Having just taken the 2022 Supra SL for its inaugural run, my initial assessment is that it’s a fantastic boat overall. However, right out of the gate, the surf wave didn’t quite match the immediate impressiveness of the Malibu LSV. This might be attributed to an imperfect setup during our test, compounded by slightly choppy water conditions. I concur with the general consensus that the surf gate and wedge systems appear more user-friendly on the LSV straight from the factory. Achieving a surfable wave with minimal adjustments seemed more straightforward on the LSV. Nevertheless, I believe the 2022 Supra wave possesses considerable untapped potential compared to the stock waves I’ve observed previously. With a refined understanding of the optimal settings, dialing in a top-tier wave shouldn’t be significantly more complex than on the LSV. During my initial 2022 Supra test, I opted for full ballast and engaged the surf left/right function, while experimenting with the smart plate. Post-test, reviewing my notes, I realized the front ballast ideally should have been at 80% rather than 100%.
I experimented with AutoWake, but it consistently prompted us to shift weight to the port side, seemingly struggling to reach its target configuration. Being just two occupants on board, neither of us intimately familiar with the system, likely contributed to this. Time constraints prevented extensive troubleshooting, and in hindsight, I may have been adjusting settings too rapidly to gain a coherent understanding. The setup process undoubtedly presents a steeper learning curve, yet I remain confident that with more dedicated time on the water, I could significantly refine and enhance the 2022 Supra wave.
The 2022 Supra SL is equipped with the 400 engine (in contrast to the LSV’s M5Di). Initially, I harbored reservations about the 400, but my test drive effectively dispelled these concerns. It handled all demands with ease, even at my approximate 1000 ft elevation boating location. While not a speed demon, even with full ballast and at wakeboarding speeds (frankly, a wake of that magnitude is far beyond my wakeboarding comfort zone and would necessitate considerable reduction), the boat performed admirably and planed remarkably quickly. Even during casual cruising, I was genuinely surprised by the rapid planing. This is thanks to the smart plate’s automatic deployment, which noticeably lifts the boat and lowers the bow upon acceleration, followed by its retraction once planing speed is achieved. The efficiency and seamlessness of this feature were truly impressive. It’s these sophisticated features, such as the auto-leveling system highlighted by @dalt1, that lead me to believe the 2022 Supra boasts a deeper reservoir of advanced capabilities, simply requiring a bit more time investment to fully master.
