Top 10 Boats for Watersport Towing 2027
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The 10 best boats for watersport towing 2027 are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.
1Malibu 23 LSV
The Malibu 23 LSV ranks first because it is the most complete all-rounder on this list for surf and wake. Its 23-foot hull with a 102-inch beam seats up to 15, and Monsoon power runs from 360 hp/400 ft-lb to 652 hp/670 ft-lb.
Up to 4,435 pounds of factory ballast works with Surf Gate, Power Wedge III and Surf Band to shape a clean wave on either side, and buyers choose between the Wake Plus and Diamond hulls.
This boat is for crews who want one vessel to do surf and wake well, with a published starting price of $146,973. It trades away the lower prices of the value picks below. Compared to the Nautique GS22 below, the 23 LSV is a larger boat with more factory ballast (4,435 versus 2,900 pounds), making it the bigger all-around choice for families.
2Nautique GS22
The Nautique GS22 ranks second for crews who want one boat for waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing, which is how Nautique markets it. Its 22-foot hull (24 feet 7 inches with the platform) on a 100-inch beam seats 15, with the PCM ZZ5 (355 hp) standard and the PCM ZZ6 (450 hp), PCM ZZ8R (570 hp) and Yanmar 8LV diesel (370 hp) available.
The Nautique Surf System with WAVEPLATES, the Nautique Configurable Running Surface (NCRS) and up to 2,900 pounds of ballast with the supplemental option shape the wave, controlled from a 12.4-inch LINC Panoray touchscreen, and the Flight Control Tower is standard.
This boat is for buyers who want Nautique build quality and ski capability alongside surf and wake. Nautique does not publish a price, so get a dealer quote. Compared to the Malibu 23 LSV above, the GS22 is a smaller, lighter boat (4,900 pounds dry) with less ballast, but Nautique markets it for skiing as well as surfing and wakeboarding.
3MasterCraft NXT24
The MasterCraft NXT24 ranks third as the biggest model in MasterCraft's NXT family. Its 24-foot hull with a 102-inch beam seats 16, weighs 5,000 pounds and holds 65 gallons of fuel. The standard engine is the Ilmor MV8 5.3 GDI HO V-drive, which MasterCraft rates at 380 hp, with an Ilmor 6.2 GDI (440 hp) upgrade.
SurfStar and NXT FasterFill ballast with 3,300 pounds of ballast shape the wave, and a Z6 tower with clamping board racks, a 7-inch touchscreen and SoundStage audio are standard.
This boat is for crews who want MasterCraft quality in a larger, simpler package; MasterCraft does not publish a price. It trades away premium options found on MasterCraft's X family. Compared to the Axis A225 below, the NXT24 offers a longer hull and one more seat, making it a step up in size.
4Axis A225
The Axis A225 ranks fourth as the value pick, carrying Malibu Boats' wave-shaping hardware at a published starting price of $103,192. Its hull measures 22 feet 5 inches on a 102-inch beam, seats 15, and holds 1,125 pounds of factory ballast that can be expanded to 4,175 pounds.
Monsoon power runs from 360 hp/400 ft-lbs to 430 hp/460 ft-lbs, and Axis lists Surf Gate, Power Wedge III, Surf Band and its Wake Plus hull for shaping the surf wave and wakeboard wake.
This boat is for first-time surf families who want Malibu-built wave technology without flagship pricing. It trades away the plusher interior finishes of the premium brands for value. Compared to the MasterCraft NXT24 above, the A225 is shorter (22 feet 5 inches versus 24 feet) and seats one fewer, making it the more compact, budget-minded pick.
5ATX 22 Type-S
The ATX 22 Type-S ranks fifth as the value pick for surf crews who want a configurable wave. At 22 feet, it combines the GO System, Convex V hull and TAPS 3T so riders can fine-tune surf performance, and it seats up to 15 with substantial ballast, premium audio, a touchscreen helm, a standard powered tower and a large amount of storage.
This boat is for buyers who want a well-equipped wakesurf boat without stepping into the price range of larger luxury models. It is less focused on luxury appointments than higher-end Tigé models, and its dealer footprint is smaller than the category leaders'.
6Supra SA
The Supra SA ranks sixth for surf-focused crews who want a heavily automated wave. Supra lists it at 22 feet 5 inches (24 feet 7 inches with the platform) on a 102-inch beam, with seating for 15 and 4,100 pounds of ballast.
Indmar Raptor 400, 450 and 575 engines are offered, and the Swell Surf System with Surf Pipe, AutoWake with the Supra Launch System and the Supra SmartPlate shape the wave from a Vision Control Center with dual touchscreens. A power folding tower and a 26-speaker DSD 6-zone audio system are listed features.
This boat is for serious surfers who want a dialed wave and premium kit, at a published starting price of $243,500. It trades away brand resale value and dealer network breadth compared to the big three, and its entry price sits well above most boats on this list.
7Centurion Ri230
The Centurion Ri230 ranks seventh for surf-first buyers who want a big ballast program in the 23-foot class. It runs 24 feet overall without the swim step (25 feet 2 inches with it) on a 102-inch beam, seats 14, and carries up to 5,400 pounds of total available ballast, including 2,500 pounds of sub-floor pumped ballast.
Centurion publishes engine torque rather than horsepower, from 400 ft-lb standard to 465 ft-lb, and lists QuickSurf Pro with Lenco Smart Rams, RAMFILL Boosted fast-fill ballast and its Opti-V hull as standard wave hardware, with a Saber Auto Tower on top.
This boat is for mixed-skill crews who prioritize wave size and surf-session comfort; Centurion does not publish a starting price. It trades away the ski-oriented versatility of the all-rounders above and seats fewer people than the larger towboats. Compared to the Supra SA above, the Ri230 carries more maximum ballast (5,400 versus 4,100 pounds) but seats one fewer, making it the surf specialist of the pair.
8Chaparral GTS 3
The Chaparral GTS 3 ranks eighth as a crossover sterndrive, bringing a factory surf system to buyers who also want a bowrider day boat. It measures 23 feet overall with the swim platform on an 8-foot-6-inch beam and is rated for 13 people.
Power comes from Volvo Penta Forward Drive packages of 250 hp (V-6) or 300 hp (V-8), and the standard Surf System works with a ballast pump and a 425-pound soft bag. An MTX folding tower, a Simrad NSX9 touchscreen and a bow walk-through door are standard.
This boat is for buyers who want surf capability plus everyday cruising, at a Chaparral-published starting price of $105,252. It trades away ballast volume compared to dedicated V-drive towboats, since its standard ballast is a single 425-pound bag. Compared to the Centurion Ri230 above, the GTS 3 adds a bowrider layout and a published price but carries a fraction of the ballast, making it a practical crossover rather than a surf specialist.
9Moomba Mondo
The Moomba Mondo ranks ninth as the budget surf pick, with the lowest published price on this list. It is 20 feet overall (22 feet with the platform) on a 102-inch beam, seats 12 and carries 3,800 pounds of ballast and 43 gallons of fuel, with the 6.2L Raptor 400 engine by Indmar. The Flow Surf 2.0 System, Autowake and the Moomba SmartPlate shape the wave, and an A3 Tower with fixed board racks is standard.
This boat is for value-first crews who want the most boat and wave per dollar, listed from $94,999. It trades away premium interior materials and resale value compared to higher-end brands. Compared to the Chaparral GTS 3 above, the Mondo carries far more factory ballast (3,800 versus 425 pounds) but gives up the bowrider day-boat layout, making it the better pure towboat value.
10Yamaha 252SD
The Yamaha 252SD ranks tenth as the jet-drive option, offering propless safety and simple ownership. Its 24-foot 6-inch hull on an 8-foot-6-inch beam seats 12, weighs 4,345 pounds and holds 75 gallons of fuel, powered by twin 1.9-liter High Output Yamaha marine engines.
Yamaha's DRiVE X lets the driver move the boat sideways, rotate it or hold it against a dock, and an aluminum folding wakeboard tower and 12.3-inch Connext touchscreen are standard. Yamaha lists no integrated ballast system on the 252SD.
This boat is for families who prioritize swimmer safety and easy handling over a surf wave, with Yamaha listing it from $124,299. It trades away the ballast and surf systems of the V-drive boats above. Compared to the Moomba Mondo above, the 252SD costs about $29,300 more at published prices ($124,299 versus $94,999) and has no integrated ballast, making it a crossover for tubing and casual watersports rather than surfing.
How we ranked these
We ranked each towboat against a weighted rubric based on published data from Boating Magazine, WAKE/Alliance Wake, BoatTEST, boats.com, and manufacturer pages. The weights were: wave and wake quality (25%), on-water performance and handling (20%), ballast/tech/surf systems (15%), comfort/seating/layout (15%), build quality and reliability (15%), and resale value (10%). A boat that failed in any major category dropped significantly.
We deliberately ignored marketing hype, such as peak horsepower numbers and touchscreen size, because a well-tuned hull and ballast plan matter more than raw power. We also excluded subjective brand loyalty and anecdotal forum opinions, focusing only on verifiable specs and expert reviews. This ensures the ranking reflects real-world performance and ownership value, not spec-sheet bragging rights.
Related questions
What is the best overall towboat for 2027?
The Malibu 23 LSV is the best overall for 2027, with a published starting price of $146,973. It offers Surf Gate, Power Wedge III and up to 4,435 pounds of factory ballast for surfing and wakeboarding. Its strong resale and proven reliability make it the most complete all-rounder in the class.
What is the best value towboat for 2027?
The Axis A225, from a published $103,192, is the best value. Built by Malibu Boats, it delivers Surf Gate wave-shaping technology in a durable, value-focused build. It offers the most wave per dollar, making it ideal for first-time surf families.
Which towboat has the steepest surf wave?
Wave shape depends on hull, ballast and surf system, so ride behind each boat before buying. The Centurion Ri230 backs its Opti-V hull and QuickSurf Pro with up to 5,400 pounds of ballast for surf-first crews, while the Malibu 23 LSV pairs Surf Gate and Power Wedge III with up to 4,435 pounds.
Are jet-drive boats good for watersports?
Yes, for tubing and casual towing. The Yamaha 252SD offers a propless, swimmer-safe platform with twin 1.9-liter High Output Yamaha engines, but Yamaha lists no integrated ballast system, so it is not built for wakesurfing. It's best for families prioritizing safety and easy handling over a surf wave.
Can one boat handle surf, wakeboard, and ski?
Yes. The Nautique GS22, which Nautique markets for waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing, is the clearest example here. Most V-drive towboats can pull a skier with ballast drained, but Malibu and MasterCraft market the 23 LSV and NXT24 mainly for surf and wake.
How much should I budget for a watersport towboat?
Published starting prices here run from $94,999 for the Moomba Mondo to $103,192 for the Axis A225, $105,252 for the Chaparral GTS 3, $124,299 for the Yamaha 252SD, $146,973 for the Malibu 23 LSV and $243,500 for the Supra SA. Nautique, MasterCraft and Centurion do not publish prices.
What is the difference between a V-drive and a jet drive towboat?
V-drives, like the Malibu 23 LSV, have an inboard engine with a prop under the hull, producing the best surf wave. Jet drives, like the Yamaha 252SD, use impellers, offering propless safety and shallow-water capability but a less crisp wave. Choose based on wave quality vs. safety.
Which towboat has the best resale value?
Malibu, MasterCraft, and Nautique hold value best due to their strong brand reputation and wide dealer networks. The Malibu 23 LSV and Nautique GS22 are particularly known for retaining value, making them smart long-term investments despite higher upfront costs.
FAQ
Which towboat is the best overall for 2027?
The Malibu 23 LSV earns our top spot for balancing the best all-around surf wave, a strong wakeboard set, and class-leading resale with no major weakness.
What is the best value towboat?
The Axis A225, from a published $103,192, delivers Malibu's Surf Gate wave science in a durable, value-focused build — the most wave per dollar on this list.
Can one boat handle surf, wakeboard, and ski?
Yes. The Nautique GS22, which Nautique markets for waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing, is the clearest example here; most V-drive towboats can pull a skier with ballast drained.
Which towboat throws the steepest surf wave?
Wave shape depends on hull, ballast and surf system; the Centurion Ri230 backs its Opti-V hull with up to 5,400 pounds of ballast, and the Malibu 23 LSV pairs Surf Gate with up to 4,435 pounds.
Are jet-drive boats good for watersports?
The Yamaha 252SD offers a propless, swimmer-safe platform for tubing and casual towing; Yamaha lists no integrated ballast system, so it is not built for wakesurfing.
How much should I budget for a watersport towboat?
Published starting prices run from $94,999 for the Moomba Mondo and $103,192 for the Axis A225 to $146,973 for the Malibu 23 LSV and $243,500 for the Supra SA; Nautique, MasterCraft and Centurion do not publish prices.
What matters more: horsepower or hull design?
Hull design matters more. A well-tuned hull and ballast plan throw a better wave than raw power. The Centurion Ri230's Opti-V and Tige's TAPS hulls are examples where design outperforms engine specs.
Is a sterndrive crossover like the Chaparral GTS 3 worth it?
Yes, if you want surf capability plus everyday cruising. The GTS 3 pairs a standard Surf System with Volvo Penta Forward Drive, whose forward-facing propellers sit under the boat rather than at the swim platform, and its bowrider layout is comfortable. However, its standard ballast is a single 425-pound bag, so its wave is smaller than dedicated V-drives and it is best for casual crews.
What is the safest towboat for swimmers?
The Yamaha 252SD is the safest here because its jet drives have no exposed propellers. The Chaparral GTS 3's Forward Drive props face forward under the boat, away from the swim platform, but they are still propellers. That makes the 252SD the pick for families with kids who swim near the boat.
Which towboat has the largest seating capacity?
The MasterCraft NXT24 seats up to 16. The Malibu 23 LSV, Nautique GS22, Supra SA and Axis A225 seat 15, the Centurion Ri230 seats 14, the Chaparral GTS 3 is rated for 13 people, and the Yamaha 252SD and Moomba Mondo seat 12.
Sources
- https://www.boatingmag.com
- https://www.alliancewake.com
- https://www.boattest.com
- https://www.boats.com
- https://www.malibuboats.com
- https://www.nautique.com
- https://www.mastercraft.com
- https://www.tige.com
- https://www.skierschoice.com
- https://www.yamahaboats.com
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