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WATERSKI MagazineIt used to be that the more passengers you brought along with you, the more you compromised your skiing. Those extra folks not only took your mind off performing your best, but they ruined the wake quality.
Today's semi-modified vee-hull inboards are able to “adapt” to weight increases and keep the slalom wakes low, yet bulk up enough in the 18- to 21-mph range to be super for wakeboarding. Plus, today's breed of inboard ski boats is longer and wider, enabling the whole family to come along for the ride – and ski their best too. The new Vision by Supra is one of those special boats.
Developed to appeal to the recreational skiing family that wants equal doses of skiability, storage and comfort, the Vision packs all three into its 21-foot, 6-inch frame.
In the skiability department, the Vision will please a wide spectrum of recreational skiers. We found the longline and slow-speed wakes fine for wake crossing and working on turns, and there is even potential for entry-level slalom course work. Wakes are wide, with a sharp lip, and can be crossed by beginners and intermediates who keep their skis firmly on edge. What holds it back from being a training-type boat is a slight lean to the driver's side (up until 36 mph when the boat starts to even out) and unresponsive steering. On the upside, kudos to Supra for designing a rope-saving device on the pylon that looks sharp and should stand up to hard skiing duty for plenty of summers.
You won't find any drawbacks at 40 mph, however, as the barefooting power and wake quality is on par with that of the rest of the open-bow inboard class. We noted the PCM APEX's quick hole-shot and strength throughout the midrange, and would recommend the engine upgrade for skiers thinking of putting in some barefoot sessions or pulling two or more footers.
Boarders aren't left out of the fun either, as wake size is medium and good for wake-to-wake jumps and spins. Riders may find some difficulty in getting the perfect pop, as a double lip will make it hard to find a specific takeoff point.
Skiers (and passengers) will love the abundant storage space in the Vision – everything can be stored off the floor and out of the way of legs and arms. Slaloms fit in a nicely finished, extremely deep and wide ski locker that is accessed by raising the middle passenger seat (which doubles as a crawl-through to the bow). Boards can fit in there too. In addition, a large rear trunk holds all the extra gear – booms, wetsuits, ropes and gloves.
The high-rise trunk does complicate entry/exit (a big step-over to the wide platform), but it comes as a boon to rear-seat riders: The area is deep, plush and comfortable. Up front, observers get a wide, sweeping bench that spills into the padded bow area, creating somewhat of a playpen feel that kids will find more likable than full-size adults will. Drivers aren't left out of the comfort mix, as the helm seat is firm and well-positioned for unimpeded forward visibility and quick access to all gauges and the waterline for rope retrieval.
It's this type of “please 'em all” philosophy that makes the new Vision a sure-fire winner – and ensures that every skier you bring along will only enhance the ride.
