Overview
As you tour the new Axis T250 for the very first time, keep reminding yourself: This is an entry-level watersports boat. Chant it like a mantra.
Because the more you see, the more you’ll realize the T250 has many features of far more expensive boats. Start with plush vinyl seating for up to 18 friends, Axis Soft Grip flooring everywhere (including the swim step) for both grip and to protect boards, and the Axis Skybox seats that convert the rear seating into a wake stadium.
Interior and Accessories
Check out the first-ever Axis touchscreen dash, developed in collaboration with Garmin. We found it easy to use to control everything from the ballast to the Power Wedge III, to customizing the wake to setting cruise control. Run your hands over the Axis AW20 tower that stores up to eight boards, lowers easily (with one person) for low bridges, and offers an easily deployed Bimini top for shade.
Combine all this with the Surf Gate that sets user-chosen wakes on either side (without shifting ballast) and quickly switches from side to side, plus the pop-up pylon for tubers and skiers, and you have an all-purpose sportboat.
Engine
Power starts with the Malibu Monsoon M5Di (360 hp), and you can up the ante with the M6Di (430 hp). If you want more yeehaw, go for the supercharged LT4 engine of 607 hp and 606 foot-pounds of torque.
Running the boat, we found it very nimble, so you can pick up riders and surfers quickly and enjoy joyriding. You’ll get a lot of looks with the T250, which, built by Malibu, presents crisp styling and a wide variety of popular color combinations.
Wherever you look, including the swim platform, you’ll find cup holders. We counted 25! The skipper gets a cellphone holder, and Axis placed the stereo where everyone can use it. The Axis five-year warranty covers most everything, from the powertrain to the audio and even the upholstery. There is a lifetime structural warranty.
Now, try to remember: This is a price-conscious, entry-level watersports boat.
How We Tested
- Engine: 360 hp Monsoon M5Di
- Drive/Props: V-drive/16 1/2” x 14″ 4-blade nibral
- Gear Ratio: 2.00:1 Fuel Load: 75 gal. Crew Weight: 450 lb.
High Points
- Storage space is huge, including an insulated self-draining cooler in the cockpit.
- Transom has a bench seat to help get your gear on and off.
- Quick and nimble for downed rider pickups and just plain fun to run.
Low Points
- As with most watersports boats, there is a dearth of grab handles.
- Engine is shoehorned into a small compartment, making side access somewhat difficult.
Toughest Competitor
The Supreme S240 ($128,285) carries fewer guests (14), and is 1 foot shorter and $21,000 more expensive. The
pickle-fork-style bow is spacious, and the stainless-steel tower is similar, with four racks.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $107,178 (with Monsoon M5Di) |
| LOA: | 25’0″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft (max): | 2’8″ |
| Displacement: | 5,500 lb. (approx.) |
| Transom Deadrise: | NA |
| Bridge Clearance: | 4’7.5″ (tower down; no board racks); 5’5″ (with board racks) |
| Fuel Capacity: | 94 gal. |
| Max Horsepower: | 607 |
| Available Power: | Single Malibu Monsoon engines to 607 hp |
Speed, Operation, Efficiency
Axis Wake Research – Loudon, Tennessee; 865-458-5478; axiswake.com
