Ski-Wakeboard Boats

The emphasis in the world of water sports lately has been focused on wake-surfing, and for good reason. It’s not difficult to learn, and the potential for injury is diminished. Wake-surfing is revolutionizing watersports the same way wakeboarding did 20 years ago and it’s bringing new participants to the sport, so boat builders have been gearing their products toward it. In reality, though, there are still segments of the market that want to do more than just surf. They want to wakeboard, pull tubes and, yes, water ski—maybe even barefoot, which is something for which you need much tamer wakes. That’s the reality the new Super Air Nautique GS20 is geared for.

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What makes it tick for all those disparate disciplines? For starters, it has a much smaller footprint in the water compared with a contemporary wakesurfing boat. At just 20 feet long and 8’4” abeam, it’s more the size of a ski boat than a wakeboard boat. But it doesn’t feel cramped, thanks to a smart use of space.

Stowage compartments to either side of the V-drive engine package are cavernous for a boat this size, and the right and left sunpads are hinged at the gunwales so you can access the compartments from the cockpit or the swim platform. The swim platform itself is an appropriate size, and it also features a jump seat to either side, which provide a place to gear up or hang out while the kids are swimming behind the boat.

The walk-through to the platform is covered with SEA DECK Padding and it also features a pop-up tow pylon to satisfy the skiers in your crew.

The cockpit itself is pretty straightforward, with a G-shaped lounge that wraps from behind the driver’s seat to an observer’s lounge wide enough for two to sit close. It’s in managing the gear that the GS20 shows a lot of forethought. For example, the tower is located behind the driver and nearly at the back of the cockpit. That means the ropes clear all passengers when there’s a rider in tow. It also keeps the driver’s peripheral vision clear of any obstructions. The tower features articulating board racks designed for wakeboards and surfboards, and has a tow point with a GoPro camera mount that swivels with the rope to always remain focused on the action. The optional Bimini top is fitted with low-profile stowage pockets for two surfboards to either side. What’s more, the GS20 tower folds lower than windshield height for maneuvering under bridges on lake chains, or storing the boat in a garage.