WaterSki Magazine

Kristin
2009-10-08 10:22:20 | 1527 views | 0 Comments

BOAT REVIEW
Measuring in a little under 21 feet, we found this Supra Launch 20 SSV had big-boat performance packed into an accessible, small-lake-friendly platform. It was nimble and made some seriously close docking quarters a cinch to navigate. With the similar deep keel design of the longer Supras, we found the wake behind the Launch 20 SSV larger than expected and way fun to ride for beginners all the way up to intermediate-advanced riders. This is the boat to try for smaller families hoping to watch their skiing and wakeboarding skills improve fast over the summer. Like all Supra boats, the standards list is long, and the Launch 20 SSV is ready to trailer right to the lake from the showroom.

BEST FEATURES
Seating
Supra’s Stadium Seating transforms a side-facing seat into a rear-facing seat with room for two and maintains the storage underneath.

Sound system
We really like how the Kicker speakers are standard on all Supras, since we can’t imagine having a wakeboarding boat without great sound.

SPECS
Base price: $49,995
Dry weight: 3,200 lb.
Draft: 24 in.
Storage: 81 cu. ft.
Passengers: 10
Load cap.: 1,480 lb.
Fuel cap.: 40 gal.
Length: 20’8”
Width: 7’11”

TEST ANALYSIS
Measurements
Bow: 16 sq. ft.
Floor to tower: 6 ft. 5 in.
Gunwale height: 2 ft. 1 in.
Main lounge: 48 sq. ft.
Sun pad: 28 sq. ft.
Platform: 11 sq. ft.

Wakes
For skiing, the wakes are bigger than average but suitable for casual cuts at slower speeds. Riders will find the 1,200 lb. ballast to be quite effective for boosting the size to intermediate levels. Our test team discovered mellow transitions with crisp peaks.
Overall: These are fun peaks suitable for beginner to intermediate riders. Not a bad way to crossover into skiing with satisfactory recreational performance.

Acceleration
With standard 325 hp engine and OJ XMP 14.25×14 four-blade prop
To 30 mph: 7.3 sec., 174.3 ft.
To 36 mph: 9.7 sec., 292.5 ft.
Top speed: 43.2 mph, 4,723 rpm

Handling
Bow rise: 20 degrees during typical acceleration. We used the bolster for best visibility.

Tracking: This smaller V-drive felt the effects of aggressive edging from our riders and skiers with considerable roll.

Turns: Of course this wasn’t as pinpointed as the direct-drive version of this boat, the Launch 20, but the relatively small size kept the 20 SSV nimble.

Vibration:
Gs crossing wake at 22/30 mph: 1.02/1.07
No audible rattling or whistling.