The Axis A22 is no stranger to our magazine. She graced our pages early last year, surpassing all our expectations and generally receiving rave reviews. The new 2012 Axis A22 is finally here, and it’s still a price-point wakeboat that’s not only affordable, but capable of holding its own in the competitive South African wake realm.
We sneak peek the new 2012 Axis A22. For far too long, ski and wakeboard manufacturers have clung to the notion that their inboardpowered, speciallydesigned and superbly-built wakeboats should be made expensive. And each month, enough people cough up a hefty premium to make it a thriving business.
Most of us can only dream of owning such a boat. Imagine owning a boat where you get all the performance capabilities, comfy amenities and badass looks of an “expensive” wakeboat, but at the fraction of the price. “One can only dream,” or “I wish” are all irrelevant statements when you talk about the new Axis A22 – a boat that’s set to revolutionise a market that’s flooded with boats reserved solely for the elite.
Malibu, a longtime manufacturer of watersport performance boats, knows that times are tough and belts are being tightly pulled. So, they’ve identified the need for a price-point wakeboat that’s affordable, capable of holding its own and which doesn’t compromise on quality and comfort. The result is an entirely new company within Malibu called Axis Wake Research, with the aestheticallypleasing A22 as their flagship model. Here’s a boat that has the looks, attitude and performance of a wakeboard boat, but comes with a price tag which is practically unheard of in this segment.
The appeal of the Axis A22 is easy to see. Choose between either the mindblowing standard Axis or mesmerizing Vandall Edition graphics, and turn some head this summer! The functional design and sharp edges of the A22 delivers that core wakeboarding look and performance that every wakeboarder with a “new wave” obsession desires.
Extreme Boating South Africa, headed up by experienced wakeboarder and coach Andrew Bourne, is the sole importer of Axis Boats in SA. Extreme Boating is not your typical boat dealership – not only do they sell boats, but they also offer sound, professional advice as well as efficient pre- and after sales service. Andrew is a pro wakeboarder and has competed in several international events.
He also owns the Bourne2Ride Wakeboard Training Facility, and is thus familiar with all the ‘ins and outs’ of most wakeboats. That’s where the difference comes… The Axis A22 features a solid set of standard features, and the 2012 is no exception. With a few upgrades and modifications, the 2012 version is bound to bring you a lot more bang for your buck! The sharp lines of the standard FatAX tower, which comes with fixed board racks, bimini top, mirror and optional slalom ski pylon, mimics the A22’s dramatic angles, and the 410 kg of standard hard-tank ballast combines with the standard cruise control to deliver solid and consistent wakeboarding and wakesurfing sessions.
The A22 is optimized for big wakes through hull design, ballast configuration and optional wake enhancement. The Auto-set Wedge, when deployed, creates an extra 450 kg of downward displacement, as well as increasing the wake density – giving you ample opportunity to shred it! The A22’s twin-tip, playpen-style bow and wraparound lounge creates seating for 15, so there’s more than enough room for your entire crew. Plus, the standard Skybox Slide Seating, which slides into the main lounge to help focus attention behind the boat, and the new convertible rear-facing ChilLAX seating in the walk-through, gives passengers plenty of visibility. Customizable seating, well-designed storage and rider-inspired interior amenities make the A22 as much a tool for watching the action as it is for creating it.
With plenty of features such as a twin-outlet heater, wet deck with traction grip and removable carpet, towable waterproof cover, nifty underwater and under-seat lights (blue, white or red) as well as big Sony Splash-proof sound options, there is no compromise on quality and comfort whatsoever.
Yet, the price tag remains lower than most in its class! Axis boats are extremely versatile as long as you are shown how to fully operate your inboard boat. Extreme Boating also offers advance driving and boat operation lessons, which are free of charge to anyone who orders a new Axis A22. Axis V-drive inboard boats are one of the safety boats on the market.
The propeller is tucked away deep underneath the boat – a whole 1.5 m from the edge of the swim platform. The swim platform sits at water level and has a transom step/seat making it easier and safer for wakeboarders. Extreme Boating also provides all safety equipment as well as conducting a safety lesson with every customer who purchases an A22.
