The 2018-2020 Axis A24 is a big, powerful wakesurf and wakeboard boat built for riders who want a large wave, roomy cockpit, and strong on-water performance. The A24 has earned a good reputation for producing a large surf wave, especially when properly set up with ballast, Surf Gate, and Power Wedge. However, like many used wake boats, it also has several owner-reported issues that buyers should understand before purchasing, restoring, or upgrading one.

This guide is based on owner discussions, wake boat forums, review information, and practical used-boat inspection points. It is not a recall list or official defect report. Instead, it focuses on the real-world problems that owners and shoppers commonly discuss when looking at a 2018, 2019, or 2020 Axis A24.

If you are buying a used A24 or refreshing an older boat, do not only look at the engine hours. You should also inspect the starting system, Surf Gate, Power Wedge, steering hardware, ballast system, upholstery, deck surface, and flooring condition.

Quick Overview: Is the 2018-2020 Axis A24 a Good Boat?

Yes, the Axis A24 can be a very capable wake boat, especially for families and riders who want a large surf wave and plenty of space. The A24 is one of the larger models in the Axis lineup, and its size gives it strong potential for wakesurfing and wakeboarding when the boat is properly weighted and maintained.

That said, the A24 is also a large, heavily equipped inboard boat. Problems can appear in electrical systems, surf controls, wedge calibration, ballast plumbing, steering components, interior wear, and flooring. These issues do not mean every 2018-2020 A24 is unreliable. They simply mean a used A24 should be inspected carefully before purchase.

Common 2018-2020 Axis A24 Problems Owners Talk About

Based on owner feedback and used boat discussions, the most common concerns include:

• Intermittent no-start or no-crank issues
• Neutral safety switch, relay, ignition, or ground connection problems
• Surf Gate or cruise-control-related RPM limitations
• Power Wedge not returning fully to the stowed position
• Finicky surf wave setup, especially depending on ballast and crew weight
• Steering system concerns on some boats
• Engine choice concerns for heavy ballast, large crews, or high elevation
• Interior wear, upholstery stress, soft flooring wear, and deck surface aging
• Rough-water ride expectations compared with deeper-V recreational boats

1. Intermittent No-Start or No-Crank Issues

One of the more serious owner-reported issues on the 2018 Axis A24 involves intermittent no-start or no-crank behavior. In some cases, accessories may power on, the dash may light up, and the boat may appear to have battery power, but the engine does not crank when the key is turned.

This type of problem can be frustrating because it may not happen every time. A boat may start normally at the ramp, run fine during the day, and then refuse to crank later. Possible causes discussed by owners and technicians include battery terminals, weak ground connections, ignition switch problems, starter relay problems, kill switch issues, throttle position, and the neutral safety switch.

For a used 2018-2020 Axis A24, this is an important inspection point. Do not only start the boat once. A serious buyer should perform multiple starts when the engine is cold and warm, move the throttle in and out of neutral, and confirm that the boat starts consistently.

What to Check

• Battery health and battery age
• Battery cable tightness and corrosion
• Main ground connections
• Ignition switch operation
• Kill switch function
• Neutral safety switch behavior
• Starter relay and related wiring

2. Surf Gate or Surf Mode RPM Limitation

Some 2020 Axis A24 owners have reported situations where the boat struggled to reach normal wakesurf speed when Surf Gate was active. In one reported case, the boat could rev higher when Surf Gate was off, but appeared limited around 3,500 RPM when Surf Gate was on. That type of issue can make the boat difficult or impossible to surf properly because it may not reach or hold the target speed under load.

This is not a simple “the boat is underpowered” complaint. In some cases, the concern appears related to the interaction between Surf Gate, cruise control, the control screen, software, GPS, or electronic modules. Because modern wake boats depend heavily on electronic control systems, an issue in one control area can affect the surf experience.

When checking a 2020 Axis A24, do not only test the boat in open-water cruising mode. Test it in real surf conditions with ballast, Surf Gate, Power Wedge, and cruise control engaged.

What to Test on the Water

• Can the boat reach normal wakesurf speed with Surf Gate deployed?
• Does cruise control hold speed consistently?
• Does RPM behave normally when Surf Gate is turned on and off?
• Does the dash show any warning, service message, or sensor issue?
• Does the problem appear only under ballast load?

3. Power Wedge Not Fully Returning to Stowed Position

The Power Wedge is one of the key systems that helps shape the A24 wake and wave. However, owners have reported cases where the wedge would not fully return to the stowed position. Sometimes the wedge may stop at a numbered position instead of fully retracting, which can confuse new owners.

In some cases, this may be related to operating conditions, speed requirements, calibration, wedge sensor readings, fuse issues, actuator behavior, or the service menu. For buyers, the main takeaway is simple: confirm that the Power Wedge moves through its expected range and returns properly before buying the boat.

Power Wedge Inspection Tips

• Deploy and retract the wedge several times during a lake test.
• Confirm that the wedge reaches the expected stowed position.
• Check for wedge warnings on the screen.
• Ask whether the wedge has ever been calibrated or repaired.
• Inspect the actuator, brackets, and wiring if possible.

4. Surf Wave Setup Can Be Sensitive

The Axis A24 is known for producing a big surf wave, but a big wave does not always mean an easy setup. Owners often need to adjust ballast, Power Wedge position, Surf Gate settings, speed, and passenger placement to get the cleanest wave. The regular-side wave may feel more sensitive for some riders depending on water conditions and weight distribution.

This does not necessarily mean the boat has a defect. It means the A24 rewards proper setup. A poorly weighted A24 may feel disappointing, while a properly weighted A24 can produce a powerful and enjoyable surf wave.

Common Setup Factors

• Factory ballast and plug-and-play ballast setup
• Passenger placement
• Power Wedge position
• Surf Gate timing and deployment
• Speed and GPS cruise accuracy
• Wind, current, and rough water

If you are new to Axis boats, ask the seller to demonstrate their normal surf setup. A seller who knows the boat well should be able to explain ballast levels, wedge position, speed, and rider-side settings.

5. Steering System Concerns

Although not a widespread complaint, steering-related concerns have been reported by some Axis A24 owners. One of the more concerning reports involved a boat that felt like it was getting stuck in a right-hand turn. Any steering issue on an inboard wake boat should be treated seriously because it directly affects safety.

Potential inspection areas include the rudder, steering cable, steering tube mount, rack and pinion hardware, rudder block, tiller arm, bolts, and related mounting points. Even if the boat feels fine at the dock, a full lake test is important.

Steering Inspection Tips

• Turn the wheel lock-to-lock at the dock.
• Check for stiffness, binding, or uneven resistance.
• Test low-speed and moderate-speed turns on the water.
• Inspect steering hardware for loose bolts or movement.
• Ask whether the steering cable or rudder hardware has been serviced.

6. Engine Choice Matters on a Large A24

The A24 is a large wake boat, and engine choice matters. A boat that feels strong with a small crew at low elevation may feel very different with full ballast, ten passengers, warm weather, and high elevation. This is especially important for buyers comparing M5 and M6 engine options on later model-year boats.

If you plan to wakesurf with heavy ballast, carry large crews, or use the boat at higher elevation, pay close attention to engine package, propeller setup, transmission, and service history. Do not judge performance based only on horsepower numbers. Real-world load matters.

Before Buying, Ask These Questions

• Which engine does the boat have?
• What propeller is currently installed?
• Was the boat used at high elevation?
• How many people are usually on board?
• Does the boat plane or reach surf speed easily with full ballast?
• Has the propeller ever been changed to improve low-end torque?

7. Ballast System and Bilge Area Should Be Checked Carefully

Like many wakesurf boats, the Axis A24 relies heavily on ballast. Ballast pumps, hoses, fittings, bags, clamps, and valves should all be inspected. A small ballast leak can create wet storage areas, mildew odor, pump problems, or inconsistent wave performance.

During a lake test, fill and drain every ballast zone. Listen for pumps that sound weak or noisy. Check whether each side fills evenly and drains properly. After the test, open storage compartments and inspect for water where it should not be.

Ballast and Bilge Checklist

• Fill and drain all ballast zones
• Check ballast bags and hoses for leaks
• Inspect hose clamps and fittings
• Check bilge pump operation
• Look for standing water in storage compartments
• Smell for mildew or trapped moisture

8. Interior Wear, Upholstery, and Flooring Issues

The Axis A24 is built as a performance-focused wake boat, but its interior is still exposed to heavy use, wet feet, sunscreen, pets, kids, boards, coolers, and constant traffic. On a used 2018-2020 A24, inspect the upholstery, seams, rear sun pad, walk-through areas, storage lids, tower hardware, and flooring surface.

Interior wear is not only cosmetic. Worn flooring can become slippery, uncomfortable, or difficult to clean. Old marine carpet may hold moisture and odor. Damaged soft flooring can make an otherwise strong boat feel older than it really is.

If your A24 deck surface is worn, stained, peeling, or uncomfortable underfoot, upgrading to custom Axis boat flooring can help refresh the cockpit, improve grip, and give the boat a cleaner modern look. For boat owners comparing broader deck upgrade options, our custom boat flooring page explains how custom marine EVA mats can be made for different boat layouts. If you prefer to create your own panels or handle a DIY project, you can also explore custom EVA foam sheets for boat projects.

9. Rough Water Ride Expectations

The Axis A24 is designed primarily as a wake and surf boat, not as a deep-V offshore cruiser. In calm water, it can be very enjoyable. In busy lakes, windy conditions, or heavy chop, some owners may find the ride less comfortable than expected, especially if they are coming from a different style of boat.

This is why a lake test is important. A boat may look perfect at the dealership or in photos, but you need to feel how it handles your actual water conditions.

10. Used 2018-2020 Axis A24 Buying Checklist

Before buying a used Axis A24, use this checklist during inspection and lake testing:

• Start the engine multiple times when cold and warm.
• Check battery terminals, grounds, kill switch, and neutral safety behavior.
• Test Surf Gate on both sides under real surf load.
• Confirm that the boat reaches and holds wakesurf speed.
• Deploy and stow the Power Wedge several times.
• Fill and drain all ballast tanks and bags.
• Inspect the bilge and storage compartments for leaks.
• Test steering at low and moderate speeds.
• Check upholstery seams, high-traffic cushions, and rear sun pad condition.
• Inspect flooring for peeling, staining, mildew, or loss of traction.
• Review engine service records and winterization history.
• Ask whether the propeller has been changed for ballast or elevation.
• Look for dash warnings, sensor messages, or stored service alerts.

Should You Avoid a 2018-2020 Axis A24?

No, not necessarily. A well-maintained Axis A24 can still be an excellent wakesurf and wakeboard boat. The key is to avoid buying one based only on photos, engine hours, or a short idle test. The A24 is a system-heavy boat, and many of its most important features need to be tested on the water.

If the boat starts consistently, reaches surf speed under load, has a properly working Surf Gate and Power Wedge, steers normally, drains ballast correctly, and has a clean interior, it may be a strong used-boat option. If multiple systems show problems, repair costs can add up quickly.

Final Thoughts

The 2018-2020 Axis A24 is best understood as a large, performance-focused wake boat with huge surf potential. Its biggest strengths are wave size, space, and riding performance. Its biggest concerns are the same areas buyers should inspect on any used modern wake boat: electrical reliability, surf-control systems, wedge operation, steering hardware, ballast plumbing, engine load performance, and interior wear.

For owners restoring or upgrading an A24, flooring is one of the most visible and practical improvements. A clean EVA foam deck can improve comfort, traction, and the overall appearance of the boat, especially if the original floor surface is worn from years of wet feet, boards, coolers, and lake use.

FAQ About 2018-2020 Axis A24 Problems

Is the 2018-2020 Axis A24 reliable?

The Axis A24 can be reliable when properly maintained, but buyers should carefully inspect the starting system, Surf Gate, Power Wedge, ballast system, steering hardware, engine service history, and interior condition before purchasing a used boat.

What are the most common Axis A24 problems?

Common owner-reported concerns include intermittent no-start issues, Surf Gate or cruise-control problems, Power Wedge stowing or calibration issues, surf wave setup sensitivity, ballast system leaks, steering concerns, and interior or flooring wear.

Is the Axis A24 good for wakesurfing?

Yes. The A24 can produce a large and powerful surf wave when properly weighted and set up. However, the best wave usually requires correct ballast, speed, wedge position, Surf Gate settings, and passenger placement.

What should I check before buying a used Axis A24?

Check cold and warm starts, Surf Gate operation, Power Wedge movement, ballast fill and drain function, steering response, bilge condition, upholstery, flooring, service records, engine package, propeller setup, and any dash warning messages.

Does the Axis A24 need custom flooring replacement?

Not every A24 needs replacement flooring, but many used boats benefit from a flooring refresh if the original surface is worn, slippery, stained, peeling, or difficult to clean. Custom EVA foam flooring can improve grip, comfort, and the boat’s overall appearance.

Sources Reviewed

• Wakeboarding Magazine: 2018 Axis A24 review
• Wakeboarding Magazine: Axis A24 wakesurfing review
• Boating Magazine: 2018 Boat Buyers Guide Axis A24
• TheMalibuCrew owner discussions about 2018 Axis A24 no-start issues
• TheMalibuCrew owner discussions about 2020 Axis A24 surf mode RPM concerns
• TheMalibuCrew owner discussions about Power Wedge stowing and calibration
• TheMalibuCrew owner discussions about Axis A24 steering concerns