Overview

Since its introduction in the late ’90s, the MasterCraft XStar has left an immeasurable mark on wakeboarding, propelling the sport and its riders to unbelievable levels. For 2025, ­MasterCraft completely redesigned the XStar from the bottom up, but it’s now offered as a 23-footer, which we tested, and as a 25-footer. Performance, luxury, technology, fun and functionality have all been enhanced in major ways, taking the XStar to new heights.

Interior and Accessories

Take a look. This XStar not only looks different from any previous iterations, but from the rest of the MasterCraft lineup as well. Gone is the signature sheerline that dipped at the hip, just aft of the tower, and in its place is a look that is both sleeker and bolder. The tower too is all-new. Dubbed the Z100, it power-folds in a matter of seconds, and it’s designed to accentuate not only the exterior look of the XStar, but the interior as well, thanks to upholstered inlays. Speaking of that interior, throughout the boat, the stitching and SeaDek flooring feature a modern linear pattern that lends the XStar a vibe of its own. The seat cushions and upholstery are top-notch, providing ample comfort, while details such as built-in wireless chargers and sunglasses holders in the cubbies help elevate this boat. While previous iterations of the XStar were always known for on-water performance, this offering ­exudes luxury and refinement too.

For seating, the XStar has a new trick up its sleeve—or under its floor. Instead of the typical sliding rear bench, the XStar features what MasterCraft calls a “Murphy seat.” Lift the floor hatch, and a bench easily pulls up into the cockpit. Keep the backrests folded down, and they act as a tabletop for food and drinks. The best seats in the house though are at the transom, and they are easily accessible thanks to a new, cascading walk-through design. Two ­ultracomfy loungers sit on either side of the engine compartment and make for the perfect spot to sit back and relax.

Our test boat came with 26 total speakers: 10 cockpit speakers, four tower speakers, six transom speakers and six subs. The whole system—called MAAX for MasterCraft Aft Audio Experience—is impressive and can be individually controlled in seven separate zones, but the transom setup is unique unto itself. Simply put, audio for hanging out at the back of a boat doesn’t get better. 

The other best seat in the house is definitely the captain’s. It offers plush cushioning and powered fore/aft and vertical movements for a customized combination of visibility and comfort. From here, you command new tech in the form of the dual displays—a 15-inch panoramic center display paired with a 12-inch touchscreen to the right. The screens feature an all-new interface that is equal parts sleek and simple. Quick menu navigation and adjustments happen with just a finger tap or two. MasterCraft went further, adding the MyDrive rotary encoder, located right next to the throttle. This allows quick adjustments on the fly to the most used systems such as surf wave or speed control, all without needing to touch a screen. Got a system or setting you’re regularly accessing? Add it to the “favorites” button for the ultimate shortcut. Captains will also appreciate the ability to customize the center display and choose between the multitude of built-in cameras on the XStar: bow, tower, port stern and starboard stern.

Ballast 

When it comes to wakesurfing, the J shape that MasterCraft has long touted is more evident than ever behind the new XStar, meaning riders can get farther back and still have plenty of push. Much of this is also due to the XStar’s overall displacement, which comes in at 7,600 pounds of dry weight plus 3,850 pounds of ballast. If you’re wondering—and of course you are—that’s an identical total displacement to Nautique’s G23 Paragon. Thanks to SurfStar, the wave is easily adjusted to suit a variety of skill levels and preferences, and the display makes those adjustments even easier to navigate and understand. For wakeboarding, the wakes go from all-pro, when the ­ballast is full, to friendly and ­accommodating, which is great for beginners. Notably, the XStar delivers clean, consistent wakes, even at slower speeds (less than 20 mph), with little to no ballast, ensuring beginners a fun, approachable platform for learning to catch air.

If you’re shopping the all-new XStar against others in the market, the most likely comparison is Nautique’s G23 Paragon (seen advertised for $474,324 with a 630 hp PCM ZZ8 ­engine), which is also renowned for its luxury and wake/wave performance. Just a few inches shorter, it’s also rated for 16 passengers but carries 20 fewer gallons of fuel.

The most surprising aspect of the XStar might actually be the driving performance. As wakesports boats have grown and dwarfed their water-ski predecessors over the years, handling characteristics haven’t kept up. Thanks to its 6.2-liter supercharged Ilmor motor, the XStar delivers serious giddyap, and handling to boot. Throw it into a hard turn at speed, and it tracks and pivots in ways that are reminiscent of those older ski boats. More than anything though, the ample power ensures that the XStar gets on plane quickly, no matter the load or activity of the day.

The XStar was originally given its moniker as an ode to all things extreme, and wakeboarding was the new, cool “extreme” sport at the time. Now the “X” might have to stand for “extra.” If you’re in the market for the ultimate in luxury, styling, performance and fun, put the XStar high on your list.

Read Next: MasterCraft XT25

How We Tested

• Engine: Ilmor Supercharged 6.2L 630 hp
• Drive/Prop: V-drive/Acme 18″
• Gear Ratio: 2:1 Fuel Load: 43 gal. Crew Weight: 700 lb.

High Points

• Stern thruster integrated into the throttle makes maneuvering the XStar in tight quarters a breeze.
• Windshield walk-through utilizes friction hinges—no more worrying about slamming it!
• The wake and wave have to be experienced to be believed, and riders of all levels will love them.

Low Point

• A Bimini top was not available at the time of testing. Without one, board storage is minimal compared with other boats.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2025 MasterCraft XStar 23 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

When it comes to premium watersports-specific boats—think top luxury, killer tech and jaw-dropping performance—there are plenty of choices. One not to be ignored is the Ultré 23ZX from Texas-based Tigé. Whether you’re running it, riding in it, shredding behind it, or looking at it from across the lake, this 23-footer hits with a slick combination of beauty and beast.

Interior and Accessories

Pronounced “ultra,” the Ultré ZX is just that in every facet. Its simplified badging, clean lines and custom details scream “means business.” Once on board, the luxury and innovative features are instantly noticeable. The premium vinyl and signature stitching, along with the complementary patterns of the soft-touch flooring, help set the Ultré ZX apart. Padding is supple and bolsters reside in all the right spots—your crew will appreciate the curved backs of the wraparound seating. The aft bench flips into the cockpit to become rear-facing, and the back can be lowered to act as a tabletop. But Tigé also provides a unique, hidden table that slides out from under the walk-through.

A special feature of the wraparound seating is what Tigé has dubbed its FastFlip Co-Captain’s Chair. Resembling seating found aboard sterndrive runabouts, it features a convertible backrest that can face either forward or aft. Both options proved comfortable, and a bolster adds support when facing forward. A touchscreen beside the seat allows the co-captain to control the Ultré’s audio, lighting and even a heater­—one of the coolest features that sits at their feet, literally.

A built-in electric cooler adds both luxury and convenience to the Ultré ZX. The UltréChill keeps your beverages and snacks cold and fresh, and can continue running with the ­engine off. (The cooler shuts down if the battery levels drop to a certain point.) Positioned just right and upholstered, it serves as a footrest for a co-captain facing forward. Before decrying this cooler as taking away a common wakeboat storage spot, know that Tigé has ­integrated ample space beneath the seat.

With a very high gunwale, the Ultré 23ZX offers added comfort and security when cruising. This deep cockpit also helps maximize storage. The space beneath the wraparound seating rates as some of the deepest I’ve seen aboard a watersports boat—in fact, it was large enough for my 6-foot-1-inch, 190-pound self to crawl inside and close myself in. So, yes, the space is large enough to hide a body.

Speaking of bodies, several can lounge comfortably in the bow, which is a hybrid between traditional and pickle-fork styles. Tigé carried the Ultré 23ZX’s depth through the bow, making it one of the more secure-feeling I’ve seen. The space is customizable to become a playpen or have a padded walk-through, while the backrest at the front also flips down, revealing a padded step to aid in boarding over the bow. Storage abounds underneath, and a dedicated locker handles the anchor.

For the indecisive loungers on the boat—the Ultré 23ZX can accommodate up to 16—Tigé has integrated dual-facing transom seats. Above the engine compartment, you can flip up a backrest and face into the wraparound seating area. Or flip the opposite section up and face the water. Both proved very comfortable. The padded walk-through bisecting the transom lounge provides easy swim-platform access, where you can find two more comfy seats. The high gunwales make for a big step down to the platform, but Tigé offers an optional step that floats just above the swim platform. Push a button and the rear section of the power platform lowers into the water, making entry and exit much more comfortable. A giant surf locker underneath the transom seats offers room for multiple boards and other pieces of gear.

Ballast

When it comes to riding, the Ultré 23ZX delivers, thanks in large part to its 7,400-pound dry weight, 4,000 pounds of ­internal ballast and the integration of the TAPS 3T system. The wakes and waves are clean, crisp and fun for all levels because riders can adjust them easily to suit a variety of skills and styles. Making those adjustments is as simple as a finger tap. The helm of the Ultré ZX is outfitted with one large touchscreen, which keeps the sightlines clean without losing any functionality. Tigé calls it the Go System. Simply tap the “Go” icon on the screen, select your discipline (wakeboard, surf, foil or ski) and your level, and the boat does the rest. The head-up display in the center of the screen features mph, rpm and other essential data, while other functions “float” on the sides. Simply drag in the icon and you have access to make adjustments as needed. Stern-thruster controls come via a toggle switch at the front of the throttle, while a second toggle by the thumb allows for redundant control of TAPS. It’s all simple and highly effective.

Luxury wakeboat buyers can compare the Ultré 23ZX to MasterCraft’s redesigned XStar 23, which has its own unique luxury and tech features, but comes at a higher price (starting at $395,000). What makes the Ultré 23ZX stand out among its other premium-class peers are not only the features that can’t be found on other boats, but also how much you wish other boats had them after using them. And if you’re worried a 23-foot boat isn’t enough for you, don’t fret. Tigé also offers the Ultré ZX in a 25-footer.

How We Tested

• Engine: Indmar 6.2L Roushcharged 575
• Drive/Prop: V-drive/17″ x 15.5″ Acme 3077
• Gear Ratio: 1.76:1 Fuel Load: 38 gal. Crew Weight: 750 lb.

High Points

• Smart steering wheel allows quick and easy adjustments the audio system, TAPS, surf side, video camera display and more.
• Alpha E3 SolidShade tower raises and lowers quickly while offering integrated, portable board storage. 
• Integrated high-pressure air-pump system is great for families who like to tube or bring inflatable air mats to the lake.

Low Point

• The SolidShade tower is tall and the position of the wakeboarding tow point above it is very high, making it hard to quickly attach a wakeboard rope.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2025 Tigé Ultré 23ZX appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

The Supra SA is the official tow boat of the Pro Wakeboard Tour, the model of choice for Supra’s pro team riders, and an all-around performer known worldwide. For the 2025 model year, Supra added more comfort, more technology and more features, plus updated styling. Does all that mean it’s the boat for you?

At 22 feet, 5 inches, the SA is shorter than Supra’s SL and SE models, but it sits right in the sweet spot for combining high-level performance, comfort, and efficiency in the world of wakeboats. A smaller boat is easier to displace with ballast weight, and also easier for an engine to push it through the water. With smaller size comes better efficiency for towing and maneuvering in tight spots. Rated for 16 passengers, it possesses plenty of space for friends and family.

Interior and Accessories

One of the first things buyers might notice that’s different about the 2025 SA are the lounge-style seats built into the transom. Providing a great spot for relaxing, the backs hinge forward to reveal storage space that features hooks for hanging wet vests and towropes to drip dry. Under the seats? That’s where the Supra put a port-to-­starboard surf locker, capable of holding multiple wakesurf boards—all accessible from the platform. Opt for the powered DropStep in your swim ­platform, and you’ll have an easy time getting out of the water and lounging in those transom seats. A new optional feature you might consider is the washdown system. With this optional washdown, you can rinse away a spill or just hose yourself off on a hot day.

The comfortable seating throughout the SA features Supra’s Chill Tech Vinyl standard, which offers cooler fabric than other vinyls. ­Supra’s combination of cushioning and upholstery is a perfect mix, and the SA’s high gunwales provide support and security. Underneath each seat you’ll find more storage, and in the floor resides a dedicated spot for a cooler. The rear bench of the U-shaped seating flips over to become a rear-facing bench or a tabletop. Standard heated seats in both the captain’s chair and OB spots are nice touches, and both also can be optioned with an air-conditioning setting. The captain’s chair offers power adjustments in all four directions and all the support one needs for a long day’s driving—and we already mentioned the standard heating and optional cooling. Like the settings in a luxury car, you can save the seat’s positions as presets. In the bow, we discovered more quality seating.

Standard on all Supra models, the FXOne power tower quickly lowered and raised at the push of a button. If you want even more automated convenience in your tower, opt for the powered Bimini top. No more dealing with zippers, awkwardly tight boot covers, clamps or anything else—just push a button and watch your SA become a shaded haven in seconds.

You operate the SA’s systems via two large touchscreen displays—one centered above the steering wheel and the other to the right. Customize the top screen to show the info you want: navigation, vitals, cameras, etc. On the right screen, control all the SA’s systems, and everything is accessible with just a finger tap or two. Supra’s acclaimed AutoWake system takes a lot of the guesswork and variables out of the equation, which is great for families who are just getting into watersports. AutoWake’s onboard sensors detect pitch, roll, yaw and the overall running attitude of the boat, and then automatically adjust to keep the boat running at an optimal position based on the chosen activity (wakeboarding, ­wakesurfing port side or starboard, etc.).

Ballast

As the tow boat of the Pro Wakeboard Tour, the wake and wave of the SA are world-class. With 4,100 pounds of subfloor ballast and room for 16, the SA can displace a lot of ­water. Utilizing the Swell Surf System to shape the wakesurf waves, it treats riders to a clean surface with a big pocket that provides a lot of push. The center-mounted Supra Smartplate can make waves flatter and mellower, or steeper and more powerful. Again, it serves beginners and pros equally well. 

The SA comes equipped with one of the coolest audio systems on the market:­ ­Dynamic Sound Design. This finely tuned array of components creates an immersive sound environment, and includes first-of-its-kind speakers mounted in the tower arms. Audio can also be controlled via a touchscreen mounted next to the glove box, so the captain doesn’t have to worry about changing tunes while focused on pulling a rider.

For comparison, see MasterCraft’s X22 ($289,000 well-equipped, with a tandem trailer), which also features lounge-style transom seats and seating for 16, and quickly makes great wakes and waves for watersports fun. While a power tower and convertible rear seat aren’t standard, they can be added as options.

Combine the Supra SA’s performance, technology and features with a long standards list, and you get an all-around performer that’s tough to ignore, whether you’re shopping for your first boat or you are a seasoned pro. Pound for pound, the Supra SA proves a good bang for your buck in the ever-competitive watersports-boat market.

Read Next: Supra SV

How We Tested

• Engine: Indmar Raptor 400 6.2L (315 hp, 404 ft.-lb. of torque)
• Drive/Prop: V-drive/16″ x 13.9″ Acme
• Gear Ratio: 1.76:1 Fuel Load: 67 gal. Crew Weight: 200 lb.

High Points

• Smart steering wheel features an array of buttons to make controlling the SA’s systems simple for the captain. It’s a standard feature.
• DSD audio is amazing and can be tuned to create whatever sound environment is desired at the time.
• Optional dual stern thruster is incorporated into the knob of the throttle, allowing for easy maneuvering of the SA.

Low Point

• Engine start/stop and horn buttons are situated in awkward positions behind the steering wheel.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2025 Supra SA appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

Robalo’s R300 is the latest introduction into its ­center-console lineup, and it’s ­impressively equipped with standard features for beachcombing, touring and, in keeping with ­Robalo’s ­heritage, serious ­fishing.

Robalo reinvented its popular 30 with a Michael Peters running surface and a ­Robalo-engineered fishing-and-­­­fun machine on top. The new hull offered impressively crisp handling during sharp turns and while crossing ­aggressive chop. Top speed tapped nearly 60 mph. At rest, the 10-foot-6-inch beam held steady footing for efficient fishing or comfortable sunbathing. 

Engines

Twin Yamaha 350s with the Helm Master EX Full Maneuverability system, joystick, and integrated autopilot system provides exciting handling and confidence-enhancing easy docking. It also supplies station-­keeping capabilities that can hold the vessel on a GPS point in an orientation that the skipper selects—a feature essential for awaiting a slot at the gas dock. It also allows the vessel to drift in its current orientation along whatever line the seas determine.

Interior and Accessories

A spacious ­10-foot-6-inch beam is equally suited for ­relaxing or battling fish. The console has three adjustable bucket seats with flip-up ­bolsters. Driving seated or standing, the tilt wheel is within comfortable reach. The ­hardtop underside is powder-coated black to contrast with the custom white hull color on our test boat, an effect pleasing to the eye. It seemed to reduce glare from the sea. Overhead handrails stabilize riders in rough water. 

In the cockpit, standard mezzanine seating faces electrically actuated foldaway ­transom seating. There’s a Yeti cooler ­under the mezzanine seat cushion, and seatbacks and cushions for the port and starboard lounges can be stowed for fishing.

For anglers, there are ­ample rod holders in the transom, gunwales and hardtop. Dual 28-gallon livewells with acrylic lids flank the transom seat and are plumbed through a sea chest. Fish can be landed via transom and portside dive doors. The console itself opens from the front, offering easy access to the deep compartment plumbed with a toilet and sink. 

Fishability, performance and family amenities make the R300 a pride to own and a top resale brand in the boater’s ­marketplace.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin Yamaha 350
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/ SWS II 15″ x 20″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 140 gal. Crew Weight: 600 lb.

High Points

• Crisp handling with the efficiency of a Michael Peters hull system optimizes speed and fuel efficiency.
• A protective, three-sided bonded-glass windshield opens on sturdy stainless-steel struts while running at sea.
• Silicone upholstery is nearly stain-proof and UV-proof for long, mildew-free life.

Low Point

• The transom seat switched from electrically operated to manual.

Toughest Competitor

Blackfin’s 302CC ($452,108 base with joystick and dual Mercury 350s) also specializes in building tough, fishable and luxurious boats. Blackfin boasts a stepped bottom for efficiency, stowable cushions for convertibility, and a comparably high bow for seaworthy reliability. 

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2025 Robalo R300 appeared first on Boating Mag.

In The Fly, a scientist tested his ­molecular transporter with a fly in the chamber, and the scrambled result was the source of horror. But the engineers at Montara decided that putting a water­sports boat and a pontoon boat through a similar genetic scramble would work. And it did, beautifully, resulting in the Montara 2.0 23 CWDH—a 23-foot, 6,000-pound wakesports boat with an aluminum hull and the capacity to carry 3,000 pounds of ballast to shape fantastic surf wakes.

From the rub rail up, you’d think it was a pontoon boat complete with apparent acres of comfortable lounges, with an optional convertible aft sun pad designed to let loungers face forward or aft to monitor the surfing arena. The 23-footer seems to have enough deck space to hold a dance recital. 

From the rub rails down, it’s an all-welded aluminum hull shaped to make epic wakes for surfing or wakeboarding. The PCM 6.0-liter V-drive in our test boat powered the rider up quickly, and the wake-shaping ballast and tabs carved a steep wake with a crisp edge and a powerful swell to drive the surfer. Our professional rider even foiled on the wake for miles, effortlessly swooping around in the swells.

The dashboard is kitted with a digital touchscreen panel that manages all wake profiles. Tactile switches are also included for a few of the most used things, such as navigation lights, the horn and more. 

Our tester had a Bimini top that raised and lowered at the touch of a button on the dash, handy for compact storage, as did the engine compartment cover ­beneath the spacious aft lounge. 

One cool option on this well-equipped boat is the stern thruster that not only mitigates the task of steering in reverse, but also helps nudge the boat to or from a pier or dock. Its battery system is charged with an onboard charger. 

When you first see this cool new wakeboat, your first thought is pontoon. But when you see it carve an epic wake while transporting your boating buddies in lounge-lizard luxury, an entirely new paradigm in wakesports enters your world.

High Points

• The 2.0 23 complements Montara’s 2.0 25, awarded ­Boating’s 2024 Boat of the Year.
• Premium audio includes Boston Acoustics speakers and optional  sub and amp.
• Optional stern thruster impressed us.

How We Tested

• Engine: PCM 6.0L 409 hp
• Drive/Prop: V-drive
• Gear Ratio: 1.72:1 Fuel Load: 40 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 700 lb.

Pricing and Specs

The post 2025 Montara 2.0 23 CWDH appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

Highfield’s Velox 420 is a ­welcome addition to the entry-level-­­boat segment. Priced at $36,000, this jet-powered RIB is intended to fill the compact runabout niche somewhat abandoned by popular boat brands. Highfield is pitching the Velox not only as a tender, but also as a family boat especially ideal for younger captains.

Engine

The 14-foot-7-inch Velox 420 features an aluminum deep-V hull surrounded by Orca Hypalon tubes. The powder-­coated aluminum hull incorporates the boat deck, an integrated 14.5-gallon fuel tank and the swim platform. The helm console and bow boarding step are molded fiberglass. The boat is powered by a 90 hp Rotax 900 ACE jet drive—the same reliable three-cylinder 899cc powertrain featured in the Sea-Doo Spark watercraft. A fiberglass insert forms the jet pump intake and the aft center of the running surface to provide efficient intake flow in a shape that would be challenging to form in aluminum.

Interior and Accessories

The aluminum hatch over the engine bay is also the base for the main seat, wide enough for two or a tight fit for three people. The pivoting seat backrest enables facing forward or aft on this seat. The deep boarding platform is covered with the same MarineMat material that covers the deck. There’s also a small seat on the forward helm console and a seat pad in the bow peak (useful at rest, not underway). Stowage space is limited to some room within the console, accessed by raising the forward seat. This is a 14-footer, remember.

The helm console holds a Medallion touchscreen display that can be used to select ­Rotax performance modes (Eco, Docking and Ski). Switches for lighting and the head for the optional audio system ($920) are to port of the wheel. There is a wireless device charger next to the display screen. The console is topped with a small windscreen and a robust grab handle.

Read Next: Highfield Sport 800

The 90 hp jet pushed this 1,060-pound vessel to a top speed of 38 mph with a light load. Performance is typical jet—strong acceleration starts at about 5,500 rpm; at speed in a hard turn, the radius tightens until the boat starts to slide a bit, but this is easy to control. Fuel economy is outstanding at better than 7 mpg at cruising speeds, for a range of about 100 miles. That’s a lot of fun per gallon.

How We Tested

• Engine: Single 90 hp Rotax 900 ACE jet drive
• Drive/Prop: Jet drive/144 mm x 15/19″ pitch stainless-steel impeller
• Gear Ratio: 1:1 Fuel Load: 6 gal. Crew Weight: 190 lb.

High Points

• Boat, fuel and trailer combined will weigh less than 1,400 pounds—an easy tow for compact vehicles.
• No prop, no trim, and minimal ­maintenance with a jet drive make for easy ownership.
• Beach this boat with no worries thanks to a rugged aluminum hull with keel guard.
• RIB offers excellent stability at rest and absorbs dock bumps.

Low Points

• High-rpm jet drive is very noisy and transmits significant vibration to the cockpit.
• Fuel fill below the bow seat cushion is challenging to reach and offers potential for spills within the boat.
• Minimal stowage space.

Toughest Competition

The 15-foot-9-inch Scarab 165SE (base price $45,460 with trailer) weighs about 1,600 pounds (2,300 pounds on its steel trailer) and is powered by a 170 hp Rotax 1630 ACE jet drive with up to 300 hp as an option. This is a very stylish jet ­runabout with more performance and ­storage space than the Velox.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2025 Highfield Velox 420 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Sea-Doo’s groundbreaking (it is a Boating Boat of the Year winner) Switch pontoon gets fishy for 2025. A 24-volt Garmin Force Kraken trolling motor highlights the angling additions. When not in use, it stows out of sight beneath a bench-and-table combo. Slide the motor forward when needed and it locks into a bracket before pivoting overboard. Two swiveling, height-adjustable pedestal fishing seats await. One of two 7-inch Garmin touchscreen GPS/fish finders is mounted at the rail, the other at the helm. Screens wirelessly connect, allowing both to read in-hull and trolling-motor transducers. Control the trolling motor by remote or use the optional foot pedal.

An 18-gallon cooler with an integral pump becomes a livewell. Prep or measure your catch atop its lid. Or, as with the pedestal seats and nearly all seating, reposition this cooler around the boat via the Switch’s innovative quick-connect floor tile system. (The cooler only works as a livewell in the bow.) Rounding out fishing additions are easy-access, lockable storage for four rods and a layout change that will please more than just anglers. Corner entry gates are now at both bow and stern, making it easier to bring your catch aboard or board the boat yourself.

Though a pontoon by category, belowdecks is a fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene central hull flanked by twin, almost catamaranlike outer hulls. The latter are filled with closed-cell foam blocks for flotation. Back topside, the helm features the familiar handlebar-and-throttle controls of a Sea-Doo personal watercraft. Along with our test boat’s 230 hp ­variation of Sea-Doo’s Rotax 1630 ACE engine, the total combo displayed fun, agile reflexes underway and a top speed of 35.3 mph. It’s low-speed handling truly shines, especially for a wind-influenced design like a pontoon. Sea-Doo’s electronic Intelligent Brake and Reverse system allows the captain to intuitively move in and out of forward, neutral and reverse via a handlebar-mounted throttle and reverse lever. We were able to keep our eyes on the water, spin the boat within its own length, and rapidly slow to a controlled stop by applying the brake portion of iBR at speed.

High Points

• Clear side panels increase visibility and give a more spacious feel.
• Position rod holders anywhere on the railing via the LinQ Lite quick-attachment system.
• Robust battery system provides long-lasting power for the trolling motor and in-hull charging.

How We Tested

• Engine: 230 hp Rotax 1630 ACE
• Pump/Impeller: High-pressure pump with 161 mm stainless-steel impeller
• Fuel Load: 28 gal. Crew Weight: 450 lb.

Pricing and Specs

The post 2025 Sea-Doo Switch Fish 21 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Roto-cast construction continues to evolve for use in building pontoon boats, and Smoker Craft brand boats are leading the way. Typically found in seat bases and the occasional helm station, SunChaser embraces the technology to make a large percentage of furniture and exterior walls on the affordably priced Lucerne 20 LR DH. No less than four roto-molded modules are featured in each corner on the top deck. They not only form the Lucerne’s four primary seating areas in those areas, but also the adjacent exterior walls. Tied together along port and starboard sides with stretches of traditional aluminum fencing and backing panels, the combo strikes a thoroughly modern mix, with the roto-cast material’s matte-gray finish offset by the aluminum’s bright pop of color. The result is an affordable, low-maintenance pontoon with an almost sporty appearance. 

Move to the interior and those four roto-cast modules reveal a passenger-focused floor plan. Bow lounges feature forward-facing backrests for those who want to stretch out, with wraparound back cushions for when the crew is ready to socialize. The port bench continues down the entire side until it meets the aft gate. That big comfy couch continues on the starboard side, where it backs up to the captain’s high-back, swilling helm seat. Overhead, a Bimini top, color-matched to the fence accent hue, offers shade to a large portion of the deck. The sculpted roto-­cast helm console features a tilt wheel, gauge array, and Wet Sounds MC5 Bluetooth sound system with four speakers. Swap out the gauges for an optional ­Humminbird Helix 5 in-dash GPS.

Belowdecks, the Lucerne rides atop a pair of 23-inch-diameter pontoons. Our test boat’s 90 hp Mercury outboard proved a value-minded match to the affordable Lucerne. Handling proved quite precise for an entry-level model, with pontoons hooking up to deliver exceptional cornering with just a hint of outside lean. Paired with a 90-horse Mercury outboard, our test boat peaked just short of 27 mph. At a leisurely 13.5 mph cruising speed, its most economical, consumption dropped as low as 2.9 gph.

High Points

• Roto-cast corner pieces match side-panel colors.
• Luxury package adds a power Bimini top, Helix GPS, high-back chairs, mood lighting, windscreen and upgraded wheel.
• Standard woven flooring, black anodized rails, Bimini top and five-step ladder.

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury 90
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Black Max 10.375″ x 11″ 3-blade aluminum
• Gear Ratio: 2.07:1 Fuel Load: 15 gal. Crew Weight: 155 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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Party Barges bring party-pleasing fun and value at an astonishingly low price. Take the Sun Tracker Party Barge 20 DLX, which is still out the door for just over $35,000, even equipped with its max-capacity Mercury 115 Pro XS Command Thrust outboard.

The Party Barge is an excellent performer, hitting 31 mph and accelerating to 30 mph in under 10 seconds. It’s a fuel-sipper too; best cruise speed (12.7 mph at 3,000 rpm) nets just 2.4 gph, for a 5.3 mpg rate. That’s a 150-plus-mile range from its 32-gallon fuel tank. It’s a breeze to pilot, turning smoothly and taking lake chop in stride.

Pontoon logs are 24 inches in diameter, through-bolted to the deck supports. The decking is ¾-inch treated plywood, covered in woven 16-ounce marine-grade flooring. The easily trailered package seats 10 passengers in a stable, comfortable platform of fun.

Its thoughtful design includes LED docking and navigation lights built into the perimeter fencing—often optional features on other boats. The fences themselves are designed to stop drumming vibrations, giving the Party Barge a quiet ride on durable 1.25-inch, 0.09-inch-thick walled rail tubing.

The interior layout features traditional twin facing lounge sofas in the bow, separated by a captain’s console and high-back chair, with an aft L-shaped portside lounger at the stern. A removable snack table and movable cup holders are standard. The portside access gate is wheelchair-­accessible. An extended aft deck makes prepping for watersports more convenient, with an integrated four-step telescoping boarding ladder and ­removable ski tow pole.

The captain’s console features a Wet Sounds stereo with four speakers, integrated storage, and a Sun Tracker Flare digital touchscreen gauge display with a 12-button switch panel to control all boat systems. Also contributing to the reliable design is a well-planned wiring system with a fuse panel easily accessible in the console and protective wire wrapping with waterproof connections throughout the boat.

High Points

• Standard QuickLift Bimini top makes it easy to switch from full sun to shade.
• Patented Stow More storage system enhances storage in all seatbacks. 
• Navigation and docking lights are built into the fencing.

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury 115 Pro XS Command Thrust FourStroke outboard
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Black Max 16″ x 13″ 3-blade aluminum
• Gear Ratio: 2.38:1 Fuel Load: 32 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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Aura’s Quad Lounge looks special thanks to an evolution of roto-cast construction dubbed Enduro Flex-Form Technology. Aura uses the durable, lightweight and affordable EF tech to fashion individual modules that simultaneously form exterior walls and interior accommodations. Molded-in colors offer a fashionable matte appearance, accented on the exterior by a bold, contrasting stripe. The result is a fun, free-spirited feel and lower maintenance than painted panels. 

Corner modules create the core of the Aura’s quad-lounge setup. Step in via a bow or stern gate and seating essentially wraps the perimeter, interrupted only by the roto-molded helm console and high-back helm seat. All upholstery is soft, two-tone vinyl. Access storage is below and easier to reach thanks to the recessed seat bases. Movable backrests can also be positioned to add ­forward- or rear-facing support. 

Find a trio of chrome-ringed combination analog-digital gauges at the helm, along with a vertical phone holder and wireless charger, a small array of rocker switches, and a pair of secure-feeling cubbies to stash your stuff. An abundance of cup holders are positioned in the inwale cutout throughout. Rather than a traditional sound system, the Aura features two JBL Flip 6 speakers. Pair them together to enjoy surprisingly strong sound output and clarity. Unstrap either or both to carry the party to the beach or dock. 

While radical changes are found above deck, belowdecks is the trusted chassis design and durable construction parent company Avalon and Tahoe are known for. Twin 25-inch-diameter pontoons ­carry the load. Atop a pair of full risers, a 3-inch rub rail with a vinyl insert wraps the deck perimeter. Deck corners feature rounded, aluminum caps for impact protection. Stainless-steel pull-up cleats and U-bolts are arrayed to each side fore and aft. 

Our test boat was optioned to include Aura’s triple-tube Sport Performance Package. Paired with a Suzuki 150, the Aura topped out at 41 mph and displayed a confident ride in a wind-driven chop. SeaStar hydraulic steering added a ­nimble, sure-footed feel in the corners.

High Points

• Express yourself with a choice of four exterior-interior color combos.
• Premium package adds an Erie steering wheel, depth finder, reclining high-back helm seat and premium vinyl wall trim. 
• JBL Flip 6 speakers provide  innovative audio.

How We Tested

• Engine: Suzuki 150
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Suzuki Watergrip 15 1/4″ x 19″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.50:1 Fuel Load: 20 gal.

Pricing and Specs

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