Wakeboarding Magazine
2011-11-03 15:14:12 | 454 views | 0 Comments

Wakeboard Boat Review

For 2008, the big brother to the B-52V boasts an all-new, all-computerized design from hull to deck. The revamped MB Sports B-52V23 is deeper and wider, offering more lounge space than in previous incarnations. And that means more room for everyone to enjoy this wakeboard boat’s big wakes.

Hull: Thanks to laser surveying and complete digital control, the redesigned hull of the MB Sports B-52V23 is more precise than ever before. The keel line has been tweaked to create even bigger wakes, whether for wakeboarding or for wakesurfing. And with increased freeboard and a wider beam, there’s more storage, too.

Ballast:Normally, factory ballast is just a starting-off point. But with the MB Sports B-52V23, we’d be very surprised if buyers would choose to add to the whopping 2,000-pound capacity that comes standard. And combined with the MB Sports B-52V23’s 4,000-pound dry weight, wakeboarders will have three tons of ramp-building capacity at their disposal.

Tower: The Skylon Swoop wakeboard towers that come standard on the MB Sports B-52V23s are constructed of T-6 aircraft aluminum, so there are no worries about strength. The collapsing system, which features flush-fit deck mounts and windshield profile brackets, drops the rig down to windshield height with minimum effort. And with swiveling billet aluminum board racks, there’s room to keep four boards stowed.

Highlight feature:Roomy lounge. There’s room for the entire crew — or family — in the MB Sports B-52V23, thanks to an all-new design that was created with comfort in mind. There’s more freeboard in the front for added legroom, more angle in the seating for increased ergonomic satisfaction and a wider beam creating extra space for everyone to enjoy the ride.

The wake:Advanced wakeboarders will find ample pop off the firm launch pads behind the MB Sports B-52V23. Lippy is an understatement when describing these wakes. And if you’re looking for a ramp that pushes back as hard as you do, you won’t be disappointed.

What We Dig

-Beefy factory ballast system — “one ton” even sounds impressive
-Plush 40-ounce carpeting for comfort
-Choice of graphics include tribal, razor and puzzle
-Standard bimini top is included for shade
-Foolproof ballast system with heat sensors, so no worries about burning out pumps
-PerfectPass Wakeboard Pro comes standard as the cruise

Specs

Length w/o platform: 23’
Beam: 8’
People: 12
Dry weight: 4,000 lb.
Ballast: 2,000 lb. total (two tanks, 1,000 lb. each)
Tower: Skylon Swoop wakeboard tower
Racks: Swivel wakeboard racks
Main lounge: 62 sq. ft.
Stereo: Clarion deck, Tidal Audio speakers, amp, subwoofer, satellite-radio ready
Cooler: 32 qt.
Fuel: 64 gal.
Trailer*: Tandem axle
Base MSRP: $59,995
*Optional

Engine

Standard: PCM Excalibur 5.7 L, 343 HP
Test: PCM ZR6 6.0 L, 400 HP
Test prop: Acme 13.5×16 four-blade
Cruise: Perfect Pass