Moomba Mondo

Moomba Mondo

Moomba Mondo

Moomba Mondo

Moomba Mondo

Moomba Mondo

Moomba Mondo

Moomba Mondo

Moomba Mondo

Moomba Mondo

Moomba’s all-new Mondo takes many of its cues from the popular Mojo 2.5, but at 2 feet shorter, it’s in a completely different size class that’s friendlier to size-restricted waterways, smaller tow vehicles and garage storage. Features and running surface similar to the Mojo’s mean the Mondo will handle surfers and wakeboarders well, and it’s luxuriously appointed for a value-class boat.

The Mondo’s huge, clutter-free interior feels big for its 20.5-foot length overall. The high freeboard, deep seating and no-nonsense design make this boat feel at least a size class bigger. The boat’s fiberglass cockpit sole with snap-in carpet is low-maintenance and makes cleanup a breeze. The Mondo’s dash shares the Mojo’s utilitarian mentality: Handsomely styled, it features analog gauges with stainless-steel hoods and illuminated rocker switches that are never on when you think they’re off. The digital display is small and easy to use with shallow menus you can figure out the first time at the helm. Speed control, engine diagnostics, wake-plate position and ballast gauges are all easily accessible without a PhD in computer science.

The Mondo’s wakeboard and surf performance also impressed me. This small boat throws out ramps and swells far beyond its size class, thanks to the impressive 1,300 pounds of factory ballast, 13-person capacity and deep-V hull. The Mondo’s hull naturally wants to roll over on its side for surfing, and the high freeboard means you won’t get water over the rub rail or spray passengers. The Mondo’s surf-specific transom platform has beveled edges to cut down spray on the face of the wave, and the new Oz HD tower has a sleek design and features thicker tubing than ever before for a vibration-free, sturdy feel.

Comparable model: Axis A20