Border May 2006

SKICRAFT
XAIR.

LENGTH

WIDTH

DRAFT
WEIGHT (BOAT ONLY)

STANDARD ENGINE

CAPACITY

CUP HOLDERS

BALLAST CAPACITY

WAKE ENHANCING DEVICE

6.55m/21'5"

2.24m

25"

1090kg(1110kg)

310 PCM Power Or 270 Mercruiser

8-9 persons

7(7)

450kg

Wake control
system std.

The new Xair is the latest in new hull design from skicraft. This boat was designed from the keel up to develope a world class wake. Incorporating solid fibreglass ballast tanks, all hidden under the floor that can be filled or emptied both while stationary or moving by the flick of a switch, make it a very simple system to use. Front and rear ballast is controlled independently. This system coupled with the Wake Control System allows the driver to not only customise the size of the wake but also the shape - from long, rampy transitions, to steep and lippy - to accomodate all riders from beginner through to pro. All materials used arte of the highest quality righht down to the last screw. It is available as a mid mount or a V drive and also uses the latest release PCM power plants and gearboxes.

Boarder magazine, May 06

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SKICRAFT HAVE BEEN A NAME SYNONYMOUS WITH VICTORIAN SKI BOATS SINCE THEY FIRST BEGAN PRODUCING BOATS IN 1969.
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Being a Melbourne based boat manufacturer, the boats are widely spread in the south, especially on Lake Eildon where for many years they have had the majority on the water. Their build quality is superior to many. Being the first to produce a V-hull (when others were still building the Clinker style), they have strived to stay a step in front of their competition and as a result this well respected company has won numerous BIA awards, including Ski Boat of the Year in 2003 and 2004. They have also had widespread coverage in the heart of Melbourne being the official towboat of the Moomba Ski Show. This has been achieved by refining their boat to be fully accredited by the Australian Tournament Waterski Division to tow world-class waterski competition.

This dedication to perfection created an obvious awe of excitement when they decided to turn their focus, for the first time, towards building a wake specific boat. With all the success of SkiCraft previously, it's no wonder that this job was taken on in full capacity. To build the X-Air John and Ron at SkiCraft enlisted the help of Travis Osborne to steer them in the right direction. Travis brought a blunt up-front approach and during the R & D process, when the boat didn't cut the mustard, Travis sent them straight back to the drawing board. The final product is their flagship model for wakeboarding named the X-Air. Priced in the $50,000 range, it's a boat that offers exceptional value for money, Delivering a solid wake with all the build quality and driving

characteristics that have come to be expected from SkiCraft boats.

The wake is clean with a moderated kick, allowing it to perform well with no weight, while still being able to handle the increased load from the 450-litre ballast system.
The X-Air also comes with a wake plate that works effectively to customise the wake shape, giving it a longer mellower ramp when the boat is completely loaded. The ballast system works from the flick of a switch on the dash and can be filled while moving or stationary, which allows for even more customisation of the wake. The best result for advanced wakeboarders is to use a longer rope length, around 80-85 feet with increased boat speed.
The hull is where it an happens in Skicraft development and in the X-Air, not only does the hull produce an extremely rideable wake from the stern, the entry point of the hull at the bow is a deep-v like many of the other SkiCraft models. This allows the boat to cut through rough water and gives an exceptionally smooth ride through double-ups.

The interior of this 6.5 metre boat is extremely roomy. There is plenty of free board on the X-Air allowing passengers and the driver on the X-Air allowing passengers and the driver to sit deep within the boat, staying dry and safe. Around the engine cover and rear there is plenty of room for those of you who want to get silly with extra weight for the monster size wake.

The full dash instruments are quite advanced; using the electronic management system developed with PCM engines and VDO dash components offers an extremely user-friendly an smooth operating boat.

For their first real attempt at a wakeboard boat, SkiCraft have hit the nail right on the head. And, with plenty more motivation in SkiCraft to build better wakes for wakeboarding, you are sure to hear more noise from this company in the future.

Courtesy by Border magazine, May 2006

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