With an overall weight of 5,200 pounds and 4,000 pounds of available ballast below the sole, the Moomba Makai displaces serious amounts of water to thrill watersports enthusiasts. While we could not collect fuel-flow data, we did prove that the Makai creates the largest wakes and waves of any Moomba we’ve tested. Engage the Flow 2.0 system—two automated contoured plates that extend off the running surface of the transom—and the wave forms into a large rideable surface, with plenty of push and a pocket that’s easy to find and stay in while riding. By adjusting the Moomba Smartplate 2.0, a tab mounted on centerline at the transom, the wave can be made longer and mellower or shorter and steeper.
The helm features a 7-inch touchscreen that allows you to swipe through the menu and access different functions such as AutoWake and navigation. Simple toggle switches on the left side of the dash offer easy control for many of the boat’s functions, while a toggle to the right changes the Flow 2.0 surf system, allowing riders to switch from a port wave to a starboard wave, or vice versa. There is a convenient area with 12-volt and USB ports for storing and charging a phone as well.
With room for a crew of 18, and that subfloor ballast, there’s plenty of space for crew and their gear. The vertical Triton board racks are simple to operate and can hold a variety of boards. Interior heaters add to the comfort, and the adjustable aft-facing seat is great for watching the action on the water. The transom walk-through is welcome because it keeps foot traffic off the boat’s upholstery. Up front, the bow has plenty of room for lounging in comfort, along with the requisite speakers, cup holders and USB chargers.
AutoWake makes setting up the boat’s systems easy. Sensors detect the pitch and roll of the boat, adjusting the ballast to keep the wakes symmetrical and balanced. The Makai proved itself a flagship model for Moomba, and a big step toward competing with the premier wakeboats on the market.
High Points
- Built-in board stowage atop the Bimini keeps the interior decluttered.
- G6 ballast system utilizes two pumps per tank, expediting fill and drain times.
- New Pro Tower features LED lighting and surf tow points on both sides.
Low Points
- We’d like to see a compass installed as a standard feature.
- Aft-facing lounge is more cumbersome to set up than that aboard competitive models.
Toughest Competitor
Check out the Axis A24 (starting at $85,528), the biggest boat in the Axis Wake fleet. Powered by either a 400 or 450 6.0-liter Monsoon engine, and equipped with Surf Gate and the Power Wedge, it delivers sizable wakes and waves.
Price: $80,180 (with base power)
Available Power: V-drive
How We Tested
Engine: 450 hp 6.2L Indmar Ford Raptor
Drive/Prop: V-drive/OJ 14.25″ x 14.5″ 4-blade
Fuel Load: 60 gal.
Water on Board: 0 gal.
Crew Weight: 300 lb.
Moomba Boats – Maryville, Tennessee; 865-983-9924; moomba.com
