9 Best Small Wake Boats 2024

Given the growth of the inboard watersports boat market over the last decade, it should come as no surprise that the trend of offering bigger and bigger models has only—for lack of a better term—grown. Manufacturers such as Centurion, Malibu and MasterCraft all offer models 26 feet or longer. But does bigger always mean better? Not necessarily. Fortunately, for prospective buyers who need something smaller, there are still plenty of options to choose from. Most brands offer at least one model 21 feet or under, and several offer multiple. While the advantages of larger boats specific to wakeboarding and wakesurfing are fairly obvious, such as more room for friends, larger ballast systems for superior waves, etc., there are a lot of benefits to smaller boats.

The most obvious advantage is the purchase price. Generally, a 20- to 22-foot model is going to cost significantly less than a 25- to 26-footer. The second biggest economic advantage for smaller boats is fuel efficiency. Less fuel consumed means more wallet savings. Plus, if you’re a boater who needs to trailer your boat to and from your favorite riding spots, a smaller boat means better gas mileage for the tow vehicle (and quite possibly a cheaper ­vehicle that doesn’t require such a large tow rating).

Along with being easier to tow, smaller boat models are much easier to store, especially if you need to keep one in a standard-size garage. Every model listed in this roundup features a collapsible tower, making it ideal for storing in tighter places. The ­smaller size also presents an advantage when it comes to handling. A 20-foot boat is going to be easier to maneuver than its ­26-foot sibling. MasterCraft’s XT20 is 6 feet, 5 inches shorter, 2 inches narrower and 1,800 pounds lighter than the Yacht ­Certified X26, so you know it’s going to be less demanding to handle in tight quarters.

With all the advancements in hull design and wave-shaping technologies, the smaller boats in the watersports segment are able to produce better wakes and waves than ever before. In years past, buyers who wanted clean surf waves with plenty of push for all the riders in their family often had to go for the bigger boats that displaced more water. In 2024, that’s not always the case. All the boats in our list can create waves that cater to all types of different riding levels and styles. You won’t be able to bring 16 or 17 of your closest friends; however, you can have a blast on the water with everybody you can bring, and you’ll likely save some money while doing it.

Here’s a look at nine of the best wakeboats under 21 feet.

MasterCraft XT20

The MasterCraft XT20 has been redesigned from the bottom up and MasterCraft have put a lot of time into making sure this 20-footer packs a punch more in line with bigger models. Equipped with the revamped SurfStar system, the XT20 can push out sizeable waves with plenty of push, along with clean, symmetrical wakeboarding wakes. The convertible rear bench and transom lounge seats–built with MasterCraft’s triple density foam and ultra-comfy vinyl–ensure everybody onboard will be comfortable. The XT line is one of the most customizable in the market, so buyers can opt to go more minimal with a new build, or take this 20-footer to the next level with all the bells and whistles MasterCraft have to offer.

Pricing and Specs

Heyday H20

All-new for 2023, the Heyday H20 builds on the success of its bigger sibling, the H22. Heyday has carved out a solid spot in the marketplace by offering great performance at a very affordable price. The H20 is the only boat in this lineup without an automated surf system, but it doesn’t necessarily need one – it still puts up a solid wave, and that can be added to with an optional suction-cup-mounted wave shaper device. Two features we love about the H20: the rear-facing transom seats are an awesome way to watch the action on the water–no other manufacturer has seats like these, and the power-folding swimstep. This makes the H20 even easier to store in a garage or other tight spaces.

Pricing and Specs

Moomba Mondo

Moomba have consistently upgraded the performance and capabilities of their models, allowing buyers to get solid performance at a more budget-friendly price. The 20-foot Moomba Mondo is the smallest in the lineup, but thanks to an impressive 3,700 pounds of ballast, the Swell Surf System plates and AutoWake technology, it kicks up seriously fun wakes and waves. AutoWake is key for the Mondo, as the system utilizes onboard sensors to monitor the boat’s running attitude. It will automatically adjust the Swell Surf System and ballast as needed in order to keep the wake or wave in an optimal spot. This takes a ton of the guesswork out of setting the Mondo up, which is great for new users or veteran riders alike, because it means less time trying to figure things out and more time on the water having fun.

Pricing and Specs

Axis A20

The Axis A20 has been a staple in the Axis lineup since the brand’s inception, and it saw a major refresh in 2020. An improved running surface, combined with a more comfortable ride make the A20 a great option for families getting into the watersports scene. The ease-of-use of the Surf Gate and Power Wedge III systems for wakeboarding and wakesurfing can’t be overstated. The A20’s versatility make it great for riders just learning to get up or those looking to add more advanced tricks to their bag.

Pricing and Specs

Centurion Fi21

The Centurion Fi21 is the smallest boat in the Centurion line, but it still prides itself on the wave-making performance Centurion is known for. At 5,100 pounds, the Fi21 is the heaviest in this group (tied with the MasterCraft XT20), and combined with its whopping 4,750 pounds of ballast (by far the most in this group), it can displace a lot of water. Featuring Centurion’s acclaimed Opti-V hull for a running surface, that means riders are getting clean, powerful waves with a large pocket and plenty of push. The QuickSurf Pro plates at the transom ensure the waves stay consistent and fun, while allowing for limitless customization for riders of any skill level.

Pricing and Specs

Malibu 21 LX

Introduced in 2022, the Malibu 21 LX is a model that takes influence from several previous Malibu models and molds them into a multisport, family-fun machine. The hybrid bow is one easy-to-spot representation of this–the 21 LX has lines similar to a traditional bow, but the interior area is shaped like a bigger pickle fork bow, allowing more room for passengers. Buyers can choose between two hull types, Wake Plus and Diamond. Wake Plus caters to those looking more toward wakesurfing and wakeboarding performance, while Diamond is geared toward ultimate versatility for users who also want to water ski more aggressively behind the 21 LX. As for the wakes and waves, the combination of Surf Gate and Power Wedge III ensure the 21 LX can be quickly and easily tweaked for all different levels and styles of riding. Opt in for the Surf Band remote and the rider can control those systems from their wrist while riding.

Pricing and Specs

Nautique GS20

The Nautique GS20 underwent a complete redesign and is all-new for 2023. Touted as a true crossover performer, it can pull a fun wakesurf session with solid waves and then in a matter of minutes tow a skier through the slalom course. The GS20’s hull takes design cues from its Ski Nautique and Super Air Nautique G23 cousins, allowing it to perform better than you’d think in both extremes for a 20-foot V-drive. With Nautique Surf System plates tooled into the transom of the boat, the GS20 can quickly kick up solid wakesurfing waves that can be fine-tuned for beginners to more advanced riders. NSS plates are also much smaller than other surf system plates on the market, allowing for quick transfers from side to side when wakesurfing.

Pricing and Specs

Supra SR

The 20′ 11” Supra SR offers the sporty, aggressive looks Supra have become known for, with all-around performance that caters to first-timers and more advanced riders alike. At just under 21-feet, the SR is rated for 14 passengers, more than any other boat on this list, and if you load up with friends, along with the 3,300 pounds of ballast and Supra’s Swell Surf System, you’re going to get some endless waves that are a ton of fun. Supra’s patented AutoWake system comes standard, making the on-water experience that much easier and more fun for both the rider and the captain.

Pricing and Specs

Tigé 20 RZX

Despite being 20 feet on the dot, Tigé’s pickle-fork shaped 20RZX offers room for 13 while holding up to 3,000 pounds of ballast. With just one screen at the helm–the vertically-mounted Clear Screen–the 20 RZX keeps things simple and clean. The single screen on the right of the steering wheel means the captain has a clean line of sight and minimal distractions, while the 20 RZX’s systems can still be quickly and easily controlled with a couple finger taps. Preset settings for surfing, wakeboarding and water skiing make the 20 RZX a breeze to set up and start riding, and the TAPS 3T surf plates allow for easy customization of the waves for a variety of riders.

Pricing and Specs

Three More to Check Out!

• ATX 20 Type-S
• Malibu 20 VTX
• MasterCraft NXT20

Advantages of Smaller Watersports Boats

While the advantages of larger boats specific to wakeboarding and wakesurfing are fairly obvious – more room for passengers, larger ballast systems for bigger waves, etc. – there are a lot benefits to smaller boats.

• Price: The most obvious advantage is the purchase price. A 20-to-22-foot model is generally going to cost significantly less than a 25-26-footer.
• Fuel Efficiency: The second biggest economic advantage for smaller boats is fuel efficiency. Less fuel consumed means more savings in the wallet. Plus, if you’re a boater who needs to trailer your boat to/from your favorite riding spots, a smaller boat means better gas mileage for the vehicle you’re towing with (and quite possibly a cheaper vehicle that doesn’t require such a large tow rating).
• Easier Towing & Storage: Along with being easier to tow, smaller boat models are much easier to store, especially if you need to keep one in a standard-sized garage. Every model listed in this roundup features a collapsible tower, making them ideal for storing in tighter places. The smaller size also presents an advantage when it comes to handling. A 20-foot boat is going to be easier to maneuver than its 26-foot sibling. MasterCraft’s brand-new XT20 is 6 feet 5 inches shorter, 2 inches narrower and 1,800 pounds lighter than the yacht-certified X26, so you know it’s going to be less cumbersome to handle in tight quarters.
• Clean Wake & Waves: With all the advancements in hull design and wave-shaping technologies, the smaller boats in the watersports segment are able to produce better wakes and waves than ever before. In years past, buyers who really wanted clean surf waves with plenty of push for all the riders in their family often times had to go for the bigger boats that displaced more water. In 2023, that’s no longer the case. All the boats in the list below can create waves that cater to all types of different riding levels and styles. While you won’t be able to bring 16 or 17 of your closest friends with you, you will still be able to have a blast on the water with everybody you can bring, and you’ll likely save some money while doing it.