I know that I am probably opening panora's box

[wanttofly]

But here it goes. Made a very poor decision this summer and test drove a Mastercraft. I instantly fell in love with the boat and wake surfing (can't wait to try wake skating). My wife is awesome, and has agreed to let me buy another boat this winter. Says that I have to pay off a couple of things first and keep it under $40,000. So here is what I want: built in ballast, perfect pass, tandem trailer, fuel injected,inboard and 21-24 feet. I have found a lot of used boats in that price range and find myself leaning towards the Mastercrafts. Seems that what I want in my budget is between 2002 and 2006. Also thinking and hoping that with me buying during the winter that the prices should be lower and getting more boat for my money.

So here's the question, what other boats should I be looking at besides Mastercraft and why? Have any of you had horrible luck with any specific boat, something that I should stay clear of? Having a hard time researching somewhere that can compare the boats side by side. Thank you for any help and suggestions.

Going to miss my 1990 Capri, but I can't wait until next spring.

 

[ThreeMileBayWaker]

Re: I know that I am probably opening panora's box

2009 + Axis A22 / A20... Throws one of the best wakes, great bang for the buck. Swap out for 2012+ platform and and its amazing for surfing. A 2009 should be right in your 40K price range.

Nautique, Supra, Moomba, Malibu are some others to look into. If I had your budget, I would snag the Axis.

 

[rallyart]

Re: I know that I am probably opening panora's box

You need to test drive some first and narrow down what is important to you. The difference between a 21' and 24' boat is huge. If you are going to do a lot of surfing you are going to add additional ballast over what is built in to any boat. The bigger the boat the more ballast you'll add. The bigger the boat, the bigger the potential wake also.
Malibu and Mastercraft sell about half of the wakeboats made so there are many available and they keep value fairly well. Other makes are very good also and most that are made in the last five years would be excellent boats but they each have different characteristics. Drive a few and see what you like. Some handle rough water well and most don't. Some have the look and layout you'll like and others won't. Some might fit in your garage or be easy to tow with your vehicle while others may not. Prices will be dropping right now but you will want to water test what ever boat you are seriously looking at.
Good luck. Surfing is great and an inboard is a wonderful boat for sports or a family.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: I know that I am probably opening panora's box

Have your priced new Mastercraft inboards? You're talking 6 digits for a new one, and you might get a 2006 model for $40K. The previous posting has given you a number of good inboard boat brands--many of which are far less pricey than Mastercraft.

While boat junkyards are full of inboard/outboards, a straight inboard boat can last many, many years if properly maintained. There's a number of mahogany ChrisCrafts on our lake in pristine condition going back to the 40's and 50's. They can be a very good value for the long run.

If you have never owned an inboard ski boat, I would suggest you purchase an older quality brand of tow boat in very good condition. My dentist's assistant sold a very nice boat this Spring for $7,700--after they traded up to a late model Ski Nautique.

Remember that these are special use displacement hulls. If the straight inboard suits your lifestyle and you use the boat enough to warrant a $40K purchase, then sell your older boat and purchase a newer model tow boat.

 

[mpod]

Re: I know that I am probably opening panora's box

+1 on the Axis. Love the seating options. Reminds me of the old XTerra adds. Everything you need, nothing you don't.

Hard to find a deal on a used one though because they are so popular and only in production for a few years.