WaterSki Magazine

The MB Sports B52 V23 boasts all the attitude of the B52 V, but packs a couple more punches. Its two-speed transmission and 2,400 pounds of standard ballast combine to give this wakeboarding performer a leg up on the competition.

In first gear, the V23 has enough torque to get such a ballast-laden boat out of the hole with relative ease. Switch into second once you’re planing for a smooth ride, and check the rearview mirror as your friends go into orbit off monster wakes. It’s a unique setup made for optimizing your wakeboarding experience.

With even more stock ballast this year (up to 2,400 pounds from 2,100), the MB Sports B52 V23′s wakes are impressively big. And they’ve got the perfect shape to go along with their size. Even advanced riders won’t need to add weight to this beast.

The V23 Team Edition doesn’t handle like your typical 22-foot V-drive. The two-speed transmission and the upgraded PCM ZR6 engine really made this boat shine in our handling test. It tracks well, has no side-to-side roll even with an aggressive wakeboarder in tow and is rock solid through double-ups.

Let’s face it, you spend more time in the boat than behind it, and that’s why MB puts as much energy into maximizing interior comfort as it puts into sculpting perfect wakes. The standouts included: reclined rear bench seating, one of the most comfortable driver’s seats available, and thick carpeting and well-padded upholstery.

Base price: $58, 600

Length: 22 ft.

Beam: 96 in.

Seating capacity: 10

Fuel capacity: 45 gal.

Test Prop: Acme 13.5 x 17 4-blade

Test Engine: PCM ZR6 6.0L, 375 hp

Top Speed: 47 mph 5,300 rpm

Accel. To 30 mph: 5.2 sec. 124.7 ft.

Accel. To 36 mph: 6.7 sec. 194.2 ft.

Noise Levels (db): Neutral 60 D 63 R, 36 mph 85 D, 89 R