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MB Sports F23 Tomcat 2009

OVERVIEW

Already one of the standout core wake rides from our 2008 tests, the MB Sports F23 Tomcat was further fine-tuned for ’09. MB Sports started by refining the Tomcat’s CAD-designed hull, improving the consistency of its just-right wakes. In true West Coast form, they also relocated its underwater gear to clean up the wake at slow speeds, delivering a crisper wakesurf wake. Next, they replaced their ballast pumps with a fuss-free gate system that floods the sack-less under-floor ballast with 2,400 pounds of water faster than you can put on a board. The end result: A great wakeboard boat made even better.

FAVORITE FEATURE:

Roomier Cockpit

The MB Sports F23’s refresh didn’t stop at the hull. MB Sports completely rethought the top deck as well, giving the wraparound seating a limousinelike vibe and spending nine months refreshing the interior graphics. Our favorite change: The extra legroom created in the cockpit when MB Sports moved the dash 18 inches forward.

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SPECS:

Base MSRP: $72,995

People: 16

Dry weight: 4,300 lb.

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Fuel capacity: 65 gal.

Tower: Skylon Tomcat II

Racks: Skylon (swivel), (swivel, telescoping)*

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Wake shaper: Electric trim plate

TEST MEASUREMENTS:

Length: 23 ft. 6 in.

Width: 8 ft. 8 in.

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Bow length: 58 in.

Bow width: 74 in.

Floor to tower: 79 in.

Gunwale: 26 in.

Main lounge: 64 sq. ft.

Sun pad: 24 sq. ft.

Platform: 14 sq. ft.

Ballast: 2,400 lb. (two 1,200-lb. center tanks)

ENGINE:

Standard: PCM Excalibur 410 hp 6L V8

Test: PCM Excalibur 410 hp 6L V8

Test prop: Acme 14 x 14.25 four-blade

Cruise: ZeroOff

* = Optional

THE WAKES:

Thanks to its 2,400-pound ballast system, the MB Sports F23 serves up plenty of meat, but these wakes are also crisp and well-defined, with a peaky lip for a lot of straight-up pop. Fill that brand-new ballast system halfway for great beginner to intermediate wakes. Top it off, and you have a wakeboard boat with advanced-level wakes right out of the box.

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