2017 Wakecraft ZRWake 

2017 Wakecraft ZRWake

You have to hand it to Wakecraft for recognizing a boat buyers' need and dealing with it head-on. We've seen it ourselves - people shopping for a ski or wakeboard boat and having to pick up numerous options to outfit it for everything they want to do. With the Wakecraft ZR6, that's not a worry. The epitome of out-of-the-box boating, this boat comes with virtually everything a wakeboarder needs standard. That's the concept from this fairly new California brand, which was founded in 2006. A few optional items, like a bimini top and stereo upgrade, are available but for the most part, what you see is what you get.

Features may include:

• Three tanks fill up to a hefty 1,400 pounds, 600 pounds of which is set in the front, which makes solid wakes for a 20-footer.

• In addition to the ballast, a composite fiberglass tower, wake shaper, 10-speaker stereo and even a trailer are included.

Test Analysis

• These wakes are huge for such a relatively small boat. We especially loved tackling double-ups with the ZR6 and re-entries were nice and smooth. We did find the wakes to give inconsistent pop. A longer time with the boat could have helped us get used to it. Overall: Big but unpredictable, this ride could be a lot of fun once you tune it to your style.

• Bow rise: 17 degrees during typical acceleration. Low profile dash and low-slung bow helped visibility. Tracking: Held a fairly consistent boat path with a rider in tow. Turns: Double-up driving could be improved. Leave room for bigger, arcing turns.

• The NEW MerCrusier 6.2L 320+ HP, OJ 1313 four-blade is speed to 47+ mph.

• NONE recorded with driver and passenger turning through a double-up at the sport-specific speed.