The T220 is built to throw a highly-customizable wake.

Before tinkering with the successful Axis T220, ­Malibu’s design team listened to owners and users, and upgraded this midsize wake-sports boat while keeping it comparatively affordable.

The traditional bow ­slices wakes, but broadens ­quickly to enlarge the ­forward lounge. The high sides make this area kid-friendly and ­reassuring to parents.

The helm debuts the new Axis dash that is clean and ergonomic, featuring a 7-inch Garmin touchscreen monitor that switches from engine gauges to lighting and systems to wake sports. The wake-sports screen provides the captain with control of the Power Wedge III, Surf Gate, cruise control and ballast tanks, giving wakeboarders and wakesurfers a customized experience with just a few button touches.

The driver’s bucket seat with bolster offers secure seating, and a rear-facing companion lounge morphs into wraparound seating. The Sliding Skybox Seat (consider the optional lean-back inserts) creates rear-facing spectator seating, and the Axis Soft Grip floor is easy on the feet, easy to clean and nonslip. With the array of seating choices, the T220 is rated for 15.

Standard power on our test boat was the Malibu-­built Monsoon M5Di, punching out 360 hp and providing a hammer-down speed of about 38 mph. Upgrade to the M6Di (430 hp) and you’ll get a bit more top speed, but with buckets of torque to yank up ­deepwater starts.

Overhead, the AW20 tower is not only cool but also cooling, with a ­pullout ­Bimini top for sun ­protection. It also carries quad boards plus enough speakers for riders far behind to hear. Speaking of cool, the seating is upholstered with Chillax, which fights heat in the midday sun, and the seats hinge up to reveal massive storage for gear, boards, ­fenders and ice chests.

Readily towable (at 4,850 pounds without the trailer) behind a midsize pickup, the Axis T220 also carries reassuring warranties: a full five years on the boat, power and audio.

The new T220 proves a delight for the most discriminating surfers and boarders.

The Moomba Craz has a seating capacity of 16 and costs $83,679 powered by a single Indmar Ford Raptor 400 Catalyst V-drive.

Axis Wake Research – Loudon, Tennessee; 865-458-5478; axiswake.com

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