FREE For Boat Shoppers: www.BoatersSecretWeapon.com/Toolkit FREE Boat Buyer's Toolkit for new or used boat shoppers will give you 28-pages of checklists, questions to ask and how to demo the boat the right way so you don't miss a thing. Plus, get the cost of ownership calculator so you know precisely what your cost of ownership will be. FREE For Boat Owners: boaterssecretweapon.com/pages/boater-bootcamp FREE Boater Bootcamp for newer boat owners gives you insights on boat ownership basics, navigation and practical rules of the water and how to avoid, be prepared and handle emergency situations. No more not knowing what you don't know in the boating lifestyle.
I’d rather have a nicer gel coat and more qc dollars than a double iPad dash. Switches are cheaper and more reliable in every regard. It’s also less overwhelming to teach your buddies.
2008 Tigé Z1. New to surfing, but we LOVE it. Added suction-type wake shaper (SWELL Wakesurf Creator Slim H3X) and aftermarket ballast (Wakemakers universal in rear [500 lbs per locker] and FatSac v [400 lbs] in bow under seats) and it works great. I’m a big guy (275), and my little Z1 produces enough wave for me to surf. I just upgraded to a surf prop (Acme 537 to 1433) and it makes a big improvement in performance, both in start and maintaining speed. I’d love one of the newer boats, but it’s hard to justify the cost. My Z1 also fits in my 7’ tall garage, where the newer boats wouldn’t, and I’d have to pay to store the boat.
2021 MB B52 Alpha. This is my 4th MB and I really enjoy them. I had a 2015, 18, 20 and 21. Each has been an improvement over the last in terms of surf wave. Mostly intermediate surfers here. The Alpha is a redesign and produces a fantastic wave and super easy to set up. These boats are simpler than some of the premium brands in electronics but I tend to appreciate the analog. In terms of quality of build I would put them in the premium range. All paint and billet aluminum. No decals etc. These boats will surf with the best of them and considering build quality I think they are a great value for the price point.
2022 Nautique Paragon 25. Absolittyl the best. Not so much for running, but surf system and tu abilttiy are outpaced only by luxury cabin appointments. Pretty good dealer support in MN.
2024 Malibu 26LSV 2016 Axis A22 2022 Axis T23 2011 Tige RZ2 2013 Tige Z3 2019 Malibu 23 Lsv 2013 Malibu 24 MXZ 2017 Malibu 25 LSV 2010 Mastercraft x45 2009 Malibu Response 2015 Mastercraft 20 NXT 2019 Tige Z3 These are all the boats I’ve surfed behind. (In South African we have no access to the smaller brands like heyday and MD) Obviously best surf wave by a mile is the Malibu 26Lsv, insane wave height, length and push. I really enjoy the wave on the Axis A series. Very beginner friendly and easy to learn on Surprisingly with just a wake-shaper the Tige RZ2 surfed extremely well, I would say a better surf wave then any Mastercraft that I have surfed behind. Which was surprising to me. And there is a reason Malibu has won best tow boat 3 years in a row with the 23 Lsv. You just can’t fault that boat. As for the ratings. Let the stats make the decision, for every 2 tow boats sold in the world Malibu is one of them. Just in South Africa Malibu has had 100% market share for new tow boats over the last 3 years
We have a 2021 Heyday WT Surf. We added the Go Surf Assist Tabs as well as a plug and play extra 600lb center ballast and it now has a long and massive surf wake. We are pretty advanced surfers. We have numerous friends that surf our wake and tell us the wave is as good, or even better than more expensive boats that they own (examples- MB, Mastercraft) love we were all in for less than $100k with the Tabs and extras and haven’t had any problems with it in 3 years. Service has been fantastic and any warranty work was been great for touching things up from normal wear and tear. Only thing I would add would be a heater.
I was looking at 2023 heyday WT surf with all the add ons for around 75k. I live in south Louisiana. I've wakeboarded but never wakesurfed. Is heyday a decent boat? I've heard so many mixed reviews that I'm not sure if I wanna pull the trigger. Especially when I see a 2021 centurion fi23 for around 115k with only 50 hours. Any opinions?
I still like my 04 wakesetter with all the add ons, it takes time to change from regular to goofy but unless your really competitive it’s usually just family and friends that don’t need or want a massive wave. I like that the systems are easy to repair and analog. I don’t think I’ll ever sale it for a new boat when I have more fun knowing kids and friends can spill drinks or food or hit the dock,bang the prop (I keep an extra) . I keep it nice but I’m never worried about damage other than physical damage to guests. If my wife hits the trailer on windy day it’s no worries. She always trailers the boat and I back up the trailer. We are super fast and never leave the boat on the dock. I also like the set up on the old wakesetters. Controlling the bags and stereo are easy. Just turn a nob to put music to the rider while kids in the boat hear minimal sound to take a nap or have a conversation. I ride hydrofoils these days so I don’t need a big wave and the wave is plenty big for riders that come out a few days a years. My family always has a pleasant experience, and I’m never worried about wear and tear. It’s just a toy. I bout it’s used in 2013 cash for 25k and it still looks good.
MB's are probably one the single best surf boats made today. The B52 23' will out surf any 23'ft boat on the planet. it also the most customizable from an interior and exterior aspect. they are in the middle of the value and high end boats. the new Alpha hulls have a TON of freeboard and the classic hull has plenty too just not as much as the new alpha hull. Happy to send you picture and videos of the insane wave.
First, I grew up fishing and boating from a young age and have a lot of time on the water. I’ve personally owned Ranger Fish and Ski’s, Chapparal, Malibu, and Nautique boats. I wanted to do something other than tubing with my kids, so looked into wakesurfing. I started with a 2020 Malibu 23 MXZ (this video doesn’t even mention this pickle fork series aimed at wakesurfing) and now own a ‘22 Nautique G23. My kids and wife could surf the ‘Bu but I couldn’t. Not huge - Just your average 5’10 205 lb dad bod guy. No matter what we did with the wedge, surf gate, speed or ballast, I could never let go of the rope or I’d fall out of the wave with any attempt to get out of the sweet spot. I could never tell a difference in the wave with the Wedge, which is simulated ballast, past setting 3. It only made the engine get louder. My wife hated pulling me because of the bow rise on this particular boat. The fit and finish was not great either. Paint peeling off the tower, gel coat blemishes, seat stitching coming undone, battery drain issues. So we got rid of the ‘Bu and went with Nautique, mainly due to a closer dealer for potential service issues. Couldn’t be happier. The G23 wave is great and I can surf up and down the wave all day long. Kids love it, because it can be tuned down for them. The fit and finish is far better than the ‘Bu. The handling is better. It came with the stern drive, which I didn’t care about, but have come to love and will never get a wakeboat without now. Makes a huge difference in trailering and docking the boat, as well as surfer pick up. I would highly recommend doing what the video says and spend some time with the boat you are interested in. Get behind the wave and surf it. Rent one or find a buddy that has one etc. For most, this is a huge purchase, on par with a house payment. We didn’t spend enough time on the ‘Bu and overlooked some details in the excitement of trying something new. Also, the dealer and service makes a huge difference. Are you comfortable pulling a boat, or do you want dock service? These boats require far more maintenance (winterization/summarizing) and that adds up as well. If you have a nearby dealer you can bring the boat to on a trailer, it will save you on service costs. All things to consider carefully.
My family owns a 2015 Mb Tomcat in great condition with 2 800 pound accessory bags making a total of 3200LBS of Ballast as well as aftermarket surf tabs that make for a very adjustable and great wave, I am an intermediate Surfer and Wakeboarder and the biggest thing I would change on our boat is the overall looks and newer feel to the boat that most of the other boats have
I agree with toggle switches and physical buttons. I have a 2019 Malibu Wakesetter 22 LSV love the system as long as it works. The screen has locked up around 10 times or so. It also has some random glitches that requires complete battery disconnect. I don't have much seat time on other boats but this one has been great other than a few technology glitches.
Hopefully you get an opportunity to get a closer look at MB! The alphas have a lot of freeboard and I don't think anyone other than Centurion/Supreme have more rear deadrise in the hull.
Thank you!! Currently I’m in the market to buy a surf boat and this review helped clear up and organize the confusion of the different boats on the market. Thank you so much!! If you know a great honest dealer or deal on a good boat in AZ please let me know!!
Hey good run though, enjoyed the info. I have a 2019 centurion ri237 . Absolutely great boat . Only thing I would change is the amount of settings available. There’s to many options! Although great to dial down for beginners.
Surf gates and the nautique surf system make a wake by the gates displacing water. Tabs like on the centurion make a wake by listing the boat to one side so the hull displaces the water and makes the wave(which is why it’s huge). Also the nautique G series has a way better (bigger) wake than the S series. Ive had the opportunity to test both boats.
It's so difficult to find a good comparison between the G and S series without it being vague and not answering which is better, so thank you for actually stating that. I also prefer the gate rather than the tab as, like you said, the tab completely lists the boat to one side. I'm not a fan of this because it seriously obstructs the driver's view forward and just makes things a little unsettled in the cabin. Nautique seem like they just have it right.
It's unfortunate you don't have the insight available to you to based on where you live to talk knowledgably about MB. They need to step up their marketing big time. I have a 2022 MB B52 Alpha and it produces a surf wave superior to all of the premium brands listed other than Centurion and Nautique. I've been on close to half of the brand name boats on this list. But the biggest bang for my buck was definitely the MB. After tax, it was 145k new and probably the best wakeboat purchase I've had when it comes to performance. Now they are around $160-165k with inflation and the supply shortage, unfortunately. You're right regarding the helm. It's dated. But they put more money into what the boat can do compared to the digital displays most boats have these days. The only reason I considered MB was because a dealer opened near me north of Atlanta and I wanted to test it out after seeing the price point and I was very impressed and knew I was gonna design one after just one outing.
I agree. From what I can tell MB is great value and produce an unreal surf wave. Not to mention the awesome ballast fill system. If I had a dealer near me, I would have looked hard at getting one versus my Mastercraft. I like more analog gauges and switches.
I own a 07 V210 Sanger. Rolls a nice wake with 1,600 pounds of ballast and ronix wake shaper and 6-8 passengers. A higher freeboard would help and just all around bigger/wider for more room/ storage.
2022 Mastercraft NXT22. Fit and Finish is great. Surf level - intermediate. Only two complaints on the boat - slow ballast fill times, and cannot create/save custom surf profiles. Otherwise I love it, and feel for the price it is an incredible value.
2022 x24. Epic surf wake for advanced riders. Easily tuned down for beginner kids. Not a good slalom boat. A real upgrade from my LSV Wakesetter. Top speed is only 38 MPH at Tahoe (6,229 altitude).
I am at 4300ft my mastercraft tops at 35. I never run her that fast 4000rpm is my cruising speed. Not sure why v drive folks like to cite their max speed.
@@DesertSurfer When I'm not surfing or boarding we often cruise to dinner/lunch or take visitors to Emerald Bay near the South Shore. The speed of the new x24 boats is 15mph slower. Cruising much above 30 mph isn't comfortable for the passengers so top speed matters 2-3 times a season--usually when thunderstorms come up all of a sudden and I need to get off the lake quickly. I only have 11 hours on the x24, so my experience is limited. It is superior to my 05 Wakesetter in every way.
I hear you, on the get off the lake for storm deal monsoon season has us doing the same we can be 15-20 minutes up the lake suddenly it's time to go. My NXT22 at my elevation with 4500#s of weight in it won't even plane so usually we have to dump water before heading in which means we are 10-15 mi uses from being able to start the journey. Still refuse to run her wide open anyways, usually 23-25 mph is the speed we travel distances at.
I just bought an 05 Nautique SV211 TE with 123 hours reading on the ECM. The Mrs and I’s experience levels are beginners/novice at best but I couldn’t pass up the deal I had found. We are super stoked for summer to get here and we get our journey started wherever it may lead us.
123 hours for a 20 year old Nautique is a killer find, our ‘03 MC pro star my mom skied year round has never over 1200 hours on it right now. Bought brand new for like $35k 😂
If you got a budget of 50-80k and mainly looking for wakeboarding (biggest wave) what the 2 brand/model you would recommend? I love nautique G, but then I will have to go down to a 2014-2015 is it worth it? Or should I go with a newer more value brand? I guess the question is what’s the best option for the amount cost /benefit
2018 24MXZ LOVE this boat. Easy to figure out how to use and adjust the serf system. Spent time in a friends top of the line Centurion. Each time we went out it the surf system was overly complex and not user friendly at all.
I have a 8 year old master craft with the gen 2 system. I add one 800lb to the middle of the floor and it surfs amazing. I have been on some of the new boats and they don’t surf any better. The prices have gone up dramatically since I purchased mine - the improvement has really been in iPad style screens vs the wave. The challenge is that the touch screens are buggy and the dealers aren’t able to fix them. This will get worse over time - I can’t imagine the cost for electronics repairs after the warranty expires. The ratings in the video are not very helpful. The only way to truly evaluate these boats is on the water. I like Nautique and Mastercraft based upon my on the water experiences. I do think some of the value boats are pretty good as well. I.e. Axis. But value is now priced at over 100k….
Test Drove Natique, Centurion, Supra, Tige, and Malibu before buying centurion. The wave is as good as any and as moldable as you want. The displacement of stock boat doesn’t require lead either. The giant difference between centurion and others we demoed was the ride. It really is no joke. You can’t even compare. Others really slap the water in varying degree. Centurion feels like deep V. The icing is the PCM engine. Take that Raptor crap and put it in the trash. Didn’t drive master craft cause towers were just too ugly.
I have a tige Z3 ‘22 and I think it is a solid mid tier boat but the surf wave competes with the most of the premium boats. Probably can’t surf as well as a Supra or Centurion but it will probably out ski them both. Won’t out ski a master craft but will out surf any MC except maybe an X Star. I live in SoCal and my Tige dealer sucks so prolly won’t get another plus Tige is a pain to get a hold of. I’ve had some warranty work that I had to do elsewhere out of pocket :(. It’s a shame because I do love my boat. Performance wise it’s an A but it’s build is a little Mickey Mouse (under the hood) and it’s not as luxurious as even the cheapest MC but the performance overall is better 🤷♂️
I bought a 2019 23 lsv that came with the PCM motor which was huge in my decision. Top tier should be based on Materials, fit and finish and design. Very small percentage of people would be willing to drop 300k plus on a wake boat but what do I know lol.
Great channel- thank you! My question is how do I choose between wakeboard boats? Sure I can inspect them in a show room. I’ve watched all the UA-cam videos about the ones I’m interested in, but I want to feel the difference between brands before I lay out $100k for a nearly new boat. Much like a car test ride, I have found I liked things differently to reviewers. Any suggestions ?
You have to test drive. It’s a massive commitment. Take time to research fuel economy and engine issues. Ask what exactly do you need from a boat and test until you find it .
Went to a boat show in Minneapolis. The Tige dealer had a interesting model display. It had a tige hull and a mastercraft hull with water pushing against it. And it was showing that the Tige hull was more efficient. Apparently Tige has a patent on its hull design and the model was showing the benefit of it. Anyone know about the tige hull patent?
@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon "Tige's Convex V Hull is characterized by its upward curve toward the transom and continuous rocker, similar to the shape of a wakeboard or surfboard. This design feature is patented under #6874441. The Convex V Hull helps to provide a smooth and stable ride on the water, first. And then can have the wake adjusted with its TABS system"
Never knew Tigé was pronounced Tyga like the rapper 🤣 my mom called it Teeg and always thought it was a total wannabe boat in the late 90’s early 00’s 😂
When do you think will boat manufacturers have wakesurf systems that automatically adjust and move the weight of the ballast in order to create the same perfect wake every time? and maybe also adjust the weight in real time when people are moving on the boat.
I disagree with the- havent kept up- statement. Touch screens can go bad. Guages and switches are more reliable. Also for the price of some mastercrafts you could buy two sangers. Better for watersports if people can actually afford boats
I've never understood why Tigé is pronounced as "Tiger". The mark over the top of the e is called an aigu, and in English is pronounced as "ay". So really, Tigé should be pronounced as "Tigay"
Hi there! I noticed that you stated you didn’t have a lot of info on the MB and you said you are in the Carolinas, well… My husband just opened a new dealership on Lake Keowee and we are the MB dealer in North and South Carolina. I would like to invite you (and your family if you like) to take a trip and see us. We would love to take you out on the water and show you what an MB can do. Is there a way that I can email you or DM my contact info? The dealership is Viking Marine. Looking forward to showing you #thewave
Depends on how you're going to use it. If you're going to surf 100% of the time, a surf boat is better. If you're going to surf 50% of the time but want a comfortable cruising boat in rough water, the Cobalt surf boat is great but doesn't surf as well as an inboard surf boat.
Sanger has two straight on surf style boats. Best vs worst is highly subjective. To be clear I own a MasterCraft. That being said this video seems like a very basic video and not totally accurate. If you look into sangers value and quality it is very high! Their gel coat is arguably the best, if you do your research. Their handling is also arguably the best. Know your product.
Boating’s just not that fun anymore. My family used to have a 2003 Supra ssv and that thing had such a clean wakeboarding wake. Now everything is about surfing. Even the most basic wakeboarding tricks are more impressive than anything you can do on a surfboard. My family sold the Supra and got a centurion and it’s just not the same anymore. I rarely go anymore and switched over to kiteboarding instead
Tige’ is most definitely not a mid tier boat. The ZX, RZX & Z class rival anything Malibu, Mastercraft or Supra have. Also, Axis, ATX, Moomba, Supreme, and the Mastercraft NXT ( Mastercraft doesn’t have a secondary brand for their value boat), are mid tier. Putting them in the same category as a Heyday is laughable.😂
Tige can be considered mid tier. It's messy in that some brands offer a vast range of price points. But probably the majority of Tige's that are sold are somewhere closer to 150-170k. Same for supras. Of course you can buy one for over 200k, but i'd think the vast majority of supra/tige buyers do not get those boats, (unlike nautique). Centurions should also be moved to mid tier. Sanger should be moved to value. ATX, Axis, Moomba, heyday and supreme advertise themselves as their value brands. He is putting these in the value tier. Value tier is anything under 130k now adays.
@@collin9085 So why wasn’t Supra or Centurion put in the mid tier then? You’re are only talking price right? If that’s the case, the only 2-3 boats in the upper tier would be a Ski Nautique Paragon, Pavati, or maybe the Mastercraft Xstar S Piranha at $400K+ (these boats have very small production numbers). Everything else would be mid tier or below. I’m considering all of the other things, like build quality, warranty and water sports capability. That would encompass most Malibu, Mastercraft, Supra, Centurion and Tige’ boat models. Some manufacturers charge a premium for their name, and that’s fine, but that doesn’t mean they are a better quality boat. I agree it does get messy, but the price isn’t the only consideration for tier.
@@markmay699 I said that supra and centurion should be put in the mid tier in my comment. Warranties are similar across the industry. Warranties are really government mandated FYI. Malibu advertises themselves as premium brand and often malibus I see are around or above 200k. Mastercrafts are also often around 200k and mastercraft prides itself on being a luxury brand overall. Nautique obviously advertises itself as the top of the line. Quality is subjective. So it depends on what your priorities are. For instance, a Heyday that has zero issues, is that a quality boat? Pavati's are terrible wake boats, but no body is going to say they are value tier or mid tier. Price is often the first most important factor for anyone looking to buy a boat, or house, or vehicle. They will first narrow down their price range.
@@collin9085 Agreed. There are more than one way to look at what constitutes a high, mid, and low tier boat. Price is just one way. It’s crazy to think $170K is mid-tier.😜
Came here to say this. Tigé ZX and RZX Class have more standard features than other boats listed in the Premium Tier. With the Solid Shade on the 23ZX you're 200K+. The Z Class would be the only "Mid-Tier" boat by Tigé and that is only because options. If you option your Z Class up you're approaching Premium.
That's not a wake boat... nor is it an inboard (I also didn't include any of the reverse facing drive boats) You can certainly wake board behind a Yamaha but it is not even close to boarding behind a true wake/surf boat
@@henryscreations in my view, it's a jet drive, not a v-drive or inboard/direct drive/shaft drive. Check out this video that explains the nuances (and how I categorize propulsion systems) - ua-cam.com/video/6qUuiEroUuY/v-deo.html
Comments were pretty useless. I was hoping for legit reviews from a surfers experience. If this tribe just talks brand name logos on their shirts I'll find another hobby.
So buy a $100,000 boat to learn how to 'surf' and another $100,000 boat when u figure it out a month later because its easy and not even real surfing. These boats are a giant liability and do little more than tell your neighboors that either you spend your money like a 16 year old or that your parents passed away. Go buy an I/O sea ray or a nice baylinet it you want a boat. If u have a young family buy something with a pontoon-like layout. Use the other 90-70,000 and invest it and spend your 7% return on keeping it in good shape or taking fun weekend vacations to destination lakes. In short, while your video is great explaining the details it makes my brain hurt seeing most people towing these with a new truck. For the record i can easily afford one of these and it is not jealousy that drives my opinion. Its nearly 40 years of boating experience from different stages of life that fuels my dissapointment in people who put themselves in debt or under undo pressure when they buy one of these. Boating is supposed to be fun and stress free. Just imagine your $1700 payment in February - every February for the next 5-10 years.
Clown comment. No one wants a I/O unless you fish or use your boat to cruise around and waste your time. Surf boats can fit more people and you can have way more fun on them. I’m so glad I don’t have your life and outlook on fun lmao
I'll see you and raise your boating experience. Lived aboard for 7 years, could sail before I could drive. Lived in San Diego and surfed every day. Wake surfing is great and inboard boats, while overpriced are amazing. Raised my family in them and worth every penny. May not be for you, but for me and my crew? Epic.
Your financial situation is not others, just because you can’t afford it doesn’t mean others can’t, I love surfing/ wakeboarding, and the payment doesn’t affect my financial future, but thanks dad!
This guy says all you want to buy a Pavati for is to turn heads. He's nuts. I've owned 4 different Mastercrafts, 2019 Pavati & now building a '23. To say "not the greatest surf wake" is completely ignorant. The wave is better than I have seen and love it. Price, yea but they're all frickin expensive these days. The handling and response is not even comparable to any of the other fiberglass boats. Don't talk about a boat you know nothing about
From what I hear, Pavati's wave is lacking especially for the price. Good friend of mine just traded his in on a Centurion and is much more satisfied with the wave. I think they look amazing and have great tech, but I agree with the sentiment in the video.
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I’d rather have a nicer gel coat and more qc dollars than a double iPad dash. Switches are cheaper and more reliable in every regard. It’s also less overwhelming to teach your buddies.
From someone new to the game, fantastic video, very well done and thank you! Absolutely worth the time.
Much appreciated!
2008 Tigé Z1. New to surfing, but we LOVE it. Added suction-type wake shaper (SWELL Wakesurf Creator Slim H3X) and aftermarket ballast (Wakemakers universal in rear [500 lbs per locker] and FatSac v [400 lbs] in bow under seats) and it works great. I’m a big guy (275), and my little Z1 produces enough wave for me to surf. I just upgraded to a surf prop (Acme 537 to 1433) and it makes a big improvement in performance, both in start and maintaining speed. I’d love one of the newer boats, but it’s hard to justify the cost. My Z1 also fits in my 7’ tall garage, where the newer boats wouldn’t, and I’d have to pay to store the boat.
2021 MB B52 Alpha. This is my 4th MB and I really enjoy them. I had a 2015, 18, 20 and 21. Each has been an improvement over the last in terms of surf wave. Mostly intermediate surfers here. The Alpha is a redesign and produces a fantastic wave and super easy to set up. These boats are simpler than some of the premium brands in electronics but I tend to appreciate the analog. In terms of quality of build I would put them in the premium range. All paint and billet aluminum. No decals etc. These boats will surf with the best of them and considering build quality I think they are a great value for the price point.
@@jwleevers3840 I've been looking at a 2014 f24 tomcat but for a little more I could get a g23
How'd you go about choosing mb?
2022 Nautique Paragon 25. Absolittyl the best. Not so much for running, but surf system and tu abilttiy are outpaced only by luxury cabin appointments. Pretty good dealer support in MN.
2024 Malibu 26LSV
2016 Axis A22
2022 Axis T23
2011 Tige RZ2
2013 Tige Z3
2019 Malibu 23 Lsv
2013 Malibu 24 MXZ
2017 Malibu 25 LSV
2010 Mastercraft x45
2009 Malibu Response
2015 Mastercraft 20 NXT
2019 Tige Z3
These are all the boats I’ve surfed behind. (In South African we have no access to the smaller brands like heyday and MD)
Obviously best surf wave by a mile is the Malibu 26Lsv, insane wave height, length and push.
I really enjoy the wave on the Axis A series. Very beginner friendly and easy to learn on
Surprisingly with just a wake-shaper the Tige RZ2 surfed extremely well, I would say a better surf wave then any Mastercraft that I have surfed behind. Which was surprising to me.
And there is a reason Malibu has won best tow boat 3 years in a row with the 23 Lsv. You just can’t fault that boat.
As for the ratings. Let the stats make the decision, for every 2 tow boats sold in the world Malibu is one of them. Just in South Africa Malibu has had 100% market share for new tow boats over the last 3 years
We have a 2021 Heyday WT Surf. We added the Go Surf Assist Tabs as well as a plug and play extra 600lb center ballast and it now has a long and massive surf wake. We are pretty advanced surfers. We have numerous friends that surf our wake and tell us the wave is as good, or even better than more expensive boats that they own (examples- MB, Mastercraft) love we were all in for less than $100k with the Tabs and extras and haven’t had any problems with it in 3 years. Service has been fantastic and any warranty work was been great for touching things up from normal wear and tear. Only thing I would add would be a heater.
I was looking at 2023 heyday WT surf with all the add ons for around 75k. I live in south Louisiana. I've wakeboarded but never wakesurfed. Is heyday a decent boat? I've heard so many mixed reviews that I'm not sure if I wanna pull the trigger. Especially when I see a 2021 centurion fi23 for around 115k with only 50 hours. Any opinions?
I still like my 04 wakesetter with all the add ons, it takes time to change from regular to goofy but unless your really competitive it’s usually just family and friends that don’t need or want a massive wave. I like that the systems are easy to repair and analog. I don’t think I’ll ever sale it for a new boat when I have more fun knowing kids and friends can spill drinks or food or hit the dock,bang the prop (I keep an extra) . I keep it nice but I’m never worried about damage other than physical damage to guests. If my wife hits the trailer on windy day it’s no worries. She always trailers the boat and I back up the trailer. We are super fast and never leave the boat on the dock. I also like the set up on the old wakesetters. Controlling the bags and stereo are easy. Just turn a nob to put music to the rider while kids in the boat hear minimal sound to take a nap or have a conversation. I ride hydrofoils these days so I don’t need a big wave and the wave is plenty big for riders that come out a few days a years. My family always has a pleasant experience, and I’m never worried about wear and tear. It’s just a toy. I bout it’s used in 2013 cash for 25k and it still looks good.
@@jamesbrett5010 03 here 23 lsv.. love it.. I'm updating it a little but that's the fun plus I like the way the older boats sit in the water. Sleek...
MB's are probably one the single best surf boats made today. The B52 23' will out surf any 23'ft boat on the planet. it also the most customizable from an interior and exterior aspect. they are in the middle of the value and high end boats. the new Alpha hulls have a TON of freeboard and the classic hull has plenty too just not as much as the new alpha hull. Happy to send you picture and videos of the insane wave.
Hey, thanks for sharing. I have a Dealer two hours away that’s reached out and offered me a demo ride so I could update the video as well.
First, I grew up fishing and boating from a young age and have a lot of time on the water. I’ve personally owned Ranger Fish and Ski’s, Chapparal, Malibu, and Nautique boats. I wanted to do something other than tubing with my kids, so looked into wakesurfing. I started with a 2020 Malibu 23 MXZ (this video doesn’t even mention this pickle fork series aimed at wakesurfing) and now own a ‘22 Nautique G23. My kids and wife could surf the ‘Bu but I couldn’t. Not huge - Just your average 5’10 205 lb dad bod guy. No matter what we did with the wedge, surf gate, speed or ballast, I could never let go of the rope or I’d fall out of the wave with any attempt to get out of the sweet spot. I could never tell a difference in the wave with the Wedge, which is simulated ballast, past setting 3. It only made the engine get louder. My wife hated pulling me because of the bow rise on this particular boat. The fit and finish was not great either. Paint peeling off the tower, gel coat blemishes, seat stitching coming undone, battery drain issues. So we got rid of the ‘Bu and went with Nautique, mainly due to a closer dealer for potential service issues. Couldn’t be happier. The G23 wave is great and I can surf up and down the wave all day long. Kids love it, because it can be tuned down for them. The fit and finish is far better than the ‘Bu. The handling is better. It came with the stern drive, which I didn’t care about, but have come to love and will never get a wakeboat without now. Makes a huge difference in trailering and docking the boat, as well as surfer pick up.
I would highly recommend doing what the video says and spend some time with the boat you are interested in. Get behind the wave and surf it. Rent one or find a buddy that has one etc. For most, this is a huge purchase, on par with a house payment. We didn’t spend enough time on the ‘Bu and overlooked some details in the excitement of trying something new. Also, the dealer and service makes a huge difference. Are you comfortable pulling a boat, or do you want dock service? These boats require far more maintenance (winterization/summarizing) and that adds up as well. If you have a nearby dealer you can bring the boat to on a trailer, it will save you on service costs. All things to consider carefully.
Get a centurion or supreme and you’re good
I own a 2018 mastercraft, but the sanger boats are timeless and beautiful in my book. Also I like some of the mid 2000's tiges.
My family owns a 2015 Mb Tomcat in great condition with 2 800 pound accessory bags making a total of 3200LBS of Ballast as well as aftermarket surf tabs that make for a very adjustable and great wave, I am an intermediate Surfer and Wakeboarder and the biggest thing I would change on our boat is the overall looks and newer feel to the boat that most of the other boats have
Crazy all the options here - thanks for the rundown!
I agree with toggle switches and physical buttons. I have a 2019 Malibu Wakesetter 22 LSV love the system as long as it works. The screen has locked up around 10 times or so. It also has some random glitches that requires complete battery disconnect. I don't have much seat time on other boats but this one has been great other than a few technology glitches.
Hopefully you get an opportunity to get a closer look at MB! The alphas have a lot of freeboard and I don't think anyone other than Centurion/Supreme have more rear deadrise in the hull.
Thank you!! Currently I’m in the market to buy a surf boat and this review helped clear up and organize the confusion of the different boats on the market. Thank you so much!! If you know a great honest dealer or deal on a good boat in AZ please let me know!!
To many boat manufacturers use the raptor motor. It's loud, ( high pitched whistle) under powered and loves fuel. Pcm makes the best motor.
I completely agree. Nobody talks about how annoying loud engine noise is. I like Malibu for this reason. The M5 and M6 are super quiet.
I would like to see the Montara on your list too. Seems like an interesting option.
Hey good run though, enjoyed the info. I have a 2019 centurion ri237 . Absolutely great boat . Only thing I would change is the amount of settings available. There’s to many options! Although great to dial down for beginners.
Thanks!
Surf gates and the nautique surf system make a wake by the gates displacing water.
Tabs like on the centurion make a wake by listing the boat to one side so the hull displaces the water and makes the wave(which is why it’s huge).
Also the nautique G series has a way better (bigger) wake than the S series. Ive had the opportunity to test both boats.
It's so difficult to find a good comparison between the G and S series without it being vague and not answering which is better, so thank you for actually stating that.
I also prefer the gate rather than the tab as, like you said, the tab completely lists the boat to one side. I'm not a fan of this because it seriously obstructs the driver's view forward and just makes things a little unsettled in the cabin. Nautique seem like they just have it right.
It's unfortunate you don't have the insight available to you to based on where you live to talk knowledgably about MB. They need to step up their marketing big time. I have a 2022 MB B52 Alpha and it produces a surf wave superior to all of the premium brands listed other than Centurion and Nautique. I've been on close to half of the brand name boats on this list. But the biggest bang for my buck was definitely the MB. After tax, it was 145k new and probably the best wakeboat purchase I've had when it comes to performance. Now they are around $160-165k with inflation and the supply shortage, unfortunately. You're right regarding the helm. It's dated. But they put more money into what the boat can do compared to the digital displays most boats have these days. The only reason I considered MB was because a dealer opened near me north of Atlanta and I wanted to test it out after seeing the price point and I was very impressed and knew I was gonna design one after just one outing.
I agree. From what I can tell MB is great value and produce an unreal surf wave. Not to mention the awesome ballast fill system. If I had a dealer near me, I would have looked hard at getting one versus my Mastercraft. I like more analog gauges and switches.
I own a 07 V210 Sanger. Rolls a nice wake with 1,600 pounds of ballast and ronix wake shaper and 6-8 passengers. A higher freeboard would help and just all around bigger/wider for more room/ storage.
2022 Mastercraft NXT22. Fit and Finish is great. Surf level - intermediate. Only two complaints on the boat - slow ballast fill times, and cannot create/save custom surf profiles. Otherwise I love it, and feel for the price it is an incredible value.
2022 x24. Epic surf wake for advanced riders. Easily tuned down for beginner kids. Not a good slalom boat. A real upgrade from my LSV Wakesetter. Top speed is only 38 MPH at Tahoe (6,229 altitude).
I am at 4300ft my mastercraft tops at 35. I never run her that fast 4000rpm is my cruising speed. Not sure why v drive folks like to cite their max speed.
@@DesertSurfer When I'm not surfing or boarding we often cruise to dinner/lunch or take visitors to Emerald Bay near the South Shore. The speed of the new x24 boats is 15mph slower. Cruising much above 30 mph isn't comfortable for the passengers so top speed matters 2-3 times a season--usually when thunderstorms come up all of a sudden and I need to get off the lake quickly. I only have 11 hours on the x24, so my experience is limited. It is superior to my 05 Wakesetter in every way.
I hear you, on the get off the lake for storm deal monsoon season has us doing the same we can be 15-20 minutes up the lake suddenly it's time to go. My NXT22 at my elevation with 4500#s of weight in it won't even plane so usually we have to dump water before heading in which means we are 10-15 mi uses from being able to start the journey. Still refuse to run her wide open anyways, usually 23-25 mph is the speed we travel distances at.
I just bought an 05 Nautique SV211 TE with 123 hours reading on the ECM. The Mrs and I’s experience levels are beginners/novice at best but I couldn’t pass up the deal I had found. We are super stoked for summer to get here and we get our journey started wherever it may lead us.
This is a great boat. What's the TE?
123 hours for a 20 year old Nautique is a killer find, our ‘03 MC pro star my mom skied year round has never over 1200 hours on it right now. Bought brand new for like $35k 😂
Funny,
Remember back when people used to ski??
The ideal boat at that time, was the one that made the LEAST wake!!
Times sure have changed. 🤪
Why not just buy an older large cruiser that already create the most wake? 🤷♀️
@@revagreen2303 Because those don't hold speed well and I don't like getting chopped up by the prop.
@@taylordoingstuff Get a DD aft cabin cruizer and fill the aft cabin with FatSaks...
If you got a budget of 50-80k and mainly looking for wakeboarding (biggest wave) what the 2 brand/model you would recommend?
I love nautique G, but then I will have to go down to a 2014-2015 is it worth it? Or should I go with a newer more value brand?
I guess the question is what’s the best option for the amount cost /benefit
2018 24MXZ LOVE this boat. Easy to figure out how to use and adjust the serf system. Spent time in a friends top of the line Centurion. Each time we went out it the surf system was overly complex and not user friendly at all.
I have a 8 year old master craft with the gen 2 system. I add one 800lb to the middle of the floor and it surfs amazing. I have been on some of the new boats and they don’t surf any better. The prices have gone up dramatically since I purchased mine - the improvement has really been in iPad style screens vs the wave. The challenge is that the touch screens are buggy and the dealers aren’t able to fix them. This will get worse over time - I can’t imagine the cost for electronics repairs after the warranty expires. The ratings in the video are not very helpful. The only way to truly evaluate these boats is on the water. I like Nautique and Mastercraft based upon my on the water experiences. I do think some of the value boats are pretty good as well. I.e. Axis. But value is now priced at over 100k….
Great job with the rankings
Test Drove Natique, Centurion, Supra, Tige, and Malibu before buying centurion. The wave is as good as any and as moldable as you want. The displacement of stock boat doesn’t require lead either. The giant difference between centurion and others we demoed was the ride. It really is no joke. You can’t even compare. Others really slap the water in varying degree. Centurion feels like deep V. The icing is the PCM engine. Take that Raptor crap and put it in the trash. Didn’t drive master craft cause towers were just too ugly.
The Sanger 231 is a surf boat. Different hull design for surfing. Correct though, all the others in their line up are more wakeboard oriented
Conflicted one either getting a supra sa 450 or Malibu 23 lsv
I have a tige Z3 ‘22 and I think it is a solid mid tier boat but the surf wave competes with the most of the premium boats. Probably can’t surf as well as a Supra or Centurion but it will probably out ski them both. Won’t out ski a master craft but will out surf any MC except maybe an X Star. I live in SoCal and my Tige dealer sucks so prolly won’t get another plus Tige is a pain to get a hold of. I’ve had some warranty work that I had to do elsewhere out of pocket :(. It’s a shame because I do love my boat. Performance wise it’s an A but it’s build is a little Mickey Mouse (under the hood) and it’s not as luxurious as even the cheapest MC but the performance overall is better 🤷♂️
I bought a 2019 23 lsv that came with the PCM motor which was huge in my decision. Top tier should be based on Materials, fit and finish and design. Very small percentage of people would be willing to drop 300k plus on a wake boat but what do I know lol.
@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon pavati and paragon? Both out of my reach. BTW Tige is legit check out the Zx1
Great channel- thank you! My question is how do I choose between wakeboard boats? Sure I can inspect them in a show room. I’ve watched all the UA-cam videos about the ones I’m interested in, but I want to feel the difference between brands before I lay out $100k for a nearly new boat. Much like a car test ride, I have found I liked things differently to reviewers. Any suggestions ?
most dealers offer a demo day or private demo for serious buyer,
You have to test drive. It’s a massive commitment. Take time to research fuel economy and engine issues. Ask what exactly do you need from a boat and test until you find it .
Sanger boats are awesome they stand behind there products.
Went to a boat show in Minneapolis. The Tige dealer had a interesting model display. It had a tige hull and a mastercraft hull with water pushing against it. And it was showing that the Tige hull was more efficient. Apparently Tige has a patent on its hull design and the model was showing the benefit of it. Anyone know about the tige hull patent?
Interesting, what was the advantage of being more efficient? Better wake? Fuel savings? More comfortable ride?
@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon "Tige's Convex V Hull is characterized by its upward curve toward the transom and continuous rocker, similar to the shape of a wakeboard or surfboard. This design feature is patented under #6874441. The Convex V Hull helps to provide a smooth and stable ride on the water, first. And then can have the wake adjusted with its TABS system"
The best boat review
thanks!
Never knew Tigé was pronounced Tyga like the rapper 🤣 my mom called it Teeg and always thought it was a total wannabe boat in the late 90’s early 00’s 😂
When do you think will boat manufacturers have wakesurf systems that automatically adjust and move the weight of the ballast in order to create the same perfect wake every time?
and maybe also adjust the weight in real time when people are moving on the boat.
I can see that happening soon. Maybe not the adjusting for people moving around but for sure the other.
@@EriCreatorr isn't this covered by the Supra and Moomba tech/patents? Their parent company bought Autowake.
For the best quality and experience, Nautique all the way
I just don’t like flat screens when I’m driving. Takes more concentration to operate
FYI…Chris Craft is owned by Winnebago Industries who also owns Barletta.
I disagree with the- havent kept up- statement. Touch screens can go bad. Guages and switches are more reliable. Also for the price of some mastercrafts you could buy two sangers. Better for watersports if people can actually afford boats
100% agree about all the screens, they will stop working at some point and are expensive to replace
I thought chris craft was owned by winnabago
I've never understood why Tigé is pronounced as "Tiger". The mark over the top of the e is called an aigu, and in English is pronounced as "ay".
So really, Tigé should be pronounced as "Tigay"
Lots of wrong information in this video. I appreciate you making this video but you really should have done more research.
Hi there! I noticed that you stated you didn’t have a lot of info on the MB and you said you are in the Carolinas, well… My husband just opened a new dealership on Lake Keowee and we are the MB dealer in North and South Carolina. I would like to invite you (and your family if you like) to take a trip and see us. We would love to take you out on the water and show you what an MB can do. Is there a way that I can email you or DM my contact info? The dealership is Viking Marine. Looking forward to showing you #thewave
Here's how to contact me... boaterssecretweapon.com/pages/contact
What brand is Axious?
So the cobalt surf boats suck?
Depends on how you're going to use it.
If you're going to surf 100% of the time, a surf boat is better.
If you're going to surf 50% of the time but want a comfortable cruising boat in rough water, the Cobalt surf boat is great but doesn't surf as well as an inboard surf boat.
Sanger has two straight on surf style boats. Best vs worst is highly subjective. To be clear I own a MasterCraft. That being said this video seems like a very basic video and not totally accurate. If you look into sangers value and quality it is very high! Their gel coat is arguably the best, if you do your research. Their handling is also arguably the best. Know your product.
Even if I owned a Ferrari, McLaren, etc and could afford a Pavati I’d still rather have a $300k X-Star, just as prestigious if you ask me
🎉
Those are all gm lt1 and lt4 engines
Boating’s just not that fun anymore. My family used to have a 2003 Supra ssv and that thing had such a clean wakeboarding wake. Now everything is about surfing. Even the most basic wakeboarding tricks are more impressive than anything you can do on a surfboard. My family sold the Supra and got a centurion and it’s just not the same anymore. I rarely go anymore and switched over to kiteboarding instead
Tige’ is most definitely not a mid tier boat. The ZX, RZX & Z class rival anything Malibu, Mastercraft or Supra have. Also, Axis, ATX, Moomba, Supreme, and the Mastercraft NXT ( Mastercraft doesn’t have a secondary brand for their value boat), are mid tier. Putting them in the same category as a Heyday is laughable.😂
Tige can be considered mid tier. It's messy in that some brands offer a vast range of price points. But probably the majority of Tige's that are sold are somewhere closer to 150-170k. Same for supras. Of course you can buy one for over 200k, but i'd think the vast majority of supra/tige buyers do not get those boats, (unlike nautique). Centurions should also be moved to mid tier. Sanger should be moved to value. ATX, Axis, Moomba, heyday and supreme advertise themselves as their value brands. He is putting these in the value tier. Value tier is anything under 130k now adays.
@@collin9085
So why wasn’t Supra or Centurion put in the mid tier then? You’re are only talking price right? If that’s the case, the only 2-3 boats in the upper tier would be a Ski Nautique Paragon, Pavati, or maybe the Mastercraft Xstar S Piranha at $400K+ (these boats have very small production numbers). Everything else would be mid tier or below. I’m considering all of the other things, like build quality, warranty and water sports capability. That would encompass most Malibu, Mastercraft, Supra, Centurion and Tige’ boat models. Some manufacturers charge a premium for their name, and that’s fine, but that doesn’t mean they are a better quality boat. I agree it does get messy, but the price isn’t the only consideration for tier.
@@markmay699 I said that supra and centurion should be put in the mid tier in my comment. Warranties are similar across the industry. Warranties are really government mandated FYI.
Malibu advertises themselves as premium brand and often malibus I see are around or above 200k. Mastercrafts are also often around 200k and mastercraft prides itself on being a luxury brand overall. Nautique obviously advertises itself as the top of the line.
Quality is subjective. So it depends on what your priorities are. For instance, a Heyday that has zero issues, is that a quality boat? Pavati's are terrible wake boats, but no body is going to say they are value tier or mid tier.
Price is often the first most important factor for anyone looking to buy a boat, or house, or vehicle. They will first narrow down their price range.
@@collin9085
Agreed. There are more than one way to look at what constitutes a high, mid, and low tier boat. Price is just one way. It’s crazy to think $170K is mid-tier.😜
Came here to say this. Tigé ZX and RZX Class have more standard features than other boats listed in the Premium Tier. With the Solid Shade on the 23ZX you're 200K+. The Z Class would be the only "Mid-Tier" boat by Tigé and that is only because options. If you option your Z Class up you're approaching Premium.
The carbon monoxide of my Kawasaki 750 SX is the best part. Gets you just dumb enough to go crazy
where in the hell is Yamaha??
That's not a wake boat... nor is it an inboard (I also didn't include any of the reverse facing drive boats) You can certainly wake board behind a Yamaha but it is not even close to boarding behind a true wake/surf boat
@@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon how is it not an inboard? there are no physical outboard motors present.
@@henryscreations in my view, it's a jet drive, not a v-drive or inboard/direct drive/shaft drive.
Check out this video that explains the nuances (and how I categorize propulsion systems) - ua-cam.com/video/6qUuiEroUuY/v-deo.html
Comments were pretty useless. I was hoping for legit reviews from a surfers experience.
If this tribe just talks brand name logos on their shirts I'll find another hobby.
These boats are shoreline wreckers. Being banned in lakes across the country
Thankfully these things were just banned on the lake by my house. They are a bigger menace than jet skis!
Where are you located?
@@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon northeast Alabama
Digs on Sanger and MB for not being surf boats. Jesus Fucking Christ dude. Look at the 231 SL and the Alpha series…
So buy a $100,000 boat to learn how to 'surf' and another $100,000 boat when u figure it out a month later because its easy and not even real surfing. These boats are a giant liability and do little more than tell your neighboors that either you spend your money like a 16 year old or that your parents passed away. Go buy an I/O sea ray or a nice baylinet it you want a boat. If u have a young family buy something with a pontoon-like layout. Use the other 90-70,000 and invest it and spend your 7% return on keeping it in good shape or taking fun weekend vacations to destination lakes. In short, while your video is great explaining the details it makes my brain hurt seeing most people towing these with a new truck. For the record i can easily afford one of these and it is not jealousy that drives my opinion. Its nearly 40 years of boating experience from different stages of life that fuels my dissapointment in people who put themselves in debt or under undo pressure when they buy one of these. Boating is supposed to be fun and stress free. Just imagine your $1700 payment in February - every February for the next 5-10 years.
Clown comment. No one wants a I/O unless you fish or use your boat to cruise around and waste your time. Surf boats can fit more people and you can have way more fun on them. I’m so glad I don’t have your life and outlook on fun lmao
None of your business how other people spend their time and money. If I earn it I’ll spend it whatever way I want.
No one cares what you think they should do with their money. Worry about yourself. I’ll spend my money however I want.
I'll see you and raise your boating experience. Lived aboard for 7 years, could sail before I could drive. Lived in San Diego and surfed every day. Wake surfing is great and inboard boats, while overpriced are amazing. Raised my family in them and worth every penny. May not be for you, but for me and my crew? Epic.
Your financial situation is not others, just because you can’t afford it doesn’t mean others can’t, I love surfing/ wakeboarding, and the payment doesn’t affect my financial future, but thanks dad!
These boats are destroying lakes and should be banned
This guy says all you want to buy a Pavati for is to turn heads. He's nuts. I've owned 4 different Mastercrafts, 2019 Pavati & now building a '23. To say "not the greatest surf wake" is completely ignorant. The wave is better than I have seen and love it. Price, yea but they're all frickin expensive these days. The handling and response is not even comparable to any of the other fiberglass boats. Don't talk about a boat you know nothing about
From what I hear, Pavati's wave is lacking especially for the price. Good friend of mine just traded his in on a Centurion and is much more satisfied with the wave. I think they look amazing and have great tech, but I agree with the sentiment in the video.