2018 AXIS A24 First Impressions

I had a chance to get out on the new 2018 A24, wanted to share my experience. This boat has become my favorite in the Axis lineup. The 17" prop, 2:1 transmission, new offering of the Power Wedge 2, PnP combo is a great package.

This boat is huge and has a ton of space and storage. For 2018 Malibu added 5" in length and 2" more freeboard for the 2018 model. Dry weight is approx 5200 lbs, 102" beam, 24'5" length with a rated seating capacity of 17 people.

The boat I was on was weighted with full compliment of options. (hard tanks, PnP, power wedge 2) You can now have up to 4800 lbs of ballast displacement if you opt for Pnp (650 lb bow bag, 750 each ski locker) 1220 lbs hard tank ballast, Power Wedge 2 (up to 1500 lbs of displacement). The wakeboard wake in this configuration was impressive, super clean with a nice transition and adjustable on the fly with the Pw2. Surf wave was also impressive, long pockets with a nice lip also adjustable on the fly with the Pw2. The Power Wedge 2 does allow you to customize your wake and surf waves to your riding style. What was also impressive was how well the boat pulled this weight with the 17" prop and the 2:1 transmission with 7 adults in the boat. The 17" prop is a great addition to these larger boats.

Surfband also comes on Axis with the addition of volume control for 2018. Wake transfers are signaled through the tower speakers with three beeps.

Moving batteries to bow was a great move, definitely frees up space under observer compartment seat and adds some more bow weight. Wind screen also stows away there now as well.

The new multi adjustable skybox seat is greatly improved from previos years now on a sliding rail system along with removable seat backs that stow away under ski locker hatch. The rear facing seat has a center cut out to allow for easy passover from front to back over the seat. The seat back rests stow under the ski locker hatches. You can also get a rear facing flip chillax seat on port side now as well.

The boat we were in also had the Wetsounds Soundpack 3 (410's), definitely one of the better sounding factory systems I have been in.

The addition of the power wedge 2 to Axis is a huge upgrade, Malibu did a great job making it simple to adjust and deploy. The Pw2 also does come with lift mode which helps plane out the boat quickly for heavy wakeboarding applications. It will push the bow down and release once boat is planed out. The center display on the dash will give you indication of Wedge angle and when it is stowed, along with letting you know lift mode is being engaged.

Axis is also offering the PTM clamping racks now which is a nice upgrade from the bunji style.

Vinyl foam has also been upgraded to a more dense feel which makes the seats more comfortable and I believe will help reduce wear and tear on the vinyl.

All Axis boats also come with a 5 year warranty now.

Regardless of your brand preference this boat is a must demo if you are in the market for a larger 24'5" boat, Axis is continuously stepping up there product every year.