Overview
Before tinkering with the successful Axis T220, Malibu’s design team listened to owners and users, and upgraded this midsize wake-sports boat while keeping it comparatively affordable.
The traditional bow slices wakes, but broadens quickly to enlarge the forward lounge. The high sides make this area kid-friendly and reassuring to parents.
Interior and Accessories
The helm debuts the new Axis dash that is clean and ergonomic, featuring a 7-inch Garmin touchscreen monitor that switches from engine gauges to lighting and systems to wake sports. The wake-sports screen provides the captain with control of the Power Wedge III, Surf Gate, cruise control and ballast tanks, giving wakeboarders and wakesurfers a customized experience with just a few button touches.
The driver’s bucket seat with bolster offers secure seating, and a rear-facing companion lounge morphs into wraparound seating. The Sliding Skybox Seat (consider the optional lean-back inserts) creates rear-facing spectator seating, and the Axis Soft Grip floor is easy on the feet, easy to clean and nonslip. With the array of seating choices, the T220 is rated for 15.
Engine
Standard power on our test boat was the Malibu-built Monsoon M5Di, punching out 360 hp and providing a hammer-down speed of about 38 mph. Upgrade to the M6Di (430 hp) and you’ll get a bit more top speed, but with buckets of torque to yank up deepwater starts.
Overhead, the AW20 tower is not only cool but also cooling, with a pullout Bimini top for sun protection. It also carries quad boards plus enough speakers for riders far behind to hear. Speaking of cool, the seating is upholstered with Chillax, which fights heat in the midday sun, and the seats hinge up to reveal massive storage for gear, boards, fenders and ice chests.
Readily towable (at 4,850 pounds without the trailer) behind a midsize pickup, the Axis T220 also carries reassuring warranties: a full five years on the boat, power and audio.
The new T220 proves a delight for the most discriminating surfers and boarders.
High Points
- Available wrist Surf Band allows the rider to customize their wave, boat speed and speaker volume.
- No wood is used in the construction, so owners never have to worry about rot.
- Moving the batteries forward under the seats improves both access and balance.
Low Point
- Marginally lower seating capacity than some comparable boats.
Toughest Competitor
The Moomba Craz has a seating capacity of 16 and costs $83,679 powered by a single Indmar Ford Raptor 400 Catalyst V-drive.
Speed, Efficiency, Operation
How We Tested
- Engine: Monsoon M5Di (360 hp)
- Drive/Props: V-drive/15″ x 14 1/4” 4-blade nibral
- Gear Ratio: 1.76:1 Fuel Load: 50 gal. Crew Weight: 350 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $92,860 (with Monsoon M5Di) |
| LOA: | 21’11” |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft (max): | 2’3″ |
| Displacement (approx.): | 4,850 lb. |
| Transom Deadrise: | NA |
| Bridge Clearance: | 4’5″ (tower down, no board racks); 5’2″ (tower down, with board racks) |
| Fuel Capacity: | 54 gal. |
| Max Horsepower: | 430 (460 ft.-lb. torque) |
| Available Power: | Single Malibu Monsoon M5Di or M6Di V-drive inboard |
Axis Wake Research – Loudon, Tennessee; 865-458-5478; axiswake.com
