Wakeboard Boat Review
A new addition to the Sanger Boats lineup in 2008, the Sanger V237, is a solid wakeboard boat that displaces the V230 to become the longest boat put out by this California-based brand, at 23 feet 8 inches. This wakeboard boat has a special feel, with Sanger Boats’ process of having only one person rig the boat — rather than using an assembly line — true to the brand’s hands-on, family-owned roots.
Hull: Using a construction technique that’s more than 50 years old, dating far back in Sanger Boats history, the company stands by its craftsmanship. These wakeboard boats are made with 100-percent hand-laminated sheet glass and Aqua-Beam nonrotting wood-core composite stringers to produce a solid, consistent ride. Assembly is done by through-bolting to aluminum plates.
Ballast: Three tanks, a 600-pound bow and twin 250-pound rear, give the Sanger V237 a very respectable 1,100 pounds of factory ballast. We found that weight to be a sufficient amount for beginners and intermediate wakeboarders, while more advanced wakeboarders may want to add a little more weight.
Tower:This boat has four different tower options, so you have a variety of features to choose from. We tested it with the WakeAir Extreme tower and we loved it. It comes with swivel wakeboard racks, folds down and looks great with its billet aluminum accents.
Wake shaper: The optional Bennett trim tab lets you adjust the running attitude on the fly.
Highlight feature: The cockpit seating is great. Ergonomic and super comfortable, you might just feel like driving instead of getting a pull. The left side of the cockpit is cut out for easy access to the seat, which doesn’t even need to swivel, cutting down on moving parts.
The wake: We found our personal sweet spot behind the V237 at 65 feet. There the wake is medium to large, with a lot of ramp and a great, cushy landing zone. Double-ups are easy in this boat, and the size with factory ballast should satisfy anyone but the most advanced riders. Our driver could feel the rider while towing, so he made adjustments to stay straight.
What We Dig
-17 cup holders scattered everywhere
-Rear bench seat was particularly comfortable
-Gauges have LED lights for easy reading in lower light
-Ample storage from under the glove box through the bow
-Ballast only takes about two minutes to fill
Specs
Length w/o platform: 23’8”
Beam: 8’6”
People: 14
Dry weight: 4,150 lb.
Ballast: 1,100 lb. total (1 bow tank, 600 lb.; 2 rear tanks, 250 lb. each)*
Tower: WakeAir*
Racks: Swivel*
Wake shaper*: Bennett trim tab
Main lounge: 63 sq. ft.
Stereo: Sony deck, Kicker speakers, satellite-radio ready*?
Cooler: 55 qt.
Fuel: 50 gal.
Trailer: single/tandem axle
*Optional
Engine
Standard: MerCruiser Black Scorpion 5.7L, 330 hp
Test: MerCruiser MX Black Scorpion 6.2L, 340 hp
Test prop: Acme 13×11.5 three-blade
Cruise: PerfectPass standard
