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WATERSKI Magazine
Supra Launch
Recommendation: Wakeboard
www.waterskimag.com/boats/supralaunch
Supra has relaunched its Launch as an all-new boat for 2004. While maintaining much of what worked well for the original Launch, including Supra's widest beam at 98 inches, this Launch is now 3 inches longer for a length of 21 feet 2 inches. Most impressive, even though it's a great wakeboarding boat, it more than accommodates skiing.
The Launch also has an exceedingly well-designed interior, with “deep” as the key adjective everywhere we looked. That goes for the front ballast compartment, rear compartment, comfy open bow and cockpit. Overall, the storage capacity is massive, especially for an inboard. What you expect from an inboard is solid tracking, and the Launch doesn't disappoint, though we've seen faster hole shots. It's great over bumps and quiet and smooth over rollers. Yet riders can make the most of the standard Rad-a-Cage tower and two-bag ballast system to get their fix, too. In fact, the Launch series boats come standard with not just the tower and ballast, but board racks, EFI, stereo and custom trailer.
Skiing
The wake plate just above the maximum down setting produces the best wake, with somewhat soft wakes at a variety of line lengths. Recreational skiers will be stoked at 15 off at 30-34 mph. After a bit of a bump and a little stiffness at 22 off, 32 off is really fun and 35 off is the best of all, especially for a boat this size.
Wakeboarding
Beginning riders will want to use a shorter rope on this wide wake that provides a gradual transition to a smooth peak. The Wakesetter drives extremely well when it's weighted – smooth and efficient especially when turning. The double-ups are big and solid and there's plenty of ramp to take your moves to the extreme.
Lowdown
-Stainless steel grab rails are well positioned for extra security.
-The standard playpen comes complete with double-up flip-up seats.
-The impressive new design drives like a dream.
-Graphics come with two options.
-Doubles as a good multisport crossover boat.
-Lots of storage space for a direct-drive.
-The new nontapered pylon has a swivel head.
