Many of you will be familiar with Spy’s flagship V-drive wakeboard model, the RX22, which we have reviewed previously. But recently the company added a 22ft centremount “sport crossover” model to the range, the XS22, and we had the opportunity to put this boat through its paces up at Lake Eildon during the winter.

Before we get started on the boat, it’s worth mentioning that Lake Eildon, which has played such a big part in Australia’s wakeboarding history, has never looked better. At the time we went to print, Lake Eildon was 90% full. A year ago it was barely 30% full.

So, it was into a very full lake that we dropped the new Spy. The XS22 is built on the same platform as the V-drive RX22, and is quite a large boat with a width of 2.5m.

Inside
There is an enormous amount of room inside the boat for both passengers and equipment. There’s heaps of room to walk around the engine hatch, and front and rear legroom is very good too.

The traditional layout sees a dual observers seat up the front and rear bench seat, with a well-decked out open bow area as the third option for passengers.

The main storage area, which is huge, is behind the rear seat and accessed via a hatch. There’s also storage behind the observer’s seat, perfect for life jackets and other large items, and pockets running down either side of the boat.

Driving
The driver gets well looked after with an excellent driving position and super-comfy adjustable seat, which also has the option of a flip up bolster section. The large walk-through windscreen gives great protection from the wind.

Spy have definitely gone down a different path with their dash design, which is very distinctive with two large pods for tachometer and speed (with smaller digital readings for fuel, oil pressure etc) and a neat line of toggle switches control functions such as your lights, horn, and bilge. At first the dash looks a little bare, but once you get used to it, it’s actually well thought out, easy to use, and very logical.

The boat starts via a keyless, coded ignition, while forward / neutral and reverse are selected with a very funky looking pistol grip handle.

Spy brings together the tow sport experience of Peter Webb’s Performance Marine and the boat building expertise of Whitley, so it’s no surprise the XS22 is a very nice boat to drive.

It launches out of the hole almost instantly, thanks to the standard Mercruiser 315HP motor, and at once feels rock solid. The steering is very light and direct, and the hull does a great job in hard turns and through rough water.

Out the Back
Wakeboarders get plenty of space to suit up, with a big rear boarding platform out the back. While the boat is designed as a sport crossover – rather than a hardcore V-drive with a huge wake – it is still ideal for most situations, with a good size and shape at wakeboarding speeds.

A “Lectratab” hydraulic cavitation plate, controlled via a lever on the steering column, can be used to trim the boat and tweak the wake. It’s easy to use and works well, and the effect on the wake is noticeable.

The benefit of the centremount designs means the slalom wake is also very good at skiing speeds, so it’s a great option for crews who like to mix it up.

The tower, fitted with board racks, speakers pods and a bimini top, looks great and does the job well.

Summary
The Spy XS22 is a great looking boat that is built to the highest standards. Wakeboarders will like the adjustable wake, and everyone will love the space, comfort and great driving characteristics.

Specs
Length - 6.7m
Width - 2.45m
Max people - 10
Fuel capacity - 120 litres
Boat weight - 1450kg
Tow weight - 1950kg
Priced from - $62,990
Website - skiboats.com.au
Contact - 03 9465 4555