They say bigger is better, and as the biggest Axis boat with a traditional bow, the T23 has performance and style that will impress, as they say, bigly. At nearly 24 feet, the T23 has a lot of running surface, and with Surf Gate and the Power Wedge II engaged, that means a world-class wave. Like the A24, the largest Axis with a pickle-fork bow, it produces a big wave with a clean face, ton of push and killer pocket that’s great for arcing big turns, going way back or boosting air. Surfers of all levels will love the giant wave, which can easily be customized through the Power Wedge. With the Power Wedge set at 2 and a set speed of 11 mph, we found the wave to be great for surf-style slashing and big soul-filled carves. So, we’d recommend that you opt for the Power Wedge II to tweak your wave to suit your abilities or to just try something different.
A bigger boat also means more room to hang with a crowd. The T23 seats 16 people total, and they won’t be jostling elbows or knocking knees. The bow lounge can be converted to a tanning bed with the optional filler cushions should some of your crew want to chill. The wraparound seating in the cockpit makes for a great conversation pit. The rear-facing recliner on the bench along the port side is optimal for spotter duty. Or you can configure the Sliding Skybox to set up home-theater-style seating to watch the riders do their thing while you relax. The driver will find the helm intuitive and manageable, so he or she can concentrate on providing a great session for the rider and remain vigilant of surrounding hazards and boat traffic.
Other nice touches include the soft-grip decking underfoot on the cockpit sole and also the swim platform. On the tow tower, the optional PTM clamping board racks keep your gear safe and secure on the tower.
How did the T23 handle when not set up to surf? With the ballast tanks empty, the Monsoon 409 inboard propelled the T23 to a top speed of nearly 35 mph. With the empty tanks, the boat climbed onto plane in 3.5 seconds. With full ballast tanks, it took about 6.5 seconds. Time to 20 mph was 9.9 seconds. At high speeds or low, it’s a tow boat with a lot to offer.
High Points
* Soft-grip flooring on the swim platform, transom steps and cockpit sole helps your feet find comfort no matter where you step.
* Multiposition Sliding Skybox Seat lets you move the transom seating to create a rear-facing lounge to watch the action.
* Surf Gate, Power Wedge II and Surf Band let you shape an endless wave with the push of a button.
Price: Unavailable (at press time)
How We Tested
Engine: PCM Monsoon 409 6.0L inboard
Drive/Prop: V-drive/15″ x 14 1/4″ 4-blade Nibral
Gear Ratio: 1.72:1
Fuel Load: 69 gal.
Crew Weight: 400 lb.
More Information
Axis Wake Research – Loudon, Tennessee; 865-458-5478; axiswake.com
