boats is sure to meet your requirements for a thrilling and enjoyable experience on the water.

Frequently asked questions