It’s a badly kept secret that the Axis line of watersports boats comes from industry-leading Malibu Boats. And it’s also no secret that the Axis line is entry-level boats for price-conscious boaters who still want the ability to dial in big waves for surfing, tune the wake for boards, and tow water-skiers and water toys alike.
The Axis T250 is the builder’s first 25-footer, and it delivers bold styling, spacious seating (up to 18), and engine performance that doesn’t disappoint.
Sitting next to a 2022 Malibu, it’s clear that Axis has its own styling—more chiseled than the Malibu lines, and with fewer paint and upholstery choices. But when it comes to what serious skippers want, the T250 scores on all fronts.
It’s nimble on the water, making rider pickups easy, and it has 5,370 pounds of ballast (when including 1,500 pounds of simulated ballast from the Power Wedge III) to create pro surf waves and wakeboard wakes. These are fully customizable using the Power Wedge III, which modifies the wake from steep to mellow at the touch of a button, and the Surf Gate, which builds user-choice wakes on either side that can switch quickly from side to side without shifting ballast.
The layout is simple, with wraparound forward seating, great grab handles, comfortably proportioned seats, and Axis Soft Grip flooring that is both nonslip and easy to clean.
Aft, seats wrap around from the rear-facing companion seat to behind the bucket helm seat, and the Sliding Skybox Seat easily turns the rear seats into a wake stadium. At the helm, the skipper gets the clean Premium Sport Dash with a 7-inch touchscreen, where everything from cruise control to ballast and wake settings are positioned near the throttle hand.
Standard power is the Malibu Monsoon M5Di (360 hp), with the M6Di (430 hp) and supercharged 607 hp Malibu Monsoon LT4 powered by GM Marine also available. Backed by the Axis five-year factory warranty on everything from the powertrain to upholstery and audio, you have to look twice to remember this is an entry-level watersports boat.
High Points
- Great stowage, including an underseat cooler.
- AW20 tower lowers easily, even with boards in place, and includes a Bimini top for sun protection.
- Transom has cup holders, optional stereo controls, and Axis Soft Grip deck covering.
How We Tested
- Engine: Monsoon M5Di 360 hp
- 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.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $107,178 (with Monsoon M5Di) |
|---|---|
| LOA: | 25’0″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft: | 2’8″ (max) |
| Dry Weight: | 5,500 lb. (approx.) |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 18/2,538 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 94 gal. |
Axis Wake Research – Loudon, Tennessee; 865-458-5478; axiswake.com
