The sky is the limit

Are you ready to wakesurf 8 hours non-stop? The flagship AXIS A245 is.
Motor boats
29 april 2024
Author: Arsenii Zaguljaev
Photo: Malibu Boats

/upload/iblock/7f6/A245_Helm.jpg

For Axis Wake Research, the ambitious project of creating a new flagship, the successor to the popular A24 model, became an opportunity to refresh the design of the A-line with a distinctive trident-shaped bow. The company emphasises that the hull design was developed, if not entirely from scratch, then at least without relying on past templates. While the aggressive lines of the A245 resemble the successful A225 that launched last year, there are noticeable differences. The sharp trident teeth and redesigned LED docking lights stand out. The Wake Plus hull is optimised to deliver the perfect wave for both wakeboarding and wakesurfing while also ensuring safe rides in choppy waters and gusty winds.

At medium and low speeds, the Wake Plus hull with its sharp chines allows the boat to sit deeper in the water, increasing displacement and creating incredibly long and powerful waves. Special Gorilla Fins, with a surface area of 120 square inches, stabilise the hull during planing. Compared to towboats from other brands, Malibu and Axis place these fins further forward, improving the boat's handling and stability.

For those who prefer heavy, spacious boats and enjoy large gatherings, the A245 will be a delight on the water. It can accommodate up to 18 people, and the brand has done everything possible to ensure that passengers can comfortably relax in the bow and salon, enjoying the speed, wind, and riders' tricks.

/upload/iblock/20b/A245_Top.jpg

The bow area is a self-contained social space. It offers enough room for three or even four adults to lounge side by side in a semi-reclined position, with legs slightly bent. The deep sides make this zone completely safe. Cupholders are placed along the perimeter, ensuring every passenger can bring water, coffee, or even an extra bottle. There are also slots for wireless phone charging. Wet Sounds audio system speakers are integrated into the sides, while the gunnels are finished with non-slip Soft Grip pads, making it easy to board from a dock. The marine-grade vinyl upholstery is available in Azzure Blue and Graphite or Hot Orange, Arctic White, and Light Graphite colour options.

The salon layout is meticulously designed. The Chill-Ax seatbacks along the sides can be raised for passengers to sunbathe comfortably or enjoy the view. At the stern, there’s a triple Skybox Seat with angled backrests that can slide along tracks. Moving the backrest forward allows passengers to sit facing backward to watch the rider. The most spacious cockpit in its class and the high freeboard ensure a comfortable and safe ride, whether on open seas or large reservoirs. Notably, all seats are made from an exceptionally soft material that doesn’t heat up under the sun or absorb moisture. Storage spaces are conveniently located, spacious, and easily accessible. Cupholders and phone chargers are always within reach. Up to six speakers fill the salon with balanced sound, while a 12-inch subwoofer is placed under the helm. The cockpit floor and swim platform are covered with Soft Grip material in a graphite shade.

/upload/iblock/d4b/_ROD9947.jpg

The stylish AW20 tower features a simple and reliable height adjustment mechanism, making it easy to operate with one hand. Optional gas struts can make it feel feather-light, even when loaded with boards in all four mounts and a full set of four speakers attached. For the 2024 model, new PTM Clamp Force 3.0 mounts with improved grips and rotation mechanisms allow wakeboards to be removed with a single touch.

The A245’s helm is intuitive and, most importantly, gives owners precise control over wave settings and boat systems. The standard Axis Dash includes a 7-inch Garmin touchscreen with full driving and watersport functionality. The display shows key instrument readings, surf system operation (Surf Gate / Power Wedge), ballast tank levels, lighting controls, and more. It also features auto-dimming. Upgrading to the Sport Dash adds a sporty instrument panel design with an additional keypad that duplicates surf system controls and a rotary dial to reduce reliance on the main touchscreen. The Premium Sport Dash package includes a wireless phone charger and premium Soft Grip trim in customisable colours.

/upload/iblock/bbc/_43A6123.jpg

Wakeboarders and wakesurfers will be thrilled with the professional-grade performance of the A245, equipped with 2.4 tonnes of ballast. The surf package includes the unmatched Surf Gate transom blade system, which shifts the wave from one side to the other in just three seconds. The system works by opening and closing “gates”, rotating the blades without shifting weight. The third-generation Power Wedge III can completely alter wave characteristics, from long and soft to steeper and more powerful. The Surf Band remote control provides instant feedback to the driver, allowing riders to adjust the wave directly from their wrist. They can modify wave characteristics using Power Wedge III, increase or decrease boat speed, adjust speaker volume, and switch the wave’s side.

The boat can be equipped with the industry’s most powerful wake engine — the 607-horsepower Monsoon LT4. First tested in 2022 on the T250 towboat, it is now available for all senior models in the lineup. The LT4 is also highly reliable, designed for long and stable operation. It features an enlarged combustion chamber and direct injection, delivering 821.6 Nm of torque at 3,800 RPM.

The primary exterior colour combinations for the new boat include base gel coats in Sapphire Teal and Maya Blue, which pair with metallic shades like Capri Green, Sapphire Teal, Maya Blue, Sienna Coral, Ebony Indy, Ebony Vivid Metallic, and Ruby Red Metallic. On sunny days, these finishes look stunning on the water, and just one glance at this towboat is sure to lift your spirits.



Strider 19 MNE Eng vertical