Looking for the best wakeboard boats for lakes? You’ve come to the right place! In this post, we’ll give you our top picks for the best wakeboard boats on the market today. We’ve considered a variety of factors in making our selections, including price, performance, features, and more. So whether you’re looking for an affordable option or the absolute best of the best, we’re confident that you’ll find a boat on this list that’s perfect for your needs.
So without further ado, let’s get started!
What is a wakeboard boat?
A wakeboard boat is a specially designed vessel used to generate large wakes for wakeboarders to jump from side to side and perform aerial tricks. Unlike water skiing boats that create a flat surface, wakeboard boats are designed to create bigger wakes. Originally, riders had to use ballast bags to weigh the boat down, but later on, manufacturers started producing V-drive inboard boats with built-in ballast systems. Wakeboard boats are easily identifiable due to their sporty style and wakeboard towers. When purchasing a wakeboard boat, it is essential to consider what the boat will be used for, the number of people who will be wakeboarding, where the boat will be used, and the weight capacity of the vehicle that will be used to tow the boat.
The best wakeboard boats for lakes in 2023
Chaparral 21 Surf
The Chaparral 21 Surf is an excellent wakeboard boat for lakes due to its affordable price, impressive features, and performance capabilities. The list price for the boat is only $54,616, which is quite low compared to most dedicated watersports boats. However, it offers 21’ of length, a 12-passenger capacity, and all the features of Chaparral’s SSi line, such as a Medallion Viper II touchscreen display for creating and storing wake-making modes. Additionally, the boat utilizes a Malibu Surf Gate to generate big curls, along with a forward-facing stern drive’s trimming and handling benefits. But, perhaps most importantly, Chaparral puts quite an effort into making sure that the boat’s sporting abilities are up to snuff, making it well-suited for those who like to take on lakes and other water sports.
Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV
The Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV is an excellent lake wakeboard boat due to its impressive features. The 23 LSV Wakesetter has the Power Wedge II system, allowing extra ballast of up to 1499 lbs, creating longer, more dynamic waves for wakeboarders to enjoy. The boat also has a new bolster-style helm seating that is incredibly comfortable and can accommodate up to 18 people. It also has a G5 tower (upgradeable to the TXI tower) that can be folded down for storage. The Malibu 23 LSV was named the 2020 & 2021 wakeboarding and wake surfing boat of the year by WakeWorld, so you know its top-notch performance. This boat is perfect for families and a great way to spend time on the lake with friends.
Centurion Vi22
The Centurion Vi22 is an excellent choice due to its sleek and sporty design, excellent performance capabilities, and convenient features. Its Opti-V hull provides 20 degrees of deadrise, which helps create symmetrical waves and wakes that you can adjust with the push of a button. The Vi22 also comes with a powerful PCM 409 engine, QuickSurf Pro system, Stinger Wake Plate, and transom storage.
Mastercraft NXT22
The Mastercraft NXT22 is the perfect wakeboard boat for several reasons:
- The boat is feature-rich, with a 60 hp Ilmor 6.0L engine, comfortable seating for up to 14 people, analog gauges and switches, and a 4.3-inch digital screen with factory presets.
- The boat is lightweight and easy to store and tow.
- The pickle-fork bow and convertible rear-facing seat provide an epic view of the action.
- The boat boasts a five-year warranty and a surf system for an enhanced wakeboarding experience.
- The 22’s control panel features both analog and digital technologies, allowing for easy customization and control of the wake.
Nautique Super Air Nautique GS22E
The Nautique Super Air GS22E has the latest electric propulsion technology that provides the torque needed for wakeboarding and a MyNautique telematics platform for remote monitoring. It is equipped with the Nautique Surf System, Waveplate technology, and a pop-up pylon for skiing capability. The combined charging system inlet allows for both DC and AC chargers for faster charging times. The Nautique Configurable Running Surface technology also offers optimal speed and performance for any water sport activity. Plus, it produces zero emissions and runs quietly, making it the perfect boat for anyone looking for an eco-friendly and enjoyable ride.
Axis Wake Research A24
The Axis Wake Research A24 is an excellent choice for wakeboarders looking for a boat that can handle the waves on the lake. It features a long, wide wake with consistent transitions, perfect for tricks and jumps. The boat’s design is made to be economical and functional, allowing for a big budget-friendly boat with the features you need for a great day on the water. The ballast tanks are kept simple, and the freeboard improvements include additional storage and a deeper portside seat in the cockpit for easy access to the optional Engel soft cooler.
The A24 is outfitted with Axis Wake’s patented technology, the Surf Gate and Power Wedge III. The Surf Gate creates pro-quality, clean, and customizable waves, while the Power Wedge III allows more control over the size and shape of the wake. This boat also has the advantage of a taller, rugged-looking exterior, which allows it to turn through chop without taking in water from the added weight.
In addition, this boat has plenty of room to seat up to 18 passengers, with configurable wraparound interior seating and flip-up Chill-Ax seating options. Finally, it is powered by a Malibu Monsoon M5Di/M6Di engine that offers superior performance, reliability, sound reduction, and fuel economy, making it an excellent value for the price.
Moomba Max
The Moomba Max is one of the best lake wakeboard boats due to its impressive performance, comfort, and safety features. The Max has a 23-foot hull that maximizes passenger space, with a capacity of up to 17 people. It features 4,000 pounds of ballast and AutoWake technology, which allows the boat to create repeatable wakes that fit specific riders’ preferences. The AutoWake system uses a seven-inch touchscreen helm interface to track pitch, roll, water displacement, and predicted wave amplitude. The boat also has a split-pad walkthrough transom design, allowing riders to move quickly between the cockpit and the swim platform. In addition, the Max has Flow 2.0 contoured wave-making plates and an impressive 3,700 pounds of ballast, allowing it to create some of the largest wakes on the lake. Furthermore, Max’s deep hull and tall freeform make it very stable in rough waters and winds, providing a safe and enjoyable ride for riders of all skill levels.
Tige RZX3
The Tigé RZX3 is one of the best wakeboard boats, thanks to its host of features that make it perfect for those looking to get on the water. It has a patented ConvexV Hull that produces massive, high-quality wakes and TAPS 3T technology for great swells and powerful wakes. It also comes with an Indmar Raptor 6.2 L, V8 engine, a Wet Sounds Audio System, a Tige Clear touchscreen, and an Alpha M2 Tower outfitted with swivel board racks and a surf pocket bimini. Additionally, the Tigé RZX3 offers to seat the whole crew and adaptability to the ever-changing conditions of the lake. With its spacious bow area, convertible rear bench seat, aft-facing lounges, and swiveling helm seat, you and your friends can spend hours out on the water, wakeboarding and having a good time.
Centurion Fi23
The Centurion Fi23 is an excellent wakeboard boat. Its Opti-V hull offers 20 degrees of deadrise and excellent stability, while its QuickSurf and Stinger Wake Plate tabs allow users to customize and tune the waves and wakes generated by the boat while it is in motion. Additionally, the Fi23 has a QuickLaunch system, which makes it move faster with minimal bow rise, and it comes with convenient transom storage and customizable color options.
Sanger V215
The Sanger V215 is a great wakeboard boat due to its large wave and tight handling. Its 900-pound Flash Flood Wake System, full-length stringer, adjustable driver’s seat, seat bass storage, bow storage, tilt steering, and automatic bilge pump are all standard features that make this boat perform well. The V215 is powered by an Indmar Raptor 440 or 575 engine, giving it 398 or 510 horsepower, respectively. This boat also offers smooth and easy handling, allowing it to turn quickly and accelerate quickly. Its deluxe upholstery package ensures a comfortable ride, while its lifetime warranty on the hull provides peace of mind.
What to consider when buying a wakeboard boat for lakes?
Size and Speed
When choosing a wakeboard boat for lakes, it is essential to consider size and speed. For size, a boat should provide enough room for passengers and storage space for equipment. For speed, the boat should have on-the-fly adjustments to the Stinger Wake Plate and cruising speed for better control and maneuverability. Additionally, the boat should have intuitively placed features for easy access and use.
Wake-shaping technology
When buying a wakeboard boat for lakes, wake-shaping technology is an essential factor to consider. The right wakeboard can make all the difference in the quality of your wakeboarding experience. With the help of wake-shaping technology, wakeboarders can create the perfect wave and wake shape, leading to better performance and more fun on the water. With wake-shaping technology, wakeboarders can achieve a superior wakeboarding experience, especially on lakes.
Features
Look for a boat with excellent handling, ample storage, and an intuitive dashboard design for easy navigation. The interior should also be feature-rich and fully customizable, with high-tech specs, intuitive positioning of features, and a 5-year warranty for added peace of mind. Additionally, the exterior design should not be overlooked—look for a boat with a modern and stylish look that will stand out while on the water.
Bow design
When choosing a bow design for a wakeboard boat for lakes, several factors should be taken into account:
- The hull design is critical to a smooth and fast ride. A V-shaped hull is best for wakeboarding and surfing, as it creates a surfable wave. A flatter, rounder hull is better suited if you want to water ski or tube.
- You want to look for a boat with a speed control system and features such as adjustable armrests and hot-tub lounges that can hold up to 12 people.
- You should look for a boat with a transom angle that creates a natural curl and push.
All these factors should be taken into consideration when choosing a bow design for a wakeboard boat for lakes.
Budget
When looking for a wakeboard boat for lakes, it is essential to consider your budget. You can check the latest prices for wakeboard boats and find the best budget option for your needs. You can also search online for wakeboard boats and compare prices to find the best deal. You may want to consider more expensive models if you have a larger budget. You can request a quote from a dealer or manufacturer to get an exact price.
FAQ
How much does a wakeboard boat typically cost?
Wakeboard boats typically cost between $100,000 to $200,000, with many models and brands offering boats in that range. For instance, a Mastercraft NXT22 starts at $106,000, and a Centurion Vi24 was last quoted at $110,000. Additionally, you will need to factor in the cost of storage and insurance, which can range from $1,000 to $5,000 for storage and $300 to $800 for insurance, depending on your personal record. Maintenance costs are also a factor, and these can average around 10% of the total cost of the boat. So, for a $100,000 boat, you may need to budget around $10,000 for yearly maintenance.
What features should I look for in a wakeboard boat?
When shopping for a wakeboard boat, you should consider features such as the ballast system, power, touchscreen displays, customizable seating, folding towers, and the uses of the boat. The ballast system should be top-of-the-line and installed throughout the boat’s body. Make sure you pick a boat with a powerful engine that can handle the weight of passengers and ballasts. Consider whether the touchscreen display can control all functions while monitoring ballast, speed, navigation, and waves. Additionally, check for the seating system to ensure it is customizable and can provide seating for all passengers. Lastly, if you are limited in storage space, look for a model with a folding tower. With all of these features in mind, you should be able to choose the perfect wakeboard boat for your needs.
What type of hull design is best for wakeboarding?
When it comes to wakeboarding, the type of hull design best suited for the sport is a deep-V hull. This hull design displaces water around the boat and cuts through moving water and waves more easily, allowing for smoother rides and higher-quality wakes. It also allows for greater fuel efficiency as the boat is able to thrust deeper into the water compared to boats with round or flat hulls. Additionally, a deep-V boat will provide a better ride in choppy waters than a flat-bottomed boat. However, it does not produce as high a quality wake as a flat-bottomed boat, so if you are looking for a boat with great wakes, a flat-bottomed boat is the better choice.
How many people can typically fit on a wakeboard boat?
Depending on the size and type of the boat, wakeboard boats can typically accommodate up to 15 people. For wakeboarding, you want to look for a bigger boat, such as one that is 23 feet or more, and for water skiing, you would want to look for a smaller, closed-bow boat. Consider the size of your family, the number of friends you want to bring on the boat, and the amount of storage space you have.
How do you properly maintain a wakeboard boat?
Maintaining a wakeboard boat is critical to ensuring that your vessel is always in top performance and ensures your safety on the waters. Proper maintenance includes:
Regular cleaning of the interior and exterior.
Checking for signs of wear or damage.
Regularly lubricating and inspecting the boat’s mechanical parts.
To keep the boat in great shape, make sure to store it properly and use protection from the sun and other weather conditions. Additionally, it is essential to check the fuel system, battery, and propeller. Lastly, stay up-to-date with the manufacturer’s specifications for any repairs or replacements. Following these steps regularly will help keep your wakeboard boat in tip-top shape for your next water adventure.