Overview
Axis updated its flagship A24 with more comfort and a smoother ride for 2021.
Interior and Accessories
With an extra 4 inches of freeboard and new design cues, the A24 looks sleeker yet still maintains the bold stance for which Axis is known. The bow’s pickle-fork shape is subtler than previous model years but still allows for plenty of space and comfort. Aft, wraparound seating and a higher freeboard provide ample comfort for its 18-person capacity. Plus, compartments below the hinged seats feature some of the deepest storage we’ve seen. New colorways and customization options provide more ways to personalize the A24. Billeted aluminum dash accents add style.
Wakes and Waves
The A24′s wakes and waves prove great, thanks to nearly 4,000 pounds of integrated ballast, plus Malibu’s Surf Gate plates and the Power Wedge III. The Power Wedge III now allows for even greater control over wake and wave size and shape. Start the Power Wedge at position 1 for a longer wave with a mellower face. Bump it toward position 6, and your wave gets shorter and steeper. With a large crew and the ballast tanks full, the A24 kicks up a big, beautiful wave that has a large pocket, making it easy for riders of any level to surf on.
Surf Gate and the Power Wedge are easily controlled from the helm; the positions of each can be monitored on a screen. Analog gauges keep the captain informed of vital info. While intuitive and easy to use, the helms of Axis boats lag in comparison to others that offer larger touchscreens and require fewer button presses to get set up for wakeboarding or wakesurfing.
Read Next: 2020 Axis Wake Research A20
Engine
For power, our A24 test model was equipped with the 360 hp M5Di engine from Monsoon, which delivers 400 foot-pounds of torque for getting on plane while filled with ballast. But it was still economical, burning about 6 gph at wakesurf speeds.
The A24 proves a major contender if you are shopping for a top-performing watersports boat without a top-of-the-market budget.
How We Tested
- Engine: 360 hp Monsoon M5Di
- Drive/Prop: V-drive/4-blade 15″ x 141/4″ nibral
- Gear Ratio: 2.00:1 Fuel Load: 38 gal. Crew Weight: 300 lb.
High Points
- Surf Gate and the Power Wedge III offer one of the best combinations in the market to easily shape and customize wakes and waves.
- New sound system features six speakers in the main cabin and two in the bow, plus tower speakers and an integrated subwoofer.
- Batteries are now located in the bow, making access easier and more convenient.
Low Points
- Wake- and wave-shaping controls are intuitive but require a lot of button pushing.
- No display for specific ballast levels; the only options are to fill or drain.
Toughest Competitor
Compare the A24 to Moomba’s Makai. It comes with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and AutoWake technology but less overall ballast when you factor in the Power Wedge III.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | Not available at press time |
|---|---|
| LOA: | 24’5″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft (max): | 2’8″ |
| Displacement: | 5,250 lb. |
| Transom Deadrise: | NA |
| Bridge Clearance: | NA |
| Ballast: | 5,320 lb. (with Power Wedge III deployed) |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 18/2,538 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 76 gal. |
| Max Horsepower: | Single inboard V-drive to 607 hp |
Speed, Efficiency, Operation
Axis Wake Research – Loudon, Tennessee; 865-458-5478; axiswake.com
