The surge in the popularity of wakesurfing has everyone looking for a way to catch some waves. Watersports-specific boats are the best way to enjoy wakesurfing, but not everyone wants to pay six figures for a boat designed to do one job. But thanks to advancements in forward-facing drives as well as jet drives, boaters can now catch a high-quality wave behind a big dayboat, and enjoy everything else it has to offer too. These big bowriders have the advantage of extra legroom as well as enclosed heads and even overnight accommodations. Most of the boats in this class are also yacht certified, which means you can bring a big crowd for a day on the water. Consider these seven boats the ultimate surfable sport-utes.
Regal 38 Surf
Regal bills its 38 Surf as the world’s largest wakesurf boat. It’s much more than that. Nearly 40-feet-long, it can do just about everything on the water, from overnighting to cruising to fishing and more. It’s a true sport-utility boat.
Everything centers around twin 380 hp Volvo Penta engines paired with Forward Drives, which tuck the props safely out of harm’s way. Because the 38 Surf is such a big boat with a large displacement, Regal had no need to add ballast tanks or surf tabs to shape the wake, simplifying the wakesurfing experience to a push-button operation. At the helm, go to surf mode on the 22-inch Garmin MFD. The Forward Drives offset each other and create a wave on either side. By adjusting the trim of the drive units, the shape and size of the wave can be customized to suit different riding styles and preferences
Done surfing? The 38 Surf has an excellent layout for entertaining, with a “refreshment island” aft of the helm, complete with a sink and grill as well as a separate multifunction display, giving the grill master control of nearly any system, including audio, lighting, the powered lounge and swim platform, and more.
Want to take an overnight cruise? The 38 Surf sports an air-conditioned cabin featuring a full head, walk-in shower, and two queen-size berths (forward and midberth) that convert from settees, comfortably accommodating four adults. If you want to add fishing to your repertoire, add in the optional rocket launchers with tow points for the wakesurf rope.
Check out our full test of the Regal 38 Surf at boatingmag.com/boats/2024-regal-38-surf-boat-test.
| Price: | $869,855 (well-equipped) |
| LOA: | 39’2″ |
| Beam: | 11’11” |
| Draft: | 3’0″ |
| Displacement: | 19,400 lb. (approx.) |
| Fuel Capacity: | 249 gal. |
| Surfable Power: | Twin Volvo Penta V-8 engines with FWD Drives from 760 to 860 hp |
Regal Boats – Orlando, Florida; regalboats.com
Sea Ray SDX 270 Surf
Sea Ray’s SDX 270 comes in three versions: surf, outboard and conventional sterndrive.
Sea Ray turns this SDX into a surfboat by powering it with a Mercury Bravo Four S forward-facing drive that tucks the props safely under the boat. For the Surf edition, Sea Ray employs its Next Wave Surf System, tapering the transom to help create a surfable wake. The surf system also integrates 1,900 pounds of ballast in three tanks. Use Active Trim and the electric surf tabs to help shape the waves.
The helm features dual 9-inch Simrad MFDs, analog switches, and a bolster, all behind a seamless curved windshield designed for clear sightlines. The Smart Tow software allows easy customization of surf, wakeboard, or ski and tube settings for precise wave-tuning.
When you’re not surfing, the SDX 270 Surf proves itself a versatile dayboat. The interior layout is designed to accommodate many people comfortably with convertible seating on the wraparound lounge, a spacious head, wireless charging, and Fusion audio system. A large sun pad at the transom provides space for tanning and as a staging area for watersports. The drop-down ladder and swim step on the swim platform help make for easy reboarding after a session. Don’t forget the foldable watersports tower that includes pivoting clamping board racks for easy access and an oversized Bimini for shade.
For more information and to watch our video review, go to boatingmag.com/sponsored-post/2024-sea-ray-sdx-270-surf.
| Price: | $204,950 |
| LOA: | 27’2″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft: | 3’7″ |
| Displacement: | 6,976 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 75 gal. |
| Surfable Power: | 350 hp MerCruiser 6.2L V-8 MPI ECT with Bravo 4 |
Sea Ray Boats – Knoxville, Tennessee; searay.com
Cobalt R33 Surf
The Cobalt R33 Surf offers the traditional comforts and amenities of a luxury dayboat combined with the ability to create a sweet surfable wave. It all starts with the Volvo Penta Twin Forward Drive (FWD) System, combined with Cobalt’s Surf Gate technology and trim system that helps sculpt the size and shape of the wave. For precise control, Cobalt offers the option for the Volvo Penta Joystick Surfing system that further simplifies control in surf mode, allowing single-hand operation. Volvo Penta’s integrated surf system allows you to store up to 20 preset surf profiles, so each rider can surf the wave that best suits them.
Cobalt extended the swim platform on its Surf edition, keeping the forward-facing props even farther away from surfers and swimmers. One of the benefits of installing a surf package on such a large bowrider is that there’s no need to install a ballast system, so you don’t need to compromise performance and stowage capacity in order to add weight.
Despite its focus on watersports, the R33 Surf maintains Cobalt’s reputation for premium design and amenities, making it a highly adaptable vessel for various boating activities. Yacht certified, it can accommodate numerous guests for a day on the water without issue. Between the aft cockpit galley, and the enclosed head and cabin belowdecks, the R33 Surf ready for a full day of entertaining and even overnight duties.
To watch our video of the Cobalt R33 Surf in action, go to boatingmag.com/sponsored-post/unmatched-versatility-cobalt-r33-surf-powered-volvo-penta.
| Price: | $451,259 (base) |
| LOA: | 33’4″ |
| Beam: | 10’6″ |
| Draft: | 3’0″ |
| Displacement: | 11,793 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 150 gal. |
| Surfable Power: | Twin Volvo Penta V-8 engines with FWD Drives from 600 to 860 hp |
Cobalt Boats – Neodesha, Kansas; cobaltboats.com
Chaparral 30 Surf
Chaparral was an early adapter in building surfable dayboats, and the 30 Surf is the largest in its fleet. One thing that sets Chaparral apart from its competitors is that it offers the choice of either the Volvo Penta FWD system or the MerCruiser Bravo 4 S Forward Drive, with each one offered in a 380 hp or 430 hp package.
The 30 Surf is easy to operate thanks to its “Glass Dash” helm that allows for touchscreen control of navigation, engine management and more with customizable gauges. Use the second integrated MFD to control the surf system, including the ballast system, which has a 1,080-pound capacity, and the Malibu Surf Gates hydraulically operated tabs that help sculpt the wake into a surfable shape.
The Infinity Power Step, an electrically actuated swim step/seat, drops from the extended platform to make getting into the water and reboarding a breeze. A sun pad atop the engine compartment features an adjustable backrest to face forward into the cockpit or aft to create a staging area for watersports or just a chill pad when anchored.
There’s plenty of traditional bowrider seating in the main cockpit of the Chaparral 30 Surf and the bow lounge to keep a whole crew comfortable while entertaining underway. The upholstery is made from 100 percent SiO Silicone. This material, free of chemical additives, is highlighted for its enhanced durability, resistance to scuffing and scratching, and comfort, making it virtually maintenance-free.
| Price: | $451,259 (base) |
| LOA: | 33’4″ |
| Beam: | 10’6″ |
| Draft: | 3’0″ |
| Displacement: | 11,793 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 150 gal. |
| Surfable Power: | Twin Volvo Penta V-8 engines with FWD Drives from 600 to 860 hp |
Chaparral Boats – Nashville, Georgia; chaparralboats.com
Four Winns HD8 Surf
Four Winns has built versatile family bowriders for decades. It adopted forward-drive technology early on. Since then, Four Winns has fine-tuned its surf packages, creating a highly surfable wake while maintaining the features that make runabouts a favorite family boat. The HD8 is Four Winns’ largest boat available with the Surf Package.
It all starts with either the Volvo Penta FWD Drive or the Mercury Bravo 4 S. The Surf Package includes a ballast system that adds 2,000 pounds of weight. Add in the surf tabs, the tow tower and the touchscreen control system that lets you customize your speed plus the shape and size of your wake, and you’re ready to surf.
While the HD8 has the sleek, sporty lines expected of a dayboat, it also has a squared-off bow, giving it a deckboat-like platform at the bow, providing another great access point for beaching or for hopping in while at anchor or a raft-up. The bow area can be used as a traditional lounge that has a pedestal table insert for socializing or, with the filler cushions, can be converted to a sun lounge.
The main cockpit features an enclosed head in the port console that serves as a changing room and comes in handy when nature calls and there’s no dock or marina in sight. The wraparound seating and the engine compartment hosts another sun pad with an adjustable backrest to face forward or aft. Facing aft makes for a great staging platform for prepping for a surf session off the extended swim platform.
| Price: | $109,080 |
| LOA: | 26’6″ |
| Beam: | 8’4″ |
| Draft: | 2’11” |
| Displacement: | 5,350 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 70 gal. |
| Surfable Power: | 380 hp Volvo Penta V-8 FWD Drive or Mercury with Bravo 4 S |
Four Winns – Cadillac, Michigan; fourwinns.com
Chris-Craft Launch 35 GT Wake Surf Edition
The Launch 35 GT is Chris-Craft’s premier luxury dayboat, and the direct descendant of the 36 Launch that we named as 2014 Boat of the Year. With the twin Volvo Penta FWD Drive system and Chris-Craft’s surf package, the Launch 35 GT is now a surf star.
With the surf edition, Chris-Craft includes a quick-fill ballast system that adds 1,304 pounds of ballast, although a boat of this displacement doesn’t need much help creating a surfable wake.Wake Worx surf tabs help sculpt the wake to create a surfable pocket. The rearview mirror helps the captain keep an eye on the surf action. With the surf edition, you also get the Volvo Penta Glass Cockpit MFD that incorporates engine data, navigation and touchscreen surf-system controls. The joystick puts boat control and Surf Mode in the palm of one hand.
When you’re not surfing, the Launch 35 GT is packed with luxury. Here are some other amenities on the Chris-Craft Launch 35 GT.
The hardtop not only has a tow point, its retractable Bimini top provides shade when extended over the cockpit. The large bow lounge easily converts to a sun pad with the included filler cushion. Aft, the wet bar includes a grill, sink, and refrigerator. The faux leather seats in the cockpit include adjustable backrests.
Should you want to overnight, the Launch 35 GT has a small cabin belowdecks with a pull-out tv and hanging closet as well as a settee that converts to a small berth. A separate enclosed head compartment also adds to the boat’s utility.
| Price: | $678,810 |
| LOA: | 35’1″ |
| Beam: | 10’10” |
| Draft: | 2’9″ |
| Displacement: | 12,899 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 185 gal. |
| Surfable Power: | Twin Volvo Penta V-8 with FWD Drives from 800 to 860 hp |
Chris-Craft – Tampa, Florida; chriscraft.com
Read Next: How to Get Up Wakesurfing
Scarab 285 LX Wake
The Scarab 285 LX Wake uses Rotax jet engines—the inherent safety of which lends itself to surf duty.
The Scarab 285 LX Wake is a premium surfboat designed for watersports enthusiasts and families. It aims to combine high performance with luxurious comfort and versatile functionality, making it suitable for wakeboarding, water-skiing, and other towable activities. For ballast, instead of using collapsible bags or added tanks, Scarab pumps water directly into the hull below the water line, allowing it to add up to 4,000 pounds of water without taking away storage space. The wake system also adds Surf Stream tabs to help create a surfable wake in the surf settings at the dash.
The integrated tower creates an elevated tow point for surfing or wakeboarding and has mounted swivel racks for board storage. The digital speed and control package at the helm provides touchscreen command of all ships systems, plus GPS speed control and customizable wake and surf settings for every level of rider, from beginner to touring pro.
Beyond that, the 285 LX Wake is a stylish and sporty runabout, with sports-car-like handling provided by the twin Rotax engines. The boat offers a variety of seating options, including U-shaped cockpit seating, ComfortRide flip-up bucket bolster seats, and a port lounge with a folding backrest. The aft seating can be converted into a rear-facing sun pad for lounging, so it can handle all the family entertainment requirements expected of a runabout.
| Price: | $184,495 |
| LOA: | 28’0″ |
| Beam: | 9’2″ |
| Draft: | 1’8″ |
| Displacement: | 5,750 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 98 gal. |
| Surfable Power: | Twin Rotax jet engines from 460 to 600 hp |
Scarab Jet Boats – Cadillac, Michigan; scarabjetboats.com
Foreward Ho!
At one time, wakesurfing proved a sport exclusively for owners of watersports boats with inboard and V-drive propulsion systems that had its propellers tucked safely under the boat. Boats with outboards and traditional sterndrives couldn’t overcome the safety hazards of the propellers being exposed behind the transom, way too close for comfort for surfers tucking into the wake mere feet–and sometimes inches–off the swim platform.
Volvo Penta changed the game with the introduction of its FWD Drive system, where the propellers sit at the front of the drive rather than aft, and thus reducing the risk of a propeller strike should a surfer fall toward the boat. Volvo borrowed the concept from its IPS “tractor” pod drives designed for larger boats. Mercury followed with its own forward-facing sterndrive, the Bravo 4 S. Suddenly, every bowrider could safely offer wakesurfing. Boaters literally bought into the concept with enthusiasm. To be clear, the popularity stems from owning a boat that can also surf along with other features, Forward Drive and Bravo Four S power boats with chop-smoothing deep-V hulls and that incorporate cockpit galleys enclosed head compartments, and other dayboat amenities.
Of course, there’s more to it than that. To make the wake truly surfable, wake tabs, gates, ballast systems and surf-control software were added. Jet-boat builders such as Yamaha and Scarab soon started fitting their boats with surf technology too.
Most pros will tell you that nothing beats surfing behind a dedicated watersports boat. We agree. But, again, many boaters want other features, too, such as superior handling at low-speeds and in everse. Unlike V-drives, where steering relies on a rudder that may not adequately direct water in reverse, forward drives direct the thrust by turning the props. Dual contra-rotating propsets add extra thrust and bite. When trimmed, forward-facing drives also direct thrust downward, creating more displacement at slow surf-level speeds.
So, all it took to bring wakesurfing to everyone was a little bit of forward thinking.
