OVERVIEW
Already one of the standout core wake rides from our 2008 tests, the MB Sports F23 Tomcat was further fine-tuned for ’09. MB Sports started by refining the Tomcat’s CAD-designed hull, improving the consistency of its just-right wakes. In true West Coast form, they also relocated its underwater gear to clean up the wake at slow speeds, delivering a crisper wakesurf wake. Next, they replaced their ballast pumps with a fuss-free gate system that floods the sack-less under-floor ballast with 2,400 pounds of water faster than you can put on a board. The end result: A great wakeboard boat made even better.
FAVORITE FEATURE:
Roomier Cockpit
The MB Sports F23’s refresh didn’t stop at the hull. MB Sports completely rethought the top deck as well, giving the wraparound seating a limousinelike vibe and spending nine months refreshing the interior graphics. Our favorite change: The extra legroom created in the cockpit when MB Sports moved the dash 18 inches forward.
SPECS:
Base MSRP: $72,995
People: 16
Dry weight: 4,300 lb.
Fuel capacity: 65 gal.
Tower: Skylon Tomcat II
Racks: Skylon (swivel), (swivel, telescoping)*
Wake shaper: Electric trim plate
TEST MEASUREMENTS:
Length: 23 ft. 6 in.
Width: 8 ft. 8 in.
Bow length: 58 in.
Bow width: 74 in.
Floor to tower: 79 in.
Gunwale: 26 in.
Main lounge: 64 sq. ft.
Sun pad: 24 sq. ft.
Platform: 14 sq. ft.
Ballast: 2,400 lb. (two 1,200-lb. center tanks)
ENGINE:
Standard: PCM Excalibur 410 hp 6L V8
Test: PCM Excalibur 410 hp 6L V8
Test prop: Acme 14 x 14.25 four-blade
Cruise: ZeroOff
* = Optional
THE WAKES:
Thanks to its 2,400-pound ballast system, the MB Sports F23 serves up plenty of meat, but these wakes are also crisp and well-defined, with a peaky lip for a lot of straight-up pop. Fill that brand-new ballast system halfway for great beginner to intermediate wakes. Top it off, and you have a wakeboard boat with advanced-level wakes right out of the box.
