7 of the Best Surf Boats with Big Versatility

While purpose-built, inboard-powered wake surfing boats have been around for years, the majority of these competition-grade craft come with hefty price tags that put them squarely out of reach for many young families. That’s why boat builders and watersports-loving families alike have embraced Volvo Penta’s new Forward Drive system, which brings legitimate wake surfing capability to versatile runabouts that cost far less than traditional surf boats.

Volvo Penta’s Forward Drive is a simple concept that blends two proven technologies. The company replaced the lower unit on a standard stern drive with one that uses forward-facing, counter-rotating propellers similar to those on its IPS pod drives. This approach not only gives the props a cleaner bite in undisturbed water, it also moves them from an exposed point behind the transom to a much more protected position 27 inches farther forward, up underneath the hull and safely away from a surfer’s arms and legs in the event of a fall. It’s a configuration that safely allows wake surfing right behind the transom, while giving the boat incredible handling and performance so it can do much more than just surf.

Looking for a family runabout that can also surf? Then check out some of our favorite surf boats for 2019.

Campion WS23 Watersports Edition

Campion WS23

Built in Kelowna, the Canadian-made Campion WS23 seats nine passengers in considerable comfort thanks to its plush appointments and exceptional attention to detail. With 1,300 pounds of ballast, this bad boy pushes massive wakes without giving up performance or rough water handling.

Chaparral 23 H20 Surf

Chaparral 23 H20 Surf

With its specially designed hull, Malibu’s patented, hydraulically operated Surf Gate feature and Medallion Viper II touch-screen control, Chaparral’s 23 H20 Surf delivers great surf wakes while maintaining the outstanding performance and ride that sterndrive powered boats are known for. It’s one of the most versatile surf boats you’ll find.

Cobalt R7 Surf

Cobalt R7 Surf

Cobalt’s R7 Surf offers the ability to switch the wave from one side to the other with the push of a button, creating customizable waves with smooth transitions, wide push zones and plenty of pop. Dual-purpose tabs let you dial in just the right wake profile, or pop the boat onto plane effortlessly without having to dump ballast.

Four Winns HD220 Surf

Four Winns HD 220 Surf

A quick-fill ballast system, a touch screen command center that provides the ability to customize the ride, and the wake enhancement tabs give Four Winns’ HD220 Surf serious credibility among ever hard-nosed wake surfers. 12-passenger seating means no one has to miss out on the fun of one of our favorite surf boats of the year.

Monterey 238 Surf

Monterey 238 Surf

Monterey’s 238 Surf Edition offers an innovative helm design featuring one-touch Zero Off GPS speed control. Standard features include a high volume ballast system, a Roswell collapsible wakeboard tower with cam assist and custom racks, Wake WorX Surf Tabs and a Roswell audio package.

Regal 23 RX Surf

Regal 23 RX Surf

With standard features including a PowerTower that can be raised or lowered at the touch of a button, a Surf System with 1,500 pounds of ballast and a RegalVue touch-screen display, Regal’s 23 RX Surf Edition models offer upscale comforts in a great looking package. Add it all up and you’ve got one of the best surf boats on the market.

Starcraft MDX 231 E Surf

Starcraft MDX 231 Surf

Starcraft’s MDX 231 E Surf Edition is the versatile deckboat that surfs like a pro. Amenities like adjustable surf tabs and Zero Off GPS speed control make it easy to form ideal waves, while an extensive standard feature list makes it easy to personalize this boat any way you like. You won’t find many more versatile surf boats than the MDX 231 E Surf Edition.