Before you change a successful product, you’d best be sure the new one is better. In the case of upgrading the Axis T22 with the new T220, Axis nailed it. This midsize (21 feet, 11 inches) wake-sports boat is a price-conscious entry from the builders of Malibu boats, and it not only tows easily but is also easy on your wallet.
At first glance, it has the traditional bow for slicing through wakes, but that flares quickly into a larger forward lounge, where the seating easily converts from lounges to a sun pad surrounded by speakers and thoughtful grab rails. The freeboard remains high, which translates into not only a dry boat, but also a safe one, with high inside coamings to keep the kiddies in place.
Next stop is the driver’s office, with the debut of the clean and ergonomic touchscreen dash. Using a 7-inch -Garmin monitor, the skipper controls every aspect of the wake with a fingertip: The Power Wedge III shapes the wake; the triple ballast tanks fill or empty; the Surf Gate creates the perfect face on either side, switching back and forth in just seconds for great tricks; and the cruise control sets and holds the perfect speed for each rider.
Next to the driver, a rear-facing lounger morphs into comfy all-day wraparound seating. On the floor throughout (and on the transom platform) is Axis Soft Grip, which is easy on the feet and even easier to clean. The T220 is rated for up to 15 people, and the optional Sliding Skybox Seat creates rear-facing seating for wake spectators.
Overhead, the AW20 tower looks cool and not only carries quad boards, but also has a quick-deploy Bimini top for cockpit sun protection.
Standard power for the T220 is the Malibu-built Monsoon M5Di, which punches out 360 hp and tops out at just over 38 mph. Or you can upgrade to the M6Di (430 hp) with buckets of torque for yanking up skiers.
With a full five-year warranty on the boat, power and audio, the T220 is sure to please even the most discriminating surfers and boarders.
High Points
- Surf Band allows the rider to customize their own wave, boat speed and speaker volume.
- Kudos for plenty of grab rails that don’t interfere with the seating.
- No wood is used in the construction, so owners never have to worry about rot.
How We Tested
- Engine: Monsoon M5Di 360 hp
- Drive/Props: V-drive/15″ x 141/4” 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: | 2’3″ (max) |
| Dry Weight: | 4,850 lb. (approx.) |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 15/2,115 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 58 gal. |
Axis Wake Research – Loudon, Tennessee; 865-458-5478; axiswake.com
