Eight Great Small Wake Boats 2024

Given the growth of the inboard watersports boat market over the last decade, it should come as no surprise that the trend of offering bigger and bigger models has only—for lack of a better term—grown. Manufacturers such as Centurion, Malibu and MasterCraft all offer models 26 feet or longer. But does bigger always mean better? Not necessarily. Fortunately, for prospective buyers who need something smaller, there are still plenty of options to choose from. Most brands offer at least one model 21 feet or under, and several offer multiple. While the advantages of larger boats specific to wakeboarding and wakesurfing are fairly obvious, such as more room for friends, larger ballast systems for superior waves, etc., there are a lot of benefits to smaller boats.

The most obvious advantage is the purchase price. Generally, a 20- to 22-foot model is going to cost significantly less than a 25- to 26-footer. The second biggest economic advantage for smaller boats is fuel efficiency. Less fuel consumed means more wallet savings. Plus, if you’re a boater who needs to trailer your boat to and from your favorite riding spots, a smaller boat means better gas mileage for the tow vehicle (and quite possibly a cheaper ­vehicle that doesn’t require such a large tow rating).

Along with being easier to tow, smaller boat models are much easier to store, especially if you need to keep one in a standard-size garage. Every model listed in this roundup features a collapsible tower, making it ideal for storing in tighter places. The ­smaller size also presents an advantage when it comes to handling. A 20-foot boat is going to be easier to maneuver than its ­26-foot sibling. MasterCraft’s XT20 is 6 feet, 5 inches shorter, 2 inches narrower and 1,800 pounds lighter than the Yacht ­Certified X26, so you know it’s going to be less demanding to handle in tight quarters.

With all the advancements in hull design and wave-shaping technologies, the smaller boats in the watersports segment are able to produce better wakes and waves than ever before. In years past, buyers who wanted clean surf waves with plenty of push for all the riders in their family often had to go for the bigger boats that displaced more water. In 2024, that’s not always the case. All the boats in our list can create waves that cater to all types of different riding levels and styles. You won’t be able to bring 16 or 17 of your closest friends; however, you can have a blast on the water with everybody you can bring, and you’ll likely save some money while doing it.

Here’s a look at eight of the best wakeboats under 21 feet.

Check out our list of eight great small, inboard-powered watersports boats. If you’re seeking easy stowage and lower costs, your next ride may be on this list.

MasterCraft XT20

The MasterCraft XT20 has undergone a complete overhaul, and MasterCraft spent a lot of effort making sure this 20-footer has the power of larger versions. The updated SurfStar technology allows the XT20 to produce smooth, symmetrical wakeboarding wakes as well as large waves with lots of push. Everyone onboard will be comfortable thanks to the convertible rear bench and transom lounge seats, which were made with triple-density foam and incredibly plush vinyl by MasterCraft. Customers can choose to go more simply with a new build or take this 20-footer to the next level with all the bells and whistles MasterCraft has to offer. The XT line is one of the most customizable on the market.

Pricing and Specs

Heyday H20

The Heyday H20, which is brand-new for 2023, builds on the success of its larger sibling, the H22. Heyday has established a strong presence in the market by providing excellent performance at a very competitive price. The H20 is the only boat in the lineup without an automatic surf system, but it isn’t required because it still produces a good wave that can be enhanced with an additional wave shaper that can be attached on a suction cup. The rear-facing transom seats, which are unmatched by any other manufacturer’s chairs, and the power-folding swimstep are two things we adore about the H20. This makes storing the H20 in a garage or other small locations much easier.

Pricing and Specs

Moomba Mondo

Buyers can now enjoy reliable performance at a more affordable price because of Moomba’s constant improvements to the models’ abilities and performance. The 20-foot Moomba Mondo is the smallest in the fleet, but it produces some very entertaining wakes and waves thanks to an amazing 3,700 pounds of ballast, the Swell Surf System plates, and AutoWake technology. The Mondo’s AutoWake system is essential since it uses onboard sensors to track the boat’s running attitude. The Swell Surf System and ballast will automatically adjust as necessary to maintain the wake or wave at the ideal location. This takes a ton of the guesswork out of setting the Mondo up, which is great for new users or veteran riders alike, because it means less time trying to figure things out and more time on the water having fun.

Pricing and Specs

Axis A20

Since the brand’s beginnings, the Axis A20 has been a mainstay in the range, and in 2020 it had a significant update. The A20 is a fantastic choice for families looking to get into the watersports scene thanks to a better running surface and a more comfortable ride. It is impossible to emphasize how simple the Surf Gate and Power Wedge III systems are to use for wakeboarding and wakesurfing. Because of its adaptability, the A20 is excellent for riders who are just learning to stand up or who want to expand their repertoire of tricks.

Pricing and Specs

Malibu 21 LX

The Malibu 21 LX, introduced in 2022, is a model that draws inspiration from a number of previous Malibu models and transforms them into a multisport, family-friendly vehicle. One obvious example of this is the hybrid bow, featured on the 21 LX, which has lines that are similar to those of a traditional bow but an interior portion that is shaped like a larger pickle fork bow, providing greater space for passengers. Wake Plus and Diamond are the two hull styles available to buyers. While Diamond is designed for customers who also wish to water ski more aggressively behind the 21 LX, Wake Plus is intended for those leaning more toward wakesurfing and wakeboarding performance. As for the wakes and waves, the combination of Surf Gate and Power Wedge III ensure the 21 LX can be quickly and easily tweaked for all different levels and styles of riding. Opt in for the Surf Band remote and the rider can control those systems from their wrist while riding.

Pricing and Specs

Nautique GS20

For 2023, the Nautique GS20 has undergone a total makeover and is all-new. It is hailed as a true crossover performer since it can tow a skier around the slalom course in a matter of minutes after pulling a great wakesurf session with good waves. The GS20’s hull borrows design influences from its Super Air Nautique and Ski Nautique G23 relatives, enabling it to perform better in both extremes than you’d assume for a 20-foot V-drive. The Nautique Surf System plates that were tooled into the boat’s transom enable the GS20 to produce wakesurfing waves that can be adjusted for both novice and experienced riders. NSS plates are also much smaller than other surf system plates on the market, allowing for quick transfers from side to side when wakesurfing.

Pricing and Specs

Supra SR

The 20’11” Supra SR provides the sporty, aggressive appearance for which Supra has grown renowned, along with all-around performance that is suitable for both novice and experienced riders. The SR, which is the largest boat on this list at just under 21 feet, is rated for 14 passengers, more than any other vessel. If you invite some friends along, the 3,300 pounds of ballast and Supra’s Swell Surf System will produce huge, entertaining waves. The standard AutoWake technology from Supra makes the on-water experience easier and more enjoyable for both the captain and the rider.

Pricing and Specs

Tigé 20 RZX

Even though it is exactly 20 feet long, Tigé’s pickle-fork-shaped 20RZX can accommodate 13 people and 3,000 pounds of ballast. The 20 RZX keeps things simple and organized by placing the Clear Screen, which is positioned vertically, as the only screen in the cockpit. The 20 RZX’s systems can still be swiftly and simply managed with a few finger taps thanks to the single screen on the right of the steering wheel, which gives the captain a clear line of sight and minimizes distractions. The 20 RZX is a snap to set up and ride thanks to preset settings for surfing, wakeboarding, and water skiing, and the TAPS 3T surf plates make it simple to adjust the waves for different types of riders.

Pricing and Specs

Three More to Check Out!

• ATX 20 Type-S
• Malibu 20 VTX
• MasterCraft NXT20