It's bold, it's brash, and it looks sharp. My teenage daughter says it’s fully sick! Hot on the heels of last year’s release of the A22 Axis Wake Research, the Malibu design team has been back to the drawing board to produce the new Axis A20.

Just like a teenager, the A20 is keen and anxious to get out and take on the world with a dynamic aggression that reflects the wake culture. The Axis range is all about expectations. We live in a hi-tech world full of innovation and design where total performance is a prerequisite, not a goal. Wakeboarding is an art, just as surfing was to me when I was a kid. It is full of creativity and has its own language and lifestyle. Axis Wake Research is a dynamic leader in the art of wakeboarding, and its presentation and performance will please every devotee.

Wake Boat Evolution

To the outsider, surfers don’t need much to pursue their sport: a wetsuit, a surfboard and some transport. To the modern wakeboarding devotee, there is much more. Modern wake boats have evolved to be design-specific, creating perfect wave performance.  It is flash and loud in oh, so many ways.

Axis A20 slots into this scene beautifully. You can’t miss it, especially in the “back in black” colour scheme. The future certainly arrived with a bang with the A22, and now the A20 sets a further benchmark at a realistic price.

Axis hates the word “crossover”. Best of both worlds, (ski and wake) means compromise in the eyes of a purist. There is no compromise at Axis. The A20 is specifically designed for dedicated riders, as well as a large group of friends to party in a sociable, convertible cockpit layout and bowrider. In fact, the A20 has the seating capacity to hold 11 passengers. The walkthru cushions are on hinges so that the extended observer seat and the bowrider have lift-up backrests. Axis calls it "ChillAX" seating, and it works in combination with the "Skybox" rear seat with its sliding backrests, allowing more passengers to view the action in the wake. After all, it's all about the rider, isn’t it?

Party Time 

Well, maybe not quite all. This is a very sociable boat, with an inviting layout and rugged charm. The premium upholstery lends itself to a party on the water, and it is a pleasure to drive whether there’s a rider out the back or not. If you have a crowd all wanting to see the action, you can sit up to four people in the observer's seats next to the driver, plus a couple on the “Skybox”, and then an extra four revellers in the “TriAX” bow. The driver’s seat has a flip-up bolster and swivel, and is perhaps the most comfortable seat in the house.

The Axis A20, dubbed the smaller of the "Evil Twins", packs a punch. Without ballast, it produces a relatively mellow wake, but things get interesting with the standard "Wakebox" system, combining three individually controlled solid plastic tanks, adding 360 kg of weight to tailor the wake.

But for even more wake sculpturing, the plug-and-play soft ballast bags add another 454 kg. They are located in the rear storage and under the bowrider seats, and all are easily controlled from the helm. To perfect the wake, there's an optional "Auto Set Wedge" finishing that adaptable, pro-grade, sculpted wave.

Indmar V8 Power

Powering this wake-beast is the same Axis/Indmar 5.7L 335HP SFI V8 as its bigger twin, delivering a raw, soul-stirring performance that's anything but mellow. The AR335 also includes Indmar’s ETC system, Electronic Throttle Control with Cruise and an advanced water-resistant ECM (Electronic Control Module) custom calibrated by Indmar.

The driver has full command of all operational components with highly visible multi-function gauges mounted high on the moulded dashboard that give “at a glance” digital screens of everything from fuel, depth, cruise and much more. There is also a bank of waterproof switches for all operating components, including the in-house lighting systems, and of course, a powerful Sony CDX-H905P sound system to blow out the blues. It has AM/FM, CD, MP3 with iPod connectivity and a three-metre USB cable. You will feel like King Kahuna at the comfortable helm with is fluid-like engine controls and sports steering wheel.

Storage Galore 

Axis has built-in storage everywhere. There is tons of space available under all of the seats, a chill pack under the driver's side lounge, and big deep bins on either side of the engine. There is a warming bin on top of the engine that is just the spot to make those cold wetsuits just a little more acceptable on a chilly morning. We really have gone soft, haven’t we!

As night falls, the Axis A20 comes alive with LED lighting under the seats, and a crisp display from the dashboard and navigation lights, creating a cool, modern ambience.

Visually, the A20's sharp hull lines, graphics, and pickle fork bow are a winning combination, complemented by the shapely Wingless MH windscreen and FatAX wake tower. A large bimini provides shade, while a rectangular ski mirror and fixed wakeboard racks round out the package, making the A20 a head-turner on the water. 

Would you believe that there is actually a built-in bottle opener cut into the optional towing mirror!

For compact garaging, the FatAX tower tilts easily, and the broad fibreglass boarding platform is removable. The non-skid rubberised surface of the platform, as well as the moulded rear preparation seat, proudly features the Axis logo. There are refreshment holders all over the boat, including beside the preparation seat to keep the active sportsters energised and hydrated.

You're Invited 

Axis are built in the Malibu factory in Albury, NSW. To be honest, this is one of the highest-tech, well-managed trailer boat manufacturing facilities in the country, and I urge any prospective customer to experience their warm hospitality for a pre-purchase tour. I did, and I was sincerely impressed.

The Malibu/Axis facility and process is only outdone by the professional pride displayed by every employee from the workshop floor to design, purchasing, quality systems, sales and management. The “state of the art” facility sets exceptional standards, and every boat is fully water tested on Lake Hume before release to customers.

The Bear Test 

You couldn't wipe the smile from my face as we set sail for an aquatic romp around a mirror-calm Lake Hume. The old saying is certainly true with "there's no replacement for displacement" as the big cubic engine capacity teamed with world-class technology and premium sports design and construction combine to supply a heart-thumping experience. The excitement is enhanced when you see the reasonable price tag.

Without ballast or wedge engaged, the wake is still entirely suitable for slalom or family skiing; however, I think this quote from the Axis website says it all;

“Axis doesn’t try to be everything to everybody, like some so-called crossover boats. Axis Wake Research loyalty lies with riders, and we make no apology for that.”

Pro's 

  • Value for money

  • Great to drive

  • Inventive seating

  • State-of-the-art design and construction

  • "Fully sick" looks

  • Horsepower, horsepower, horsepower!

  • Custom Easytow trailer

  • Under 2.5 metre towing width

 Cons

  • I had to give it back!

Specifications

Options fitted:

  • Stereo Pac 2 (Head unit, 2 amps, 6 speakers & Sub in boat and 4 tower speakers)    

  • Painted Trailer over Galvanising

  • Snap out Axis Japanese-style Tatami Floor mat

  • Rear ski/tow pylon

  • Boat Cover

  • Pull Up Cleats (per pair)

General

Type:  GRP Pickle Bowrider Wakeboard boat.

Material: GRP        

Length: 20’ (6.1 metres)   

Beam: 2.49 metres

Weight: 2100 kilos (dry ON trailer, standard engine)   

Deadrise: Not applicable   

 

Capacities

People: 11

Rec. HP: 335

Max. HP: 400

Fuel: 180 litres

Water: Not applicable

Engine & Drive

Make/model: Axis/Indmar AR335

Type: 5.7 litre 335HP Sequential Port Fuel Injected (SFI) V8 

Weight: na

Displacement: 5.7 litre

Gear ratio: 1.46:1

Propeller: 14.5 x 14.25 Acme 4 Blade    

Manufactured by Malibu Boats Pty Ltd.

 

Ready to Set Sail? 

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