Montara’s 2.0 25 came to market in 2024 and captured Boating’s coveted Boat of the Year award. It was a ringer when considering nobody ever melded an aluminum wake-making hull with the living-room comfort of a pontoon boat. And the wake? Riders love it.

We proved that in our testing of the 25 SL on Tellico Lake last October. The boat carries 4,200 pounds of ballast, has surf-tuning tabs, and features a digital touchscreen that offers control of ballast, speed and acceleration for up to 1,000 profiles, should you have that many friends—and with this boat, you probably will.

From the bow, the 25 SL looks like a triple-tube pontoon, but it is actually more akin to a tri-hull runabout. It has a center ski locker one might expect to find on a pontoon, but that’s the end of pontoon comparisons. Our professional riders surfed, wakeboarded and foiled, enjoying long rides in powerful, crisp wakes—something nobody ever expected from an aluminum hull with a pontoonish-­looking deck. But there was our guy, enjoying the wake’s powerful push and shredding it for all he was worth.

When the Montara is just cruising, its passengers sit high off the water on the tall hull, affording a better view of the passing scenery or the zigzagging rider. We ran the SL version with a broad stern lounge, leaving just enough room to starboard to access the generous swim platform equipped with a tow pylon and boarding ladder. The stern lounger has a reclining back that swings forward for an aft-facing lounge or swings to center for a back-to-back transom lounge. 

The 25 SL has stylish custom-contoured bow and stern corners that stiffen the sleek profile. To combat the single-direction reverse steering, Montara offers a stern thruster that mitigates so seamlessly, it was fun to experiment with it near docks. It will be handy at raft-up parties too.

The Montara 25 SL is the boss of the Montara line, which now includes a 23-footer that sacrifices nothing in terms of wake and comfort while saving space in the garage for those long winter days. We expect some owners to buy a little thicker wetsuits to extend their season and ­expand their circle of riding friends.

High Points

• Hull is a durable 4 millimeters thick.
• Combines the wake of a wakesports boat with the comfort of a pontoon.
• Electrically actuated power tower lowers quickly for storage.
• New convertible stern lounge adds sunning flexibility.

How We Tested

• Engine: PCM 6.2L DPI 465 hp
• Drive/Prop: V-drive/15.5″ x 15″ 4-blade nibral
• Gear Ratio: 1.72:1 Fuel Load: 104 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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The Kyma K7 Supercharged is one of the most unique watersports boats. What sets it apart is its power: a 6.2L 510 hp Indmar engine, producing 575 foot-pound of torque, connected to a jet. This, folks, is a full-on watersports machine with the draft and versatility of a jet boat.

Other jet boats in the water­sports space seem to have evolved around the premise of “how do we make this jet boat make a wakesurfing wave?” However, the Kyma was built around “how do we put a jet drive into a watersports boat?” You’ll immediately notice cues taken from several segments of boats when looking at the K7. With high gunwales, wraparound cockpit seating, a large sun pad above the engine, and the arched tower, the K7 resembles a V-drive inboard wakeboat, but dual captain’s chairs at the helm bespeak a runabout’s versatility.

The jet’s biggest advantage is shallow draft, which Kyma lists at “17.5 inches under normal load.” (Typically, inboard V-drives draw 30 to 36 inches.) This allows the K7 to access shallower water, and captains don’t have to worry about bending a prop or prop shaft. Another jet benefit is steering. The K7 maneuvers well at slow speeds, especially in ­reverse.

Where the K7 really shines, though, is in wakesurfing. By utilizing a single jet with a downward-angled pump, Kyma eliminated the rooster-tail wash issue that often plagues other water-jet-­powered wakeboats. Equipped with 3,000 pounds of onboard ballast, the Kyma can displace a lot of water with the push of a button. The waves are sizable and clean, with a pocket that provides plenty of push for a variety of riders. 

Much of this is thanks to the integrated Seakeeper Ride system. Usually, these automated tabs are used to keep the boat level while running (which they can do for the K7). Kyma and Seakeeper collaborated so that the tabs deploy to create a wakesurf wave. With ballast full, some friends on board, and the Seakeeper Ride deployed, the K7’s wakesurfing waves are the best from a jet drive we’ve seen, and they’re comparable to many produced by other V-drive inboards.

High Points

• Single-tap access to audio and navigation from any screen.
• Tower lowers with a button push and keeps the Bimini top level. That’s great for extra protection from sun or rain.
• Transom locker is big enough to hold a ton of equipment.

How We Tested

• Engine: Indmar 6.2L 575 Supercharged
• Drive/Impeller: Jet drive/NA
• Gear Ratio: 1.00:1 Fuel Load: 27 gal. Crew Weight: 370 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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Highlighted by Roswell’s Predator Power Tower, the 2025 Centurion Ri265 looks awesome and offers functionality not found aboard other big watersports boats. Push a button and the scissor-hinged PPT lowers while keeping the Bimini top perfectly flat. This allows for extra shade and protection from a shower, and riders can wakesurf or wakeboard from any position the tower is in. Additionally, the Ri265 can be trailered without having to remove or stow the Bimini top.

Centurion also worked with Roswell to create a new sound system. Called Surround-­Fire, it comes with 16 speakers. Six of those are mounted to the tower. Surround-­Fire is a full-on audio experience that gets very loud but maintains clarity and consistency, even at high volumes. 

The big 26-foot Yacht Certified Ri265 accommodates large crews and swallows a ton of gear. Integrated board racks on the tower and Bimini hold plenty, along with a transom board locker. Hinged seating conceals Rhino-lined stowage. The seating is also customizable, thanks to the sliding rear bench and insertable backrests, as well as flip-up backrests on both sides of the wraparound lounge. The deep seating, well-padded Spradling cushions and Centurion’s 21-degree deadrise ­Opti-V hull combine to ensure riding in comfort. Even the sun pad over the engine compartment features pop-up backrests.

At the helm, we found new 14-inch side-by-side displays and an all-new user interface for controlling the Ri265’s systems. The displays are bright and easy to navigate. Thanks to the Ramfill system, most of the 5,850 pounds of available ­ballast can be filled in 90 seconds. The helm also features a unit near the steering wheel for quick, easy audio control, a wireless phone-charging cradle, and Centurion’s sport-shifter paddles for instant adjustments to the Stinger Wake Plate and the cruise-control speed. A detail we loved are the air vents built into the windshield. 

From the intuitive menus and wake-riding presets to the layout and functionality to optional systems like a stern thruster and boarding ladder, you can order the Ri265 exactly how you want it for living your best life out on the water.

High Points

• QuickLaunch and  QuickSurf plates get the Ri265 on plane with minimal bow rise.
• Two trash cans and integrated cooler storage in the floor. 
• Two-tone stitching available on Warrior Edition Ri265 models.
• Air vents built into the windshield.

How We Tested

• Engine: PCM ZZ8S 6.2L/665 ft.-lb.
• Drive/Prop: V-drive/Acme 3077 17″ x 15.5″
• Gear Ratio: 1.72:1 Fuel Load: 92 gal. Crew Weight: 550 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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Yamaha long ago cemented the jet drive as a reliable, performance-minded alternative to prop-driven power. Models like the 255 XD now prove jet drives as safe, versatile choices for wakesurfing. Combining the layout of a family-friendly bowrider with the latest wake tech and award-winning sound system, the 255 offers room for a crowd, a versatile hull design, and a wave ready to please beginner and midrange surfers alike.

The XD hull is designed to naturally produce a surfable wake, but it’s the combo of ballast and trim tabs that does the heavy lifting. Yamaha spreads 1,600 pounds of weight between a trio of plumbed-in water-­ballast bags to build the wake. WakeBooster trim tabs then shape the wake on a ­surfer’s preferred side. Electrically actuated, each tab deploys to produce a respectable curl. Which tab deploys, as well as towing speed, ballast load and even acceleration profiles, can be dialed in via the 12-inch Connext touchscreen at the helm. 

As noted, the layout serves both surfer and leisure passengers. A roomy bow invites stretching out while socializing with fellow crewmates. The port companion seat swivels to serve as a spotter perch or to let its occupant chat it up with those seated on the wraparound bench that rings the remainder of the main cockpit. When not underway, slide movable backrests forward to fashion twin rear-facing recliners flanking the transom walk-through. Or enjoy waterfront seating on the two-level, EVA-padded swim platform. Padded backrests provide comfort for those seated at water level. A telescoping ladder, cup holders and audio remote are at hand. 

Newly repositioned jet nozzles tweak that surf wake but also push already-nimble handling to the extreme at speed. Top speed is a heady 57 mph. During low-speed maneuvering, Yamaha’s Drive X system adds paddle shifters for forward and neutral, and buttons on the wheel hub that mimic a joystick’s response. Crab the boat sideways into an open slot at the dock, spin the boat within its own length, or hold the boat against the dock while passengers load or unload. 

High Points

• Throttle includes push-button start/stop, rpm engine sync, and single-lever throttle pairing.
• Folding aluminum wake tower has swivel board racks and integrated Bimini. 
• Hertz sound system with seven cockpit speakers, two tower speakers, subwoofer.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin 1812cc Yamaha SVHO
• Drive/Impeller: Water jet/160 mm high-pressure pump with stainless-steel impeller
• Gear Ratio: 1.00:1 Fuel Load: 55 gal.

Pricing and Specs

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For 2025, MasterCraft’s X24 offers new features that drastically change the onboard experience. It starts with the ability to accommodate 18 guests. Couple that with 4,300 pounds of ballast and MasterCraft’s signature SurfStar system, and you’ve got pro-level wakes and waves that can be fine-tuned for any riding level or style. All of the X24’s systems are easily controlled from MasterCraft’s new 15-inch panoramic center display and companion 12-inch touchscreen. The SurfStar system utilizes the ballast and three transom-mounted tabs to shape up the waves, and the Rapid Surf presets make the X24 super easy to get started and adjust on the fly.

Also new at the helm is the MasterCraft MyDrive rotary encoder, a dial that lets the captain navigate menus and select surf settings without tapping a touchscreen. A quick-control audio dial—also new—provides instant audio-volume control. Optionally, buyers can now choose a stern thruster, control of which is built into the knob of the throttle.

While the helm seat is a new design itself, the best seats in the X24 might be aft, where patented lounge seats sit below the rub rail and feature a flip-up headrest. We suggest opting for the flip-out footrest to take the lounge factor to the next level. Seating is customizable throughout, thanks to the convertible rear bench that is one of the easiest to deploy we’ve seen. The scallop-shaped seats in the wraparound add a luxurious feel and comfort, with MasterCraft’s signature stitching running throughout. Another suggestion: Upgrade the phone cradles integrated into the port and starboard cubbies to wireless chargers. 

The X24 comes with MasterCraft’s Z6 tower, but we prefer the optional Z8, which the test boat was equipped with. While not fully electric like the Z10, the Z8 is easily lowered and raised by one person thanks to patented Hydro-Lock technology. The large Bimini is also easily deployed and features integrated board storage.

If you’re in the market for a boat that’s high on performance but doesn’t skimp in luxury or comfort, consider the 2025 MasterCraft X24.

High Points

• Rapid Surf actually diagrams the wave so you can customize it.
• Optional drop-down swim step is a great feature for easier boarding from the water.
• Opt for Ilmor’s  supercharged 6.2L engine to own the most powerful tow boat in the world.

How We Tested

• Engine: Ilmor 6.2L GDI
• Drive/Prop: V-drive/17.5″ x 16.5″ 4-blade nibral
• Gear Ratio: 2.00:1 Fuel Load: 35 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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At 23 feet, 4 inches long and with seating for 16, the MasterCraft XT23 sits right in the sweet spot for wakesports enthusiasts. There’s more room than the smaller models, and it’s more maneuverable and easier to tow than the bigger models. There is plenty of space for family and friends, not to mention loads of tow-sports performance.

Featuring a traditional bow shape and MasterCraft’s signature sheerline, the XT23 is both modern and classic, which should appeal to boaters old and new. What’s all-new and will definitely appeal to everybody is the redesigned helm, dash and operating systems. The XT dash features a 12-inch touchscreen with a new, more intuitive interface. Also, an all-new quick-control dial allows adjusting the stereo without the need to locate audio controls on the touchscreen. Truly cool is the new MasterCraft MyDrive rotary encoder. This dial allows navigating the touchscreen without tapping, while hot keys around the dial offer instant adjustments to surf settings and other features. 

The XT23 is equipped with 3,300 pounds of ballast, plenty to displace the boat and kick up high-level wakes and waves. The Rapid Surf system offers presets for every activity built into the interface. With it, users can quickly pick what they want and start riding, or tweak the plates’ positions on the fly for total customization. Rapid Surf features seven positions and an integrated diagram on the display to show how the wave’s shape will change based on the system’s positioning. With the ballast full and a small crew on board, the XT23’s wave is big, clean and a ton of fun while being easily customizable to accommodate any skill level.

Our tester model was equipped with Ilmor’s new 5.3L GDI HO engine, which comes standard. This engine easily planed the XT23 under a full load and proved itself efficient. Cruising between 26.7 and 31.7 mph, the XT23 achieved 2.5 mpg. While fully ballasted and in wakesurf mode, it burned 10.7 gph, besting other boats in its size and class.

Super-versatile, the midsize MasterCraft XT23 offers a full-size watersports adventure.

High Points

• New XT helm is slick, easy to use, and integrates seamlessly into the boat’s design.
• Optional Z8 tower can be lowered or raised quickly by a single person thanks to Hydro-Lock technology.
• Transom seats bring comfortable lounging to the stern.

How We Tested

• Engine: Ilmor 5.3L GDI HO
• Drive/Prop: V-drive/16.5″ x 17″ 4-blade nibral
• Gear Ratio: 2.00:1 Fuel Load: 79 gal. Crew Weight: 600 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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In The Fly, a scientist tested his ­molecular transporter with a fly in the chamber, and the scrambled result was the source of horror. But the engineers at Montara decided that putting a water­sports boat and a pontoon boat through a similar genetic scramble would work. And it did, beautifully, resulting in the Montara 2.0 23 CWDH—a 23-foot, 6,000-pound wakesports boat with an aluminum hull and the capacity to carry 3,000 pounds of ballast to shape fantastic surf wakes.

From the rub rail up, you’d think it was a pontoon boat complete with apparent acres of comfortable lounges, with an optional convertible aft sun pad designed to let loungers face forward or aft to monitor the surfing arena. The 23-footer seems to have enough deck space to hold a dance recital. 

From the rub rails down, it’s an all-welded aluminum hull shaped to make epic wakes for surfing or wakeboarding. The PCM 6.0-liter V-drive in our test boat powered the rider up quickly, and the wake-shaping ballast and tabs carved a steep wake with a crisp edge and a powerful swell to drive the surfer. Our professional rider even foiled on the wake for miles, effortlessly swooping around in the swells.

The dashboard is kitted with a digital touchscreen panel that manages all wake profiles. Tactile switches are also included for a few of the most used things, such as navigation lights, the horn and more. 

Our tester had a Bimini top that raised and lowered at the touch of a button on the dash, handy for compact storage, as did the engine compartment cover ­beneath the spacious aft lounge. 

One cool option on this well-equipped boat is the stern thruster that not only mitigates the task of steering in reverse, but also helps nudge the boat to or from a pier or dock. Its battery system is charged with an onboard charger. 

When you first see this cool new wakeboat, your first thought is pontoon. But when you see it carve an epic wake while transporting your boating buddies in lounge-lizard luxury, an entirely new paradigm in wakesports enters your world.

High Points

• The 2.0 23 complements Montara’s 2.0 25, awarded ­Boating’s 2024 Boat of the Year.
• Premium audio includes Boston Acoustics speakers and optional  sub and amp.
• Optional stern thruster impressed us.

How We Tested

• Engine: PCM 6.0L 409 hp
• Drive/Prop: V-drive
• Gear Ratio: 1.72:1 Fuel Load: 40 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 700 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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An all-new design for 2025, the Nv233 features eye-catching hullside effects. 

The spacious Nv233 sits at the sweet spot of performance and functionality. It’s a sleek-looking boat, thanks to a lower profile and stance in the water compared to the Fe and Ri lines. Along with the aforementioned hullside shapes, the large Centurion badging toward the transom further sets this boat apart. 

Riding the acclaimed Opti-V hull, the Nv233 offers 21 degrees of transom deadrise. This deeper V makes it easier to be displaced by the ballast (5,000 pounds available), which in turn makes it easier to kick up sizable wakes and waves. The deep deadrise also delivers a smoother ride in choppy water. Opt for the Ramfill 2 system and fill more than half of the total ballast in under 90 seconds. 

Equip the Nv233 with Centurion’s QuickSurf Pro system to create solid wakesurfing waves with a clean, consistent face, large pocket, and plenty of push. The center-mounted Silent Stinger Wake Plate adjusts to change the size and shape of waves for riders of all skill levels and styles. It also keeps engine exhaust underwater and reduces engine noise.

At the helm, the Nv233 features a wide-screen touchscreen for easy systems control. Use its intuitive interface to operate ballast, surf settings, lighting and more. Centurion’s signature steering-wheel paddle shifters allow instant adjustment of the Stinger Wake Plate and cruise-control speed without the need to take your eyes off the water. The Wet Sounds head makes for quick control of the tunes. 

The Nv233 comes with Roswell’s Battle Advance tower. This looks great, offers versatility, and keeps a Bimini top overhead for shade. More comfort comes from the plush Spradling vinyl upholstery. The Nv233 can even be equipped with heaters for cool days. Despite its lower profile, the wraparound seating is well below the ­gunwales, offering a secure seat for all.

If you’re a buyer looking to move into the V-drive watersports market or for high-end performance at a very approachable price, the Nv233 should be on your list.

High Points

• Battery and PDM systems are in the glove box, so you don’t have to crawl into a hatch to find them.
• Transom lockers conveniently stow wet ropes and life jackets.
• Single screen  and new interface makes the Nv233 easy to operate for riders and captains.

How We Tested

• Engine: Crusader 6.0L L96 409 hp/409 ft.-lb.
• Drive/Prop: V-drive/Acme 2907 16″ x 15″
• Gear Ratio: 1.72:1 Fuel Load: 47 Crew Weight: 550 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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