Skier’s Marine & The New Axis T22

While at the 2014 Huntsville boat show, one of the most eye-catching display areas was hosted by Skier’s Marine.  All of the boats looked spectacular and the Skier’s Marine sales associates were friendly and helpful and refreshingly, not pushy.

The Supra SA’s looked great as did the Moomba Mojo and Mondo.  However, the three most eye-catching boats to me were the Axis T22, the Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV and the Bryant Callandra.

I’ve always liked the look of Axis boats and I’ve met one of the founders, Adam Mcall (although I doubt he remembers).  Axis boats have always been very specifically targeted towards wakeboarding.  Recently they have included more wakesurfing specific features while still keeping their prices low…well, low is relative in the wakeboat market…lower than most wakeboat companies.

In the past, Axis boats have suffered from a cheap-looking interior.  When we purchased our new 2013 Mobius LSV (love it!) last year, we were debating between three boats: the Axis A22, the Mobius LSV and the MB Sports B52.  While I liked the Axis and it had a great reputation, I didn’t want to spend 50-60K on a boat with a sub-par interior.

This has changed for 2014 and the interior is substantially improved.  Not only does it look better–it feels better.  They now offer colored stitching, the vinyl is sturdier and the boat has a much more solid feel.

Axis T22 2014
Axis T22 2014

 

 

 

 

 

The Malibu Wakesetter is one of the best-selling wakeboats of all time.  Our previous boat was a 1996 Malibu Sunsetter VLX (the same hull as the first Wakesetters).  It ran strong until the day we traded it in on our new Mobius LSV.  So, I have a soft spot for Wakesetters.

Last year I rode behind a friend’s Wakesetter 23 LSV and was very impressed with the wake.  The new Wakesetters improve the already plush interior and awesome styling.  One of the impressive things about the Wakesetter is how clean the wake stays even at lower speeds (great for beginners) and how insensitive it is to weight distribution.  While I haven’t yet ridden behind a 2014 (hint, hint to anyone with a 2014 Wakesetter), I’m sure it’s still one of the best wakes around.

I was very impressed with the prices Skier’s Marine offered on their 2014 Wakesetter 23 LSV.  At the Huntsville boat show, you could purchase a Wakesetter from Skiers Marine for 20% less than a Nautique 230.  If I were purchasing a new boat today, the Wakesetter would definitely be on my short list.

2014 Wakesetter
2014 Wakesetter

 

 

 

 

 

Lastly, though I hate to admit it since I’m a wakeboarder at heart, I was impressed with the Bryant Calandra.  You have no idea how much it hurts to write those words.  For one thing, it’s a stern drive.  For another thing…well…it’s a stern-drive.  But, this Bryant was very well-made, offered huge interior space and had some great, innovative features.  One of the best features was the sun-pad with walk-through.  The sun-pad can be split into two lounges and the walk-through allows you to get from the swim platform into the cabin without stepping on the vinyl.

 

Bryant Callandra
Bryant Callandra

 

 

 

 

 

While my personal favorites were the Axis T22 and the Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV, the Bryant was also a very attractive boat.  While Skier’s Marine has carried Axis and Malibu for years, they just picked up the Bryant line.  So, If you’re in the market for a good wakeboard boat or a good runabout and you’ve missed the Huntsville show, make sure you drop by the Skier’s Marine display at the Birmingham boat show.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *