WaterSki Magazine

Kristin
2007-12-05 06:30:57 | 666 views | 0 Comments

You have to hand it to Wakecraft for recognizing a boat buyers' need and dealing with it head-on. We've seen it ourselves — people shopping for a ski or wakeboard boat and having to pick up numerous options to outfit it for everything they want to do. With the Wakecraft ZR6, that's not a worry. The epitome of out-of-the-box boating, this boat comes with virtually everything a wakeboarder needs standard. That's the concept from this fairly new California brand, which was founded in 2006. A few optional items, like a bimini top and stereo upgrade, are available but for the most part, what you see is what you get.

BEST FEATURES

Ballast System
Three tanks fill up to a hefty 1,200 pounds, 1,000 of which is set in the back, which makes solid wakes for a 20-footer.

Standards List
In addition to the ballast, a composite fiberglass tower, wake shaper, 10-speaker stereo and even a trailer are included.

TEST ANALYSIS

Wakes
These wakes are huge for such a relatively small boat. We especially loved tackling double-ups with the ZR6 and re-entries were nice and smooth. We did find the wakes to give inconsistent pop. A longer time with the boat could have helped us get used to it. Overall: Big but unpredictable, this ride could be a lot of fun once you tune it to your style.

Handling
Bow rise: 17 degrees during typical acceleration. Low profile dash and low-slung bow helped visibility. Tracking: Held a fairly consistent boat path with a rider in tow. Turns: Double-up driving could be improved. Leave room for bigger, arcing turns.

Acceleration
With standard 375 hp engine and OJ 13×13 four-blade.

Vibration
Recorded with driver and passenger turning through a double-up at the sport-specific speed.

SPECS
Dry weight: 3,900 lb.
Draft: 22 in.
Storage: 63.5 cu. ft.
Passengers: 12
Load cap.: 2,500 lb.
Fuel cap.: 67 gal.

TEST MEASUREMENTS
Bow: 11 sq. ft.
Floor to tower: 6 ft. 1 in.
Gunwale height: 2 ft. 3 in.
Main lounge: 50 sq. ft.
Sun pad: 22 sq. ft.
Platform: 12 sq. ft.

For more information, please visit www.wakecraft.com.