The beauty of the new Heyday WT-2 is this watersports boat’s absolute devotion to function. The Heyday mission is to deliver maximum wakesports performance for minimum dollars; in that regard, the new 22-foot-6-inch WT-2 picks up right where the brilliantly innovative WT-1, Heyday’s debut, left off. Three feet longer than the WT-1, the WT-2 has a base price of $49,995 and is designed to produce the wake performance of longer tow boats that routinely cost more than $100,000.
Heyday — now a part of the Bayliner family of boats — is committed to reducing the cost of tow-boat ownership, allowing more enthusiasts to participate in wakeboarding and wakesurfing. The sponson bow? That resists swamping when picking up a downed rider, and it reduces overall boat length for easier towing and makes storage inside a garage possible — the hull length is 20 feet with the platform removed. The odd-looking 117-degree angle of the transom? At wake speeds, its shape creates a natural curl and push effect, so the WT-2 does not need additional wake-generating devices to produce an outstanding surf wake. A helm almost devoid of instruments? Heyday figures you own a tablet computer, which is also where you store your music. So this is one area it could cut costs without owners suffering. Bluetooth makes the connection to the engine and the Wet Sounds sound bar.
What’s new on the WT-2 is the location of the helm, moved from the boat center, as on the WT-1, to the traditional starboard side of the cockpit, but still located as far forward as possible to enhance visibility at towing speed. Adjacent to the motor box are the new “hot tub” lounges, with curved bottoms designed to cradle a pair of observers as close to the wake action as possible. The WT-2 is equipped with a speed-control system, tow towers and an 1,800-pound ballast system. A 350 hp V-drive power train is tuned and propped to deliver a mountain of towing torque that popped us on plane in 1.5 seconds. It’s engineered to plow a huge hole in the water at low speeds — and the wake is thick and powerful — but the WT-2 is also a pleasure to drive at cruising speed, comfortable and predictable with razor-sharp reflexes. Form does indeed follow function, and this boat really works.
High Points
* Delivers a $100,000 wake for $50,000.
* Clever “hot tub” lounge keeps crew off the motor box as per Coast Guard regs.
* Aft seating layout encourages crew socialbility and communication.
* A full complement of towsports essentials: tower, ballast, platform, audio.
How We Tested
Engine: Single 350 hp Crusader Challenger 5.7-liter V-8 gasoline inboard
Drive/Prop: PEG PowerPlus V-drive/OJ 15″ x 12½” 4-blade Nibral
Gear Ratio: 1:1
Fuel Load: 35 gal.
Crew Weight: 360 lb.
