Wakeboard Boat Review
The F23 Tomcat’s pickle-fork is the look of the future of MB Sports. The success of this wakeboard boat has convinced MB Sports to adopt the dual-pronged design for all of their wakeboard boats from now on. And the wake is pretty great, too.
Hull: When combined with MB Sports’ Wake Plane hull, the twin-forked bow of the MB Sports F23 Tomcat helps trap air at the front of the wakeboard boat for increased speed and more efficient turning. And it does the trick on chop, too. MB Sports calls the 2008 F23 Tomcat the best rough water boat they’ve ever built.
Ballast: MB Sports is known for providing great standard ballast on all their wakeboard boats, and the MB Sports F23 Tomcat sets the benchmark with a total capacity of 2,400 lbs. That’s enough wake-shaping weight to please most any rider. And with all that water contained in a pair of tanks that run the length of the boat, the ride is stable and balanced.
Tower:MB Sports designers planted the F23 Tomcat’s signature tower at the most stable point of the boat, resulting in a setup that reduces the affects on the boat when a wakeboarder pulls hard. And the swept-forward design, which is taller than most towers at nearly seven feet, adds to the F23 Tomcat’s good looks.
Highlight feature: Aggressive styling. The F23 Tomcat is low-slung, sleek and well-dressed (especially our all-black, stealth-mode test model). The signature Tomcat graphics package complements the design, as does the swept-forward F23 wakeboard tower. And with upholstery color-keyed to match whatever paint job buyers choose, a truly custom look comes standard on this wakeboard boat.
The wake: Our testers loved the wake behind the F23 Tomcat, describing it as, “just perfect.” With ramps that are not too rampy and not too steep, the F23 Tomcat will please a wide variety or wakeboarders, from cautious beginners to pop-hungry pros.
What We Dig
-Double-pronged bow design allows for more space
-Graphics in the gelcoat, so no decals to scratch off
-Anodized accessories, too many billeted touches to list them all
-Built-in bimini that’s large and well-designed
-High-end sound includes four speakers, a 10-inch subwoofer and a 600-watt amp standard
Specs
Length w/o platform: 23’6”
Beam: 8’6”
People: 12
Dry weight: 4,100 lb.
Ballast: 2,400 lb. total (two tanks, 1,200 lb. each)
Tower: F23 Tomcat wakeboard tower
Racks: Swivel wakeboard racks
Main lounge: 58 sq. ft.
Stereo: Clarion deck, Tidal Audio speakers, amp, subwoofer, satellite-radio ready
Cooler: 34 qt.
Fuel: 65 gal.
Trailer: Tandem
Base MSRP: $68,900
Engine
Standard: PCM Excalibur 5.7 L, 343 hp
Test: PCM 8.1 L, 385 hp
Test prop: Acme 13.5×16 four-blade
Cruise: PerfectPass
