Boating

AXIS

T23

- —Garrett Cortese

The T23 is the biggest traditiona­l-bow boat in the Axis line, which means it not only provides some of the largest wakes for riding or surfing, but it also has plenty of room for friends, family and gear.

The first thing you notice when seeing the T23, or any Axis for that matter, are the bold, aggressive lines. From bow to stern, the lines flow back, incorporat­ing the windshield and tower seamlessly. The windshield is not a wraparound, which some might see as a downgrade, but having the open sides comes with advantages, especially in situations like docking where the driver might need to reach out to hold off the boat.

One of the biggest advantages Axis has going for it is access to some proprietar­y tech from the Malibu mothership. Aboard the T23 that is evident with Surf Gate and the Power Wedge II, which are optional as part of the Performanc­e Surf Package (PSP). The Surf Gate system’s stern-mounted hydraulic tabs are controlled by the driver (or rider with remote wristband) and instantly make a giant, surfable wave that can also transfer from one side to the other.

Beneath the swim step you will find the Power Wedge II, a hydraulic foil that can be set in different positions to alter the shape and size of both wakes and waves. When deployed, it creates the equivalent of an extra 1,000 pounds of ballast. Combined with 1,000 pounds of internal ballast (plus an optional plug-andplay ballast upgrade), this truly makes the T23 a boat that any level of rider can feel comfortabl­e riding.

Speaking of comfort, with room for 16 there are no worries about being cramped while aboard the T23. Storage is plentiful in the large rear lockers, under each seating area, behind the spotter seat, and even in the bow. Even the floor is comfortabl­e underfoot because it’s covered with a hasslefree, soft-touch decking.

To top it off, the Axis T23 is extremely user-friendly. Just put it in the water, push some buttons, fill some ballast, and you’re good to go. Minimal fiddling with weight is required. The only problem will be finding time for all 15 of your friends to ride all those different boards.

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