WaterSki Magazine

Kristin
2009-10-08 10:32:08 | 1805 views | 0 Comments

BOAT REVIEW
We weren’t surprised to discover that the Launch 22 SSV was Supra’s top seller for 2007 — and in the company’s 27-year history, for that matter. The midsized wakeboard boat won our praises for top-quality wakes combined with the superior agility of a smaller boat and enough lounge room for a crew of 15. And with the optional Worlds package, buyers will be taking home the same wakeboard boat used to tow top amateur and pro riders at the WWA World Championships last year — so that’s a proven winner. Supra itself has a track record for boats that combine high-end performance with a long standards list and the Launch 22 SSV lives up to that.

BEST FEATURES
Triple-up seating
There’s rear-facing seating for up to six adults with Supra’s flip-up seat backs that also have cup holders underneath.

Worlds Package
There’s a lot to list, but our favorites include powder-coated tower accessories, a trailer with 18-inch wheels and the Worlds wrap graphic.

SPECS
Base price: $55,995
Dry weight: 3,800 lb.
Draft: 25 in.
Storage: 121 cu. ft.
Passengers: 15
Load cap.: 2,100 lb.
Fuel cap.: 40 gal.
Length: 22’6”
Width: 8’4”

TEST ANALYSIS
Measurements
Bow: 17 sq. ft.
Floor to tower: 6 ft. 4 in.
Gunwale height: 2 ft. 5 in.
Main lounge: 60 sq. ft.
Sun pad: 29 sq. ft.
Platform: 11 sq. ft.

Wakes
With the factory ballast, we found the best wake size and width at a 65-foot rope length at 23 mph. Not as steep as the Supra 21 V, not as mellow as other Supras, but right in between. We had the Smart Plate all the way down to enjoy a clean lip. Double-ups were solid and wide. Overall: versatile wake for many different riding styles.

Acceleration
With optional 340 hp engine and OJ XMP 14.25×14 four-blade
To 30 mph: 5.8 sec., 143.2 ft.
To 36 mph: 8.1 sec., 255.3 ft.
Top speed: 41.2 mph, 5,247 rpm

Handling
Bow rise: 20 degrees during typical acceleration. The dash profile meant that we often used a bolster for best visibility.

Tracking: Handles well, especially with the speed control, which didn’t over speed like other cruise systems can and held speed through double-ups.

Turns: Our testers had to get used to turning for double-ups a bit, but otherwise it turned fine.

Vibration:
Gs crossing wake at 22/30 mph: 1.24/1.12
Nothing rattled or whistled.