Boat Test: 2024 KYMA K7 Supercharged

2024 Boat of the Year Category Winner: Watersports

V-drive inboards do a great job, so why bother with water-jet power in this specialized category? We didn’t honor Kyma for simply being different.

The 6.2L 575 Indmar jet gives this boat shallower draft, better slow speed handling than a V-drive, and its wakesurf waves rank on par with those produced by V-drive boats, thanks to the innovative use of the Seakeeper Ride stability system.

Overview

Just about the time you think you’ve seen it all when it comes to V-drive wakesports boats, there emerges something new: the KYMA K7 Supercharged. While the K7 looks similar in size, shape and design to other boats in its class, what sets it apart is its power: a 6.2L 575 Indmar motor connected to a single jet-drive unit.

KYMA’s designers did an incredible job of blending multiple styles of boats—jet drive, runabout and watersports V-drive—into the product that is the K7 Supercharged. The looks lean into the watersports side, with high gunwales, a squared-off bow and a tower. On board, it’s a blend of traditional V-drive design with wraparound seating in the cockpit, while the helm takes cues from runabouts with dual captain’s chairs. Of course, it’s the jet drive that makes the K7 different from nearly anything else on the market with similar specs. The biggest advantage with the jet-drive setup is the shallow draft. Kyma lists the draft at “17.5 inches under normal load,” which is significantly less than the 36-inch average of most 23-foot V-drives. Not only does this allow the K7 to access shallower waters, but captains don’t have to worry about bending a prop or running gear. Another benefit to a jet drive lies in the steering. The K7 is easier to handle at slower speeds, especially in reverse, when compared with a V-drive that will pull in one direction or the other due to propeller torque.

Engine

History has shown that jet-drive boats have struggled when it comes to making sizable wakeboarding wakes or wakesurfing waves comparable to those of V-drive counterparts. KYMA changed that, and did so in a major way. First off, the KYMA utilizes a single jet drive, as opposed to twins often found in larger jet-drive boats. The jet drive features a 9-inch pump installed at more of a downward angle—this helps eliminate the rooster tail/wash issue that plagues other jet-drive boats trying to achieve higher-end watersports action. Equipped with 3,000 pounds of onboard ballast, the K7 can displace gobs of water with the push of a button. The result is nice, clean, symmetrical wakeboard wakes. They aren’t huge, but they’re more than enough for beginner and intermediate riders to catch air and learn countless tricks.

Where the K7 Supercharged really shines is in the wakesurfing arena. In fact, it totally surprised me, with waves that are clean, consistent and on par with many V-drives on the market today. This is thanks to the integrated Seakeeper Ride attitude-control system. This highly advanced system senses pitch, roll and yaw, and automatically adjusts the trim and roll with blinding speed while underway to keep a boat running level and smooth (which they can do for the K7). But the Seakeeper Ride actuators can also be deployed manually and independently to create a wakesurf wave. With the ballast full and the K7’s surf mode engaged, watching the wave come into shape is impressive. I’ve never seen a wave this good on a jet-drive boat, and most importantly, it’s fun to surf.

Interior and Accessories

The K7’s systems are controlled via a large, vertically mounted touchscreen to the right of the steering wheel. The menus are intuitive and easy to use, and the screen is flanked by push buttons for redundancy. The interface features constant single-tap access to both the audio and the navigation screens. The Seakeeper Ride system can also be adjusted via a control interface to the left of the steering wheel. The captain’s chair is plenty comfortable and customizable, and I enjoyed sitting behind the taller windshield for added protection from wind and elements. Another unique feature of the K7 is the electric steering system by Dometic. It’s been tuned to work with the performance and ride characteristics of the K7’s hull, ensuring a locked-in feel that you sometimes miss out on in other jet-drive boats.

Merely push a button, and the tower ­automatically lowers while keeping the ­Bimini level. So should you need extra shade or coverage from a rain shower, it’s just seconds away. Passengers are treated to a Spradling vinyl interior that feels different from other vinyls, but in a way I didn’t mind. It fits the KYMA’s vibe, and it’s easy to hose down should you take the K7 into salt water. Ample storage can be found throughout the interior, and the spaces under the cockpit seats are large enough to hold a full-size cooler. The bow features two removable cushions to convert it to a playpen-style layout, as well as dedicated anchor and ladder storage. If you’re going to beach your K7, it’s easy to get back on board.

Read Next: Tips for Shaping the Perfect Wake

To shop against the K7, Yamaha offers a ­series of jet-drive wakeboats. For models with automated wakesurfing setups, look at the 22- or 25-foot XD models (starting at $87,599 and $116,799, respectively).

Overall, KYMA set out to create a boat with the versatility of a jet drive and the fun of a watersports V-drive; with the K7 Supercharged, it has done just that. Whether you’re coming from a jet-boat background, looking to get into a watersports boat with added versatility, or wanting to start somewhere ­different than a V-drive, the K7 is a must-see.

How We Tested

• Engine: Indmar 6.2L 575 Supercharged
• Drive/Impeller: Jet drive/NA
• Gear Ratio: 1.00:1 Fuel Load: 27 gal. Crew Weight: 370 lb.

High Points

• Integrated tower and transom GoPro mounts.
• Good wakeboarding wake and a great wakesurfing wave. 
• KYMA includes a telematics package for remote monitoring of your boat’s systems.

Low Points

• No flip-up backrests or convertible bench—features often found in V-drive boats.
• Lack of cubbies leaves fewer places for storing drinks, phones and other items.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation