If you have $100,000 to spend on a new surf and/or wakeboard boat, you certainly have many options, but finding the boat with the best wake or wave within that budget is no easy task.
Of course, any $100,000 boat is usually great, but which one you choose will depend on your goals, e.g. Surfing vs wakeboarding vs size vs comfort… With every brand and model there are tradeoffs.
Always remember that $100,000-$115,000 boats can often be had for well under $100,000 - demo models, gauges, leftovers, etc. Make sure you demonstrate as many as possible. Also, make sure you have a branded retailer near you.
See also:What is the best surf boat under $30,000?
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What to look for in a boat < $100,000
Below are some important things to consider when buying a boat under $100,000.
Boat size and engine
Boat owners usually recommend choosing the largest boat you can find for your budget. Second and third boat buyers often want a larger boat than the previous one.
New buyers sometimes choose a 21ft boat because of budget, but later repeatedly choose 24ft boats for more space, better waves and higher resale value.
Note that a 23-25 foot boat can usually accommodate 13 or more people and can easily accommodate friends and family. A 21ft boat, on the other hand, can work for 6-7 people on the boat.
boat type
If your main goal is wakesurfing then an inboard is the only option as the propeller and drive unit are in the hull eliminating any risk of hitting the propeller - seeCan you wakesurf behind any boat?.
You may also be able to surf or wakeboard behind a jet boat but due to the flat jet engine and ducted fan you will generally not get a good wave/wave (seeWakesurfing behind a Sea-Doo)
No matter what the boat dealer says, a jet boat will never compete with an inboard for wakeboarding and wakesurfing, although it can be a great option for other aspects of boating.
Technology
When buying a $100,000 (or less) boat, you often have to balance performance and technology like additional speakers and touchscreens. Some buyers prefer to stay away from touchscreen and camera technology because after several years of maintenance they get tired.
As a result, savvy buyers sometimes choose to forgo the extra gadgets and instead focus on getting the best motor for their boat for their money.
resale value
Many boat owners argue that a boat's resale value depends more on the boat's condition than on the brand name. However, the latter still affects the resale value of a $100,000 boat.
For example, Moomba boats often have good resale value because they are a relatively affordable investment in the first place. They are subject to significant depreciation in the first year, but later tend to retain their market value.
So if you are planning to resell your boat after 4 or 5 years, a Moomba can be a good choice as you will lose less than other brands.
On the other hand, if you plan to keep your boat for a decade or more, you may consider investing in a bigger brand likemastercraft,Nautical, orMalibu.
surf wave
If you're about to invest in a $100,000 surfboat, one of your goals probably includes a good surfing wave for you or your kids to ride. While you can usually surf behind all the new surf/wake inboards, some boats produce a much better wave/wake.
Boat owners generally agree that Centurion has been making the best wakesurf boats for years.
While Malibu is the company that invented the Surfgate and Supra, Nautique and Tige also make excellent surf boats, Centurion remains the undisputed leader when it comes to the pure wakesurf experience.
Centurion, Nautique and Supra are considered the best surf boats. Tige is also a surfing pioneer and offers some of the best surfing waves on the budget. Supreme also makes special surf-focused boats.
Deep V surf hull boats tend to create a very large and beautifully shaped surf wave with less weight compared to a flatter bottom.
However, wakeboarding is different. Deep-V surfboats tend to have a very hard transition in the wake of the wakeboard and require high speed to get clean.
Deep V hulls also require significant weight and surf tab adjustments compared to flatter bottom hulls and are more sensitive to lateral sway for both surf and wake. These are known disadvantages of deep V hulls.
Nr. 1 Surfboot unter 100.000 $: Moomba Mojo
The Moomba Mojo is one of the few 23-foot surfboats you can get under $100,000. It's a very good all-around boat for both family fun and serious wakesurfing.
The Moomba brand is all about simplicity, reliability and proven technology, perfect for buyers looking to keep their boat for a decade or more.
Despite being an entry-level line, the Mojo shares characteristics similar to those found in high-end boats like the Mastercraft XT. In terms of interior design, the Mojo is often credited with having a slightly better fit and finish than the Axis A24 or the Mastercraft NXT.
In terms of surf wave and wakeboard wake, the autowake (and the G6 ballast system) is very easy to use.
The Mojo or Mojo Pro is available under $100,000 and offers excellent value for money. Some buyers have even snagged new Mojos with the full Wetsounds system for under $90,000.
While the Raptor 440 engine costs $5000 more than the Raptor 400, buyers often argue that they are both the same engine except for the computer flash. The 400 boards the plane with 4000 pounds of ballast.
#2 Surfboot unter 100.000 $: Mastercraft NXT22
Mastercrafts are great boats, but budget under $100,000 and you're getting an economical model. The NXT 22 offers a great ride and wave with great thrust, even for a heavier rider.
The 22-foot boat sleeps 14, which is ideal for accommodating friends and family.
While Mastercraft was a pioneer in surfing systems, many of their older boats are geared more towards wakeboards than surfing - with a very towering bow.
Mastercraft boats are amazing boats, but they don't necessarily offer thatDear Surfwell. However, if you're looking to get a quality, all-round boat for under $100,000, the NXT 22 can be a fantastic choice.
The NXT series is affordable and great for relaxed wakesurfing during a family day on the lake, although it's slightly narrower than the X series and a little less premium.
Nr. 3 Surfboot unter 100.000 $: Centurion FI 23
A Centurion FI 23 can be had for under $100,000 new, provided you choose the right options. Some $100,000 versions are often found at boat shows with many options.
As previously mentioned, Centurion boats offer some of the best surfing waves on the market thanks to their deep V hulls that create long, big waves with a large pocket and relatively little extra weight.
While shaping the best wave on these boats may not be as easy as on others, one of the great things about the FI23 is that you can quickly switch from waterskiing to surfing to wakeboarding with the push of a button.
However, the Centurion's deep V hull may not be the best choice if your main goal is wakeboarding rather than surfing. Like the FI23, the RI257 makes a very large but abrupt wake with a narrow landing zone.
#4 Surfboot under $100,000: Super Air Nautique 210
The 21′ Nautique 210 might be a bit small for some buyers, but for others she might be spacious enough as she can easily accommodate 6 or 7 people on board. This boat is available for $100,000, complete with the ZW409 engine.
The 23-foot Nautique 230, on the other hand, will take you well over the $100,000 budget.
Nautique boats are very reliable and durable for many years. Unlike Mastercraft, you don't pay that much for the brand name.
Nautique boats also offer avery good surf wave, although it can be a bit steep for beginners and not easy to dial in length and height.
#5 surf boat under $100,000: Tige R23
You may be able to find a new, well-appointed Tige R23 for $90,000-$95,000 including the TAPS 3 surfing system and options like wetsounds systems, bimini top, an upgraded Raptor engine and pivoting board racks.
By looking around and bargaining with dealers, it's also possible to find a Z3 for under $100,000.