Wakeboarding is one of our favorite summer outdoor activities, but we would’ve loved growing up with one of the 15 most expensive wakeboard boats.
Nowadays, these expensive wakeboard boats cost more than some houses, but at least some are more affordable than the most expensive fishing boats.
These wakeboard boats are different from expensive bass boats and pontoon boats because they are made for high-performance watersports and luxurious comfort when you just need to relax.
Some say that boats require a lot of care and maintenance and, to be honest, they have a point. We say, however, that the smiles and laughter we enjoy on our boat are priceless.
Today, we will review 15 of the most expensive wakeboard boats and provide a quick wakeboard boat buying guide that will help you decide if you are ready to buy a wakeboard boat!
Photo by Maxi am Brunnen via Unsplash
15 Most Expensive Wakeboard Boats
- The Pavati AL26 Wake Boat
- The Pavati AL24 Wake Boat
- The MasterCraft X Star
- The MasterCraft X Star S
- The MasterCraft X26
- The MasterCraft X24
- The Malibu Wakesetter 25 LSV
- The Malibu Wakesetter 24 MXZ
- The Malibu M240
- The Moomba Makai
- The Tige 25ZX
- The Tige Z3
- The Centurion Ri265
- The Supra SE
- The Super Air Nautique G25
Quick Wakeboard Boat Buying Guide
Photo by Vince Fleming via Unsplash
If you are buying your first wakeboard boat or upgrading your existing watercraft, having a defined selection process is optimal. Use these quick tips to help you define that process.
Are You Financially Ready to Buy A Boat?
The most logical place to start is to really assess whether you are actually financially prepared to afford a new wakeboard boat. Many boat owners will tell you that they wind up spending more on annual boat operations and maintenance than they anticipated (or even considered) during the initial buying process.
This includes the gas you buy to run your boat, the cost of a trailer to tow it, the annual service to the boat and that trailer, additional boating equipment and accessories, and much more. Things can add up quickly if you are only counting on the advertised price of the boat itself.
Before you buy a boat, you should have a good credit score and do your best to set aside 15 to 20 percent of the boat’s cost to be used as a down payment. Also, do your research on boat loan terms from various lenders to find the best interest rate possible.
Additionally, you will need to consider the best time of the year to buy a new boat. Boat show season (late fall to early spring) is usually the best time for wakeboard boat shopping because manufacturers and dealers offer incentives that you just will not find at other times of the year.
What Size Boat is Best For You?
Once you get a new wakeboard boat, do not be surprised if you suddenly have a bunch of acquaintances contacting you for a boat ride. The reality is, however, that you cannot base your decision on boat size on all these possible extra riders.
The better way to go about it is to consider the average number of people that will be going on your boat on a normal day. These are the random Saturdays that you take the immediate family on and not the Fourth of July holidays when you have a bunch of extended family in town.
You should also consider that a smaller boat will usually be more fuel-efficient than a larger model. If you do intend on taking large groups out, however, you will need more seating capacity and a larger engine to power your wakeboard boat.
How Much Horsepower Do You Need?
There isn’t a ton of variety in maximum horsepower amongst these wakeboard boats, but some models give you the option of upgrading from a standard engine to a more powerful engine with additional horsepower.
The reality is that most beginner and intermediate wakeboarders will be fine with whatever engine comes as the standard option for these wakeboard boats. This is also the case if you mostly plan on going out with just your family members and possibly a few friends.
If you are going to load your boat down up to its maximum seating capacity and you are a seriously advanced wakeboarder, it may be worth it to upgrade to an engine with higher maximum horsepower.
Most Expensive Wakeboard Boats
1. The Pavati AL26 Wake Boat
PC Pavati Wake Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- Hull Length: 26’8”
- Beam: 8’6”
- Draft: 28”
- Weight: 6,700 pounds
- Horsepower: 575
- Fuel Capacity: 81 gallons
- Ballast Capacity: 5,988 pounds
- Seating Capacity: Captain’s Choice
The AL26 is the largest wakeboard boat made by the exclusive Pavati brand and it is one of the most eye-popping models out there. This boat is made with 100 percent aluminum construction and includes an up to one-inch thick billet for maximum reinforcement.
The dual thrusters in the bow and stern provide this V-drive with exceptional torque and control while the engine is 20% more fuel-efficient than similar models in its class.
While the wakeboarder in the water will love the massive wake thrown behind this boat, the riders will love the view from the 102-inch wide rear-facing couch at the stern of this wakeboard boat.
2. The Pavati AL24 Wake Boat
PC Pavati Wake Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- Hull Length: 24’8”
- Beam: 8’6”
- Draft: 28”
- Weight: 4,894 pounds
- Horsepower: 575
- Fuel Capacity: 67 gallons
- Ballast Capacity: 4,888 pounds
- Seating Capacity: 17
The AL24 wakeboard boat boasts most of the same features and technological innovation as its big brother. It is just slightly smaller in almost every category for those of you that don’t quite need a boat as expansive as the Pavati AL26.
This boat was actually Pavati’s original design and, at the time they unveiled it in 2008, it was the industry’s first and only aluminum V-drive wakeboard boat.
The HeliArc Tower on the AL24 (and the AL26) also boasts fully aluminum construction and includes a two-point bimini, swivel board racks, eight speakers, RGB light bars, and a four-camera mounting arrangement that provides opportunities for 360-degree viewing and recording.
3. The MasterCraft X Star
PC MasterCraft
Available Boat Specifications
- Hull Length: 23’
- Beam: 8’6”
- Draft: 32”
- Weight: 5,800 pounds
- Horsepower: 430 standard (522 upgrade possible)
- Fuel Capacity: 76 gallons
- Ballast Capacity: 4,100 pounds
- Seating Capacity: 16
The X Star wakeboarding boat from MasterCraft is the top choice for the company’s pro wakeboarding team, but it has much more for the casual wakeboarder or families as well.
It is equipped with a SurfStar wake management system that allows you to customize the size and shape of the wake for wakeboarding and wake surfing.
The X Star also boasts premium seating for up to 16 passengers and the entire bow and cabin can be upgraded with CoolFeel vinyl that is perfect for boating in hot climates.
The Z10 power tower on the X Star offers push-button operation and can be folded to lower the boat’s overall height if you store it in a garage or covered storage area.
4. The MasterCraft X Star S
PC MasterCraft
Available Boat Specifications
- Hull Length: 23’
- Beam: 8’6”
- Draft: 32”
- Weight: 5,800 pounds
- Horsepower: 430 standard (522 upgrade possible)
- Fuel Capacity: 76 gallons
- Ballast Capacity: 4,300 pounds
- Seating Capacity: 16
The MasterCraft X Star S looks almost identical to the standard X Star from the outside and it boasts all the same wake shaping technology and the awesome Z10 power tower. The main differences between the X Star and the X Star S will be found in the upgraded interior amenities.
This wakeboard boat offers transom-set chaise loungers with the deepest seats MasterCraft has to offer. The loungers also feature ergonomic headrests and extended footrests to provide passengers with the most comfortable seat around when they are watching the wakeboard action or just relaxing in the sun.
5. The MasterCraft X26
PC MasterCraft
Available Boat Specifications
- Hull Length: 26’5”
- Beam: 8’6”
- Draft: 30”
- Weight: 6,900 pounds
- Horsepower: 430 standard (522 upgrade possible)
- Fuel Capacity: 108 gallons
- Ballast Capacity: 4,150 pounds
- Seating Capacity: 18
The MasterCraft X26 is a yacht-certified wakeboard boat with a deep, V-shaped hull that helps to tame the bigger waves that you will encounter if you take this boat out into open water.
It boasts one of the largest fuel capacities of any wakeboard boat on our list and can also be upgraded to include a fully functional head for long-distance journeys.
The ballast tanks on this wakeboard boat can be completely filled in less than four minutes and you will still have MasterCraft’s SurfStar wake shaping technology at your fingertips.
The available stern thruster provides this boat with extra torque and a total of four onboard wireless phone chargers will eliminate fighting over plugs when you have many people on board.
6. The MasterCraft X24
PC MasterCraft
Available Boat Specifications
- Hull Length: 24’2”
- Beam: 8’6”
- Draft: 30”
- Weight: 6,100 pounds
- Horsepower: 430 standard (522 upgrade possible)
- Fuel Capacity: 85 gallons
- Ballast Capacity: 4,300 pounds
- Seating Capacity: 18
The X24 is a slightly condensed version of the X26, but it still boasts the same seating capacity and actually has more ballast capacity than its bigger brother.
That extra ballast capacity allows this wakeboard boat to push out a larger wake for wake surfing, but that wake can also be dialed in for wakeboarding as well.
Convertible seating allows you to customize different options depending on how many people you are bringing along and the standard underwater exhaust works to provide a quieter ride.
It also offers plenty of storage space from bow to stern, which includes swivel board racks that make it super easy to load and unload wakeboards, wake surfers, and water skis.
7. The Malibu Wakesetter 25 LSV
PC Malibu Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- Hull Length: 25’
- Beam: 8’6”
- Draft: 32”
- Weight: 6,175 pounds
- Horsepower: 430 to 607
- Fuel Capacity: 103 gallons
- Ballast Capacity: 5,180 pounds
- Seating Capacity: 18
The Malibu Wakesetter 25 LSV has been redesigned for 2022 and sets a new standard for 25-foot wakeboard boats. It offers the most length and highest seating capacity in Malibu’s Luxury Sport V-Drive Series and that seating includes a very luxurious wraparound lounger that is perfect for sunbathing.
When you need it though, this boat has an extended awning that provides plenty of shade and it also features rear loungers with extended footrests that will make you feel like you are relaxing in your favorite fireside chair at home.
8. The Malibu Wakesetter 24 MXZ
PC Malibu Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- Hull Length: 24’5”
- Beam: 8’6”
- Draft: 32”
- Weight: 6,000 pounds
- Horsepower: 430 to 607
- Fuel Capacity: 82 gallons
- Ballast Capacity: 4,885 pounds
- Seating Capacity: 17
The Wakesetter 24 MXZ is one of Malibu’s most luxurious pickle-fork wakeboard boats. The pickle-fork bow maximizes the seating capacity at the bow and it also makes it easier for you to hop right from the bow into the water to cool down on hot days.
This wakeboard boat also features tower misters to cool down the cabin if you don’t want to jump all the way into the water and the awning extends over the bow and stern to provide ample shade. In the Captain’s chair, the boat’s tactile controls make it easy for you to stay in control without taking your eyes off the water.
9. The Malibu M240
PC Malibu Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- Hull Length: 24’
- Beam: 8’6”
- Draft: 32”
- Weight: 7,500 pounds
- Horsepower: 607
- Fuel Capacity: 86 gallons
- Ballast Capacity: 4,700 pounds
- Seating Capacity: 17
The M240 can easily be considered Malibu’s flagship design and it is truly unrivaled in its performance and luxury features.
It starts with an M-line hull and Malibu’s Surf Gate Fusion system that allows you to customize the size and shape of the wake for wakeboarding, wake surfing, tubing, water skiing, or any other tow-behind activity.
Despite its sizable ballast capacity, the tanks can be filled in under three minutes so that you won’t be waiting around when switching between watersports.
The M240 also boasts an intuitive touch screen interface at the driver’s disposal, which provides all the information you need in graphics that are easier than ever to read.
10. The Moomba Makai
PC Moomba Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- Hull Length: 24’6”
- Beam: 8’6”
- Draft: 28”
- Weight: 5,200 pounds
- Horsepower: 400, 450, or 575
- Fuel Capacity: 70 gallons
- Ballast Capacity: 4,000 pounds
- Seating Capacity: 18
The Moomba Makai is one of the coolest wakeboard boats when it comes to keeping you warm on chilly mornings. That might sound confusing at first, but this boat features an optional heater package with two vents and tube extensions that push hot air into the cabin on cool mornings or chilly sunset rides.
Moomba’s non-skid flooring also provides a more comfortable feel under your feet than most wakeboards boats and it also makes it super simple to clean with just soap and water.
This boat is also equipped with multiple wireless phone charging stations and an in-floor trash can that makes waste collection and management much easier than with other boats.
11. The Tigé 25ZX
PC Tigé Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- Hull Length: 25’
- Beam: 8’6”
- Draft: 29”
- Weight: 6,300 pounds
- Horsepower: 510
- Fuel Capacity: 80 gallons
- Ballast Capacity: 4,700 pounds
- Seating Capacity: 19
The Tigé 25ZX is this boat brand’s flagship model for wakeboarding, wake surfing, and water skiing. It offers one of the highest seating capacities in the industry, but its larger size doesn’t mean that the manufacturer didn’t include several small details that all boaters will love.
One of our favorites includes the Tigé Clear boat monitoring and management system that is mounted right next to the steering wheel. This system provides the brightest display in the industry and also allows you to make touch-screen adjustments to your boat’s ballasts, audio system, and other key components.
12. The Tigé Z3
PC Tigé Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- Hull Length: 23’6”
- Beam: 8’6”
- Draft: 29”
- Weight: 5,350 pounds
- Horsepower: 400
- Fuel Capacity: 57 gallons
- Ballast Capacity: 3,750 pounds
- Seating Capacity: 16
The Tigé Z3 is a slightly smaller wakeboard boat than the 25ZX, but it still boasts some of the most advanced technology out there. Purely from an appearance standpoint, the diamond-stitched interior on this boat gives it one of the sleekest and most unique designs that the wakeboard industry has to offer.
When it comes to actually pulling a wakeboarder, however, drivers will love the TAPS 3T wake control system on the Z3 boat. This system is one of the most adaptive you will find and it naturally adjusts to the rider’s rhythm and technique to deliver the best wake possible.
13. The Centurion Ri265
PC Centurion Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- Hull Length: 26’6”
- Beam: 8’6”
- Draft: 36”
- Weight: 6,400 pounds
- Horsepower: 475 Maximum
- Fuel Capacity: 92 gallons
- Ballast Capacity: 5,850 pounds
- Seating Capacity: 18
As you can see from the image above, the Ri265 wakeboard boat from Centurion boasts one of the most patriotic color schemes you will find.
While this boat is actually available in several different exterior designs, all Ri265 models are yacht-certified and feature Centurion’s best when it comes to wake building and shaping technology.
The Ri265 also offers the largest ballast capacity you will find on a 26-foot wakeboard boat and the ballast tanks are precisely distributed over seven different locations to provide a balanced feel for the driver and the rider.
This boat also features an Opti-V hull that delivers more displacement in a lighter vessel.
14. The Supra SE
PC Supra Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- Hull Length: 24’6”
- Beam: 8’6”
- Draft: 36”
- Weight: 6,150 pounds
- Horsepower: 450 to 575
- Fuel Capacity: 83 gallons
- Ballast Capacity: 4,100 pounds
- Seating Capacity: 18
When you first arrive on their site, the Supra SE might look like the kind of boat that a superhero like Batman has docked in the Batcave.
We assure you, however, that this boat is not fictional and it definitely offers excellent towboat performance alongside plush luxury amenities.
The Autowake system on this Supra boat actually manipulates the position of the hull to provide the best wake shape and size for the rider and the conditions. The helm also features an integrated smart steering wheel, a Thruster Know throttle control, and several other features that make this wakeboard boat an absolute dream to drive.
15. The Super Air Nautique G25
PC Nautique Boat Company
Available Boat Specifications
- Hull Length: 25’
- Beam: 8’6”
- Draft: 31”
- Weight: 6,400 pounds
- Horsepower: 370 to 600
- Fuel Capacity: 88 gallons
- Ballast Capacity: 3,650 pounds
- Seating Capacity: 19
The G25 wakeboard boat from Super Air Nautique delivers exceptional performance with plenty of space for your friends (and their friends!). The hull shapes premium waves for beginners and expert riders alike and the steering assist feature will help the driver enjoy seamless maneuverability.
This boat even integrates with the patented Nautique app, which can be downloaded to most smartphones and Garmin watches.
If you have the app on your watch, you will be able to control the boat’s Surf Select system remotely while you are surfing or wakeboarding.
Final Thoughts
Photo by Pinar Mavi via Unsplash
We loved imagining hot days on these expensive wakeboard boats and we hope you did too. Whether you’re into competitive wakeboarding or just interested in all-around family fun, these boats will meet your needs.
We hope you found a wakeboard boat that you are now talking your partner into buying after reading through this guide. As always, we wish our readers the happiest and safest of watersport adventures!
