Boat Test: 2023 Montara Surf Boss 2.0

Overview

Montara’s Surf Boss 2.0 blows the old saying about every boat being a compromise right out of the water. It delivers first-class wakesurfing and wakeboarding. And it delivers the mega-­sociability of a pontoon boat. 

While I’m an astute ­observer of wake sports, don’t take my word about the wakes and waves produced by the Surf Boss 2.0. Pro riders from both disciplines have lauded its capabilities. See for yourself in the video we produced. 

At the heart of its performance is the aluminum hull, refined by a crew of craftsmen with decades of experience building watersports boats. At the helm, the 12-inch touchscreen was easy to read in sunlight. This provides control of the 4,200 pounds of ballast, ­rider profiles and more. The Polk Audio head unit is also located here, with its four-zone control. The helm is raised, aiding visibility. This helm will prove familiar to wake captains. 

Engine

Grip the side-mount Livorsi engine control. This operates the PCM inboard, of which three versions are available. Our test boat featured the 450 hp 6.2L DPI. With it, we shot to 30 mph in 8 seconds and hit 37 mph at wide-open throttle. It proved smooth and steady making waves and wakes. 

Interior and Accessories

The base Power Tower folds easily for garage stowage or low bridges. We’d opt for the Cast Power Tower, with its sheathing and white powder coat. It looks killer and offers great ­functionality.

Another old saying states that storage is at a premium aboard any boat. Montara is down with that, offering what it terms the Basement, a huge compartment located under the bow cockpit large enough to step down into and stow all of your gear. It also provides ­excellent access to the batteries and electrical system.

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It should be noted that the Surf Boss 2.0 comes in a 23-foot length as well as the 25-footer we tested. Both are available with two seating layouts. The CW plan comes with a single helm seat and a longer lounge along the aft port side. The CWDH arrangement comes with port and starboard captain’s chairs for the pilot and mate. We found the upholstery comfortable, well-sewn and attractive. Either way, this boat offers a 16-person seating capacity.

Seeking a boat that’s a wake performer and an entertainer? Check out Montara’s Surf Boss 2.0.

How We Tested

• Engine: 450 hp PCM 6.2L DPI
• Drive/Prop: V-drive/15 1/2″ x 15″ 4-blade nibral
• Gear Ratio: 1.70:1 Fuel Load: 60 gal. Crew Weight: 800 lb.

High Points

• The 115-gallon fuel capacity provides more range and convenience than any pontoon boat.
• Basement provides in-deck storage capacity unheard of in any type of boat of the same length.
• This boat offers comfort, amenities and ease of boarding that other watersports boats cannot rival.
• Features a lightweight, low-maintenance aluminum hull. 

Low Points

• Limited upholstery color choices help keep the price low but limit owner expression.
• Doesn’t offer the sleek looks of a traditional watersports boat.
• Doesn’t offer the shallower draft, ease of maintenance and corrosion resistance provided by the outboards that power most pontoon boats.

Toughest Competitor

Montara’s Surf Boss 2.0 doesn’t merely bridge two boating niches, it combines them and does a great job at both. We know of no other boat that compares. 

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation