The Makai is Moomba’s newest flagship model, aimed at delivering the best experience at a more wallet-friendly price.
With an overall weight of 5,200 pounds and 4,000 pounds of available sub-floor ballast, the Makai is built to displace serious amounts of water. While we could not collect fuel-flow data, we did prove that the Makai creates the largest wakes and waves of any Moomba. The Flow 2.0 system engaged — two automated contoured plates that extend off the running surface of the transom— the wave forms into a large rideable surface with plenty of push and a pocket that’s easy to find and stay in while riding. By adjusting the Moomba Smartplate 2.0, a tab center-mounted at the transom, the wave can be made longer and mellower or shorter and steeper.
The helm features a 7-inch touchscreen that allows you to swipe through the menu and access different functions and screens, such as AutoWake and navigation. Simple toggle switches on the left side of the dash offer easy control for many of the boat’s functions, while a toggle to the right changes the Flow 2.0 surf system, allowing riders to switch from a port wave to a starboard wave, or vice versa. There is a convenient area with 12-volt and USB ports for storing a phone, as well.
With room for 18 and that sub-floor ballast, there’s plenty of space for passengers and their gear. The vertical Triton board racks are simple to operate and can hold a variety of boards. Interior heaters add to the comfort, and the adjustable rear seat is great for watching the action on the water. The transom walk-through is welcome as it keeps foot traffic off the boat’s upholstery. Up front the bow has plenty of room for lounging in comfort, along with the requisite speakers, cup holders and USB chargers.
AutoWake makes setting up the boat’s systems for wakeboard or wakesurf action a breeze. On-board sensors detect, among other things, the pitch and roll of the boat, adjusting the ballast accordingly to keep the wakes symmetrical and balanced. The Makai truly is a flagship model for Moomba, and a big step toward competing with the premiere wake boats on the market.
High Points
- Built-in board stowage atop the Bimini keeps the interior decluttered.
- G6 ballast system utilizes two pumps per tank, expediting fill and drain times.
- New Pro Tower features LED lighting and surf tow points on both sides.
Price: $80,180 (base with 400 hp motor)
How We Tested
Engine: 450 hp Indmar Raptor
Drive/Prop: V-drive/OJ 14.25" x 14.5" 4-blade
Fuel Load: 60 gal.
Crew Weight: 300 lb.
Moomba Boats - Maryville, Tennessee; 865-983-9924; moomba.com
