Supra’s SE 550 shows that luxury and performance are not mutually exclusive. We found it loaded with the features and technology that we think will impress riders, captains and onlookers at the dock alike.
The Supra SE boasts a “cab-forward” design — the helm and windshield are proportionately farther forward than is typical. This maximizes the cockpit, helping to provide seating for 18 and ensuring super sociability and a great view for all aboard. The helm seat, especially, was notable for its luxury and for its ability to move up and down at the touch of a button. Aft, the comfortable cockpit seating is convertible and customizable.
Surfing this boat proved a unique experience. The wake is clean and well-developed, a thing not all boats this big can produce. Our experts, like Craig Kotilinek and Emily Dale, found the wave this boat generates to be clean, long and symmetrical from side to side.
In fact, switching side to side is awesome aboard the SE because the Supra Swell System comes with wave presets for port and starboard. You can customize your left side to be different from your right, then switch between them while you’re riding. Presets in the Vision Touch screen allow you to merely deploy and go. The wing plate is large, and it makes a big difference in the effect of the wake shaping on the wave’s pitch, Kotilinek says.
Naturally, this boat proved excellent for wakeboarding as well, delivering the tournament-winning precision and control we’ve come to expect from Supra.
The Ford Raptor by Indmar engine screams, planing in 5.5 seconds, even with the standard 3,200 pounds of ballast full (empty, it planed in 3.5 seconds!), and it rocketed our test crew to 43 mph. Controls on the steering wheel simplify the job of the person in the captain’s seat, as does the patented Supra AutoWake function and the Supra Vision Touch System. The Pro Edge Tower held all our testers’ boards, supported the speakers for the JL audio from the JL Audio Premium Sound stereo and looked great, too.
High Points
* This boat is the flagship of the Supra fleet.
* Supra Swell System 2.0 delivers awesome control of wake and wave.
* Convertible cockpit seating is just one of many luxuries.
* Power and performance courtesy of Ford Raptor by Indmar.
How We Tested
Engine: Ford ROUSHcharged Raptor by Indmar 6.2L 575
Drive/Prop: V-drive/15″ x 12.5″ 4-blade Nibral
Gear Ratio: 1.46:1
Fuel Load: 45 gal.
Crew Weight: 410 lb.
Ballast Tanks: Empty
Price
$123,900 (base)
Contact
Supra Boats Maryville, Tennessee; 865-983-9924; supraboats.com
