Best Ski Wake Crossover Boats: Top Picks Reviewed

Water skiing is one of the most exhilarating outdoor sports there is. To get the most out of the experience, having the right ski boat is paramount. While water skiing requires the smallest, flattest wakes possible, wakeboarding is all about creating massive waves. This is where crossover boats come in. These boats are designed to bring people together, allowing Dad or Granddad to ski, Mom to surf, and the kids to wakeboard.

The MasterCraft XT21 is one of the best crossover ski boats on the market. 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 fills the ballast and generates a powerful wake behind the boat, ideal for wake surfing.

Other top crossover boats include the Malibu 20 VTX, the Tigé RZR, the Supreme S202, the Supra SR, the Moomba Helix, the Nautique GS20, and the Malibu Wakesetter VTX. These boats offer the versatility to ski, wakeboard, and surf, with only a few pushes of a button.

Malibu 20 VTX

The Malibu 20 VTX is a highly versatile crossover boat, ideal for waterskiing, wakeboarding, and wakesurfing. Its unique Malibu T-Cut Diamond Hull™ is tournament-approved, producing pro-level slalom wakes for waterskiing, and its powerful engines and ballast system can also generate large wakes for wakeboarding and waves for wakesurfing.

The 20 VTX is a triple threat, offering fun for the whole family. It is easy to store, simple to trailer, and its 20-foot length makes it easy to tow and dock. The boat features two tower options: the TXi Performance Tower, which is ideal for skiing, and the Malibu G5 Tower, which is better suited for those who also want to wakeboard and wakesurf.

The 20 VTX has a luxurious traditional bow, which provides a smooth ride in all water conditions and seats up to 11 people. The boat also has a powerful engine, the Malibu Monsoon M5Di or M6Di, which delivers high torque, excellent fuel economy, and low emissions.

The Malibu Command Centre is an intuitive and easy-to-use operating system with a high-resolution touchscreen, rider and driver profiles, and sports presets. The boat also features HD docking and rearview cameras, which allow you to record photos and videos that can be saved to your phone.

The 20 VTX is a great option for those looking for a versatile, high-performance boat that is suitable for a range of watersports and provides a luxurious and comfortable experience on the water.

MasterCraft XT21

The MasterCraft XT21 is a top-rated crossover ski boat, ideal for water skiing and wakeboarding. It is the longest boat in its class, with a large 51-gallon fuel capacity and a seating capacity of 14 passengers.

The XT21 is equipped with a 6.0L Ilmor engine, made exclusively for MasterCraft. The boat performs well during slalom runs, with minimal wake generation and no ballast, even at high speeds—making it perfect for skiing. When a wake is required, the Gen2 Surf System fills the ballast to generate a powerful wake, ideal for wake surfing. The Gen2 Surf System is customised for each boat in the MasterCraft lineup and can be controlled via the in-dash Murphy touchscreen system.

The MasterCraft XT21 has a sleek, traditional V monohull design. It features a convertible transom seat and a spacious layout. The boat is highly customisable, with options for additional features such as the Dockstar Handling System, which makes docking and manoeuvring in tight spaces a breeze.

The MasterCraft XT21 is a well-regarded crossover ski boat, offering a seamless combination of performance, quality, and comfort. With its powerful engine, versatile wake capabilities, and spacious design, the XT21 is an excellent choice for water sports enthusiasts.

Tigé 20 RZX

The Tigé 20 RZX is a tournament-ready ski boat, featuring a patented Convex Hull. This means that, unlike other hulls, the 20 RZX's hull curves upward at the transom in a cathedral style. This allows it to generate a ballast-free slalom-type wake at tournament skiing speeds of 35-36 mph.

The Tigé 20 RZX is heavier and beamier than the typical 20-foot crossover, so it is naturally capable of producing big wakes. Its wider beam and deep freeboard allow for increased fuel capacity and storage space. The boat has a 46-gallon fuel capacity and can seat up to 13 people, which means plenty of spotters for every session.

The Tigé 20 RZX's first consideration is its 20 RZX's patented Convex hull, a cathedral-style hull that curves upward at the transom and can produce a slalom-ready wake with no ballast and at tournament skiing speeds of around 34 to 36 mph. When it's time to wakeboard, the driver can press a button on the in-dash Clear touchscreen to fill up the 3,000 pounds of ballast in a matter of minutes. The TAPS 3 System allows the driver to adjust the boat's pitch, list, and yaw to optimize the surf wave.

The Tigé 20 RZX 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 heaps of storage, a wide beam, and a deep freeboard. Standard features include an Indmar Raptor engine, Wet Sounds Audio System, and the Alpha M2 Tower, which comes with swivel ski/wakeboard racks.

Supra SR

The Supra SR is a crossover ski and wakeboard boat with a modified-vee hull and an inboard engine. It is a heavier, beamier boat, with a larger 45-gallon fuel capacity and the ability to seat a crew of 14.

The key feature of the Supra SR is its AutoWake system, which utilizes onboard sensors to control the boat's pitch and roll, optimizing the shape of wakes and waves. The system includes vertical stainless-steel blades on both sides of the transom and a center tab deployed beyond the propeller flow. The AutoWake now includes an auto-leveling feature, utilizing surf tabs to keep the boat level regardless of passenger seating.

The Swell 3.0 Surf system employs inclinometers to measure the boat's movements and adjust the ballast and Supra Launch settings to align with the boat's pitch and roll. This technology optimizes each rider's preset wake or wave.

The Supra SR is powered by either a 400 or 450 Raptor by Indmar 6.2L V-8 engine, offering high speeds in the 30s for skiing or cruising, as well as slow-speed torque for surfing.

The boat offers a range of convenient features, including the FX1 Folding Power Tower, a wireless phone charging pad at the helm, and the Vision touchscreen control system, which allows the driver to easily adjust settings for an enhanced experience.

The Supra SR is priced starting from $120,200, with used models ranging from $95,000 to $140,000. While it may be on the smaller side for larger groups, the Supra SR is an excellent choice for a premium crossover ski boat, offering advanced technology, powerful performance, and a smooth ride.

Nautique Super Air GS20

The Nautique Super Air GS20 is a versatile 20-foot crossover boat that can be used for water skiing, wakeboarding, and wakesurfing. It features the Nautique Configurable Running Surface (NCRS), which 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 pinpoint direction and speed control, and the boat can be equipped with a pop-up ski pylon for a lower tow rope angle. The GS20 has a ballast capacity of 1,850 pounds and can be powered by a 355 hp ZZ5, 400 hp ZR4, or 450 hp ZZ6 PCM Marine engine.

The GS20 has a sleek design and is fully customizable, with various options and accessories available. These include a surf pipe on the transom that directs exhaust away from the surfer, a Flight Control tower for wakeboarding, and a retractable ski pylon. The Linc Panoray system also includes a Ski Assist feature, and the boat has a starting price of $110,024.

The GS20 is highly regarded for its ability to produce clean, quality wakes for waterskiing and wakeboarding, as well as waves for surfing. It offers a smooth ride and is well-suited for a variety of water sports activities. The GS20 has been described as a "watersports marvel" and is considered one of the most versatile boats in its class.

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