For the past decade the world of wake boats has seemingly lived by the mantra “bigger is better.” The boats we use to wakeboard and wakesurf have grown in epic proportions, and today most “normal” wake boats are in the 23-25-foot range. Of course, not everybody needs, or can even use, boats that big. Some of us have lake restrictions, others have storage/dock issues, while many of us need to be a bit more conscientious when it comes to trailering, gas mileage, etc. Simply put, there are still a number of wake boat owners out there who don’t need the biggest beast on the market. In fact, there has been such a demand for smaller options that more manufacturers in 2018 are making sub 21-foot wake boats than ever before.
The advantages of smaller boats are numerous. As mentioned above, they are easier to trailer to and from your local riding spot, plus they are easier to store. Many of the boats listed below fit in a standard garage when the tower is lowered! On top of that, smaller boats are more fuel efficient, which helps when it comes to spending full days on the water. Outside of the obvious though, is that a 20-foot boat is generally easier to handle than a 24 or 25-footer. Some drivers/families might not be comfortable with a large boat, and that’s ok. Now more than ever manufacturers have been squeezing the most out of (and packing more into) the 20-foot category. Here are some of the best 20-footers on the market. Be sure to read the full reviews on the ones we’ve tested!
Axis A20
Length: 20′
Beam: 98″
Category: Wakeboard / Wakesurf
The short of it: The A20 takes the clean, consistent wakes the Axis line is known for and packs them into a 20-foot package with Axis’ signature styling. We recommend adding the Power Wedge II and Surf Gate if you go with this boat. FULL REVIEW HERE
Malibu 20 VTX
Length: 20′
Beam: 98″
Category: Crossover
The short of it: The 20 VTX is a surprisingly capable crossover boat that can do everything well. You won’t get the largest waves or smallest ski wakes, but you will get a boat that can capably go from pulling a skier through the course one minute to serving up sizable waves the next. The 20 VTX highlights what Malibu’s Diamond Multisport hull can do when combined with the Power Wedge and Surf Gate. If you want a more wake-oriented boat, you can get a 20 VTX with the Diamond WakePlus hull. FULL REVIEW HERE
Supreme S202
Length: 20’2″
Beam: 95″ .
Category: Crossover
The short of it: Supreme has been known for world-class wakesurf boats, but the company’s roots trace back to performance slalom skiing. The S202’s deep-V hull, combined with a narrower beam and a couple tweaks, allow it to pull wakeboarders, surfers, and slalom skiers surprisingly well. It feels more like a ski boat when you drive it, which is really fun! FULL REVIEW HERE
Supra SR
Length: 20’11”
Beam: 102″
Category: Wakeboard / Wakesurf
The short of it: With its deeper hull, the 20-foot-11-inch Supra SR still displaces plenty of water to kick up solid and clean wakeboard wakes, and a really fun wakesurf wave. Add in Supra’s AutoWake technology and you won’t have any problem getting air and maintaining the ideal wake shape for you.
Moomba Helix
Length: 20’5″
Beam: 102″
Category: Wakeboard / Wakesurf
The short: Moomba’s smallest boat delivers surprisingly big wakes and waves in a very affordable package.
Moomba Mondo
Length: 20’6″
Beam: 99″
Category: Wakeboard / Wakesurf
The short of it: The Mondo is Moomba’s small performer with a traditional bow. A bit narrower than the Helix, it still delivers solid wakes and waves to most riders in a package that’s easy to handle.
Nautique GS20
Length: 20′
Beam: 100″
Category: Crossover
The short of it: The Nautique GS20 takes its hull design from two major players: the G23 and the Ski 200. This, combined with Nautique’s NSS and NCRS technologies, allow the boat to deliver substantial wakes and waves and surprisingly small ski wakes. The GS20 is a 20-footer that can do everything.
