Axis Wakeboard Boat Forum

I've got some questions for you AXIS owners. I'm an avid surfer (salt water that is) and I have been water skiing for over 30 years. I currently own a MasterCraft Prostar 190 ski boat and it has really been bullet proof (LT-1 corvette engine is a big plus) but the family loves to wakeboard and our girls are learning to wake surf. As you know a ski boat is not the ideal surf or wake boat. I currently surf behind an MC X-1 that my buddy owns but I would really like my own surf/wake boat. I've been very pleased with my MC but I've never been a brand loyal person. I believe in "you purchase what you want and enjoy what you have." I'm looking to buy a new or newer wake surf boat and I've decided on the Axis. I love the way the boat looks, there is plenty of room for the family and friends, the pricing is very reasonable and it appears to be a very good wake and surf boat. My questions to you guys are:

1. Have you had any performance issues with your Axis boats.
2. Anything in particular that I need to look for when purchasing a new Axis.
3. What are the cmost common problems with the Axis boats that you guys have experienced.
4. Any regrets on having purchased an Axis as opposed to another brand of boat.
5. Would you recommend the boat to others.
6. Has anyone here tried out the new surf gate and how do you feel about it.

Thanks in advance for your responses and you guys have some great looking boats here.

Most common issue was the vinyl in prior 2013 models. Get a 2014 model for surfgate. If you can get it, get the A24 since you said family and friends. The A22 had very little storage in my opinion (I had a 2011 A22, now have an A24) and you can't fit boards under the seats, the A24 you can. I think the Z5 rack is a great option, most love it but just don't want to pay for it because it is pricey. I've never had a mechanical issue with my Axis boats. When you go look at the dealer, sit in both an A22 and A24.

I really appreciate your input. I have a MB dealer close by and I think he has several Axis boats on his lot. I'll drop by this weekend and take a look at them. My wife is on board, we have two girls and usually have two or three more kids with us so this boat should fit the bill. I will definitely take a look at the A24 and the Z5 rack. For the price you just can't even come close with other brands for the boat your getting. Thanks again and stay wet.

Where are you located at? You are more than welcome to come hop on with me if you are near Knoxville. My boat is sacked out and you can get an idea of what you are getting into.

If you're mainly getting it for surfing, check out the T22. From what I have seen, and some recent feedback from a local pro surfer, the T22 has the better surf wave of all the new Axis boats. To be clear, all of them are awesome it is just the T22 is the better of the four. Did our demo of the T22 with just the 750 plug n play, wedge, and surf gate and was really impressed with the wave.

Just picked up my T22 and have been very happy. This is an upgrade for us from a jet boat. Couldn't be happier! I was doing the break in over the weekend and threw the surfgate out just to see what it would look like. This is with 2 adults and 2 teenagers and full fuel. No other weight or wedge. I think it's going to be awesome with weight!

1. Not one. My A22 has taken every bit of weight, in a bunch of different configurations, and produced nothing but excellent wakes. It drives, handles, and feels just like a malibu VLX. Everyone that rides my boat is always impressed with how big and clean the wake is. Even when I have close to 5000 lbs of ballast plus people, it turns on a dime. Love it. Best handling weighted boat I have ever driven. fuel consumption is not a huge issue for most of us, but my boat, even when heavily heavily weighted down, gets really good gallons per hour. I was very pleased and surprised by this. I think I am at 3.25 - 3.5 GPH with ballast.

2. Vinyl. Make sure its in good condition in the trouble areas ( more in #3). If used and has extra ballast plumbed in. Make sure to check that all bags and tanks fill all the way full with no leaks and no problems, then drive and make sure that the bags do not drain out, then make sure they drain completely. During your test drive, make sure you pay attention to the bilge pump light, it will automatically engage when a certain level of water enters the bilge. at the end of the test drive, check the bilge to see if there is any water in it. A little bit of moisture or water is normal if you are in and out of the boat, but there shouldn't be more than 1/2" or so after a couple hours on the water with normal use. Make sure speed control works and holds speed, check it without ballast, and check it with ballast full. Make sure it holds speed with full ballast at wakeboard speeds 21 ish, and surf speeds 11 ish.

3. Vinyl vinyl vinyl. there are a few areas, mainly the 3 rear seat cushions at the piping. Then in the bow, 3 of the 4 bow seats will get melted by the sun due to the concave shape of the bow. The round corners on the left and right side of bow under the windshield will hit the vinyl in the very corner and melt it. Make sure the vinyl is in perfect shape OR the new black fiberglass sticker is installed. It seems to happen easier with the light colors, white, grey and yellow, but will happen with all colors. Other than that, check to see if the steering turns with one finger with boat OUT of water before you put it in, then again once its on the water. Some axis' came with non serviceable rudder boxes, mine failed and got very stiff. Replaced with a serviceable one. Just make sure the steering is smooth and easy. Only other problem I had was my packing seal where shaft enters into boat was leaking, but that was due to a bent strut… I haven't heard of anyone else with that problem, and 2011 and newer all seem to have dripless seals so you should be good to go.

4. Nope. For the price there is absolutely nothing even close to Axis wakes and waves. You can find same or better interior vinyl quality for the same price, but not wake performance, and not boat handling performance. I am fortunate to drive and ride most brands of boats, all of them loaded up with great wakes, owned by real riders. I put my wake up against anyones…. except the new Nautique G series, but I could buy at least 2 brand new a22's or T22's for the price of one G21 or G23.

5. I do all the time. Have had it for almost 3 years now and LOVE it still as if I just got it.

6. Yes, on the A24 only, but I hear it is great on all the A series and have HEARD that the T22's surf gate wave is the best around, by any boat manufacturer… have not tried it yet.

Here is the surf wave on my A24 - just got the plug in play in.

I will definitely take you up on that offer. I live near Johnson City so it's not too far. I would love to surf behind one before I pull the trigger.