Pontoons
MB Sports B52 21 Boats for Sale
The MB Sports B52 21 is one of the most respected 21-foot inboard towboats ever built, known for its powerful performance, versatile wake, and craftsmanship that reflects MB’s California roots. Designed to deliver consistent wakes for wakeboarding and reliable surf waves for riders of all levels, the B52 21 balances size and handling in a way that has kept it popular with families and enthusiasts alike. With its deep seating layout, quality construction, and proven inboard power, the B52 21 remains a solid choice for anyone looking for a capable and durable boat that holds its value and continues to perform season after season.
The MB Sports B52 21 has a long and well-documented history within the inboard towboat market. It traces its roots to the original MB Sports B52 models that were introduced in the late 1990s as dedicated wakeboard boats built by Mike Brendel in Merced, California. Early B52 boats could be configured as either direct drive or V-drive, giving buyers a choice between a traditional ski-oriented layout or a wakeboard setup that provided more interior space and a better wake shape. By the early 2000s, MB Sports moved fully toward V-drive designs, recognizing the growing demand for larger wakes and more social cockpit layouts.
The transition to the B52 21 V-drive marked an important step for MB Sports. This model delivered a refined hull design that maintained the deep-V profile for a smoother ride while also improving wake consistency for wakeboarding. These boats were built with hand-laid fiberglass construction and high-quality gelcoat finishes, helping MB stand out in a competitive market dominated by Correct Craft and Malibu during that era. Through the early 2000s, the B52 21 Widebody variation became especially popular because of its generous interior space and solid wake performance without requiring a longer hull.
The ballast system on early versions was gravity-fed, allowing water to flow in and out of the tanks without pumps. This simple but effective system became a defining feature for MB Sports and was used for many years. Later versions continued to refine that approach with larger tanks and the addition of plug and play ballast options for more customizable wake shaping. As wake surfing grew in popularity, MB adapted the B52 21 platform to provide better surf waves, evolving the hull and ballast layout to support more weight and improve wave formation.
Power options for the B52 21 have varied over the years. The earliest boats often ran Indmar engines, followed by a period where MB used PCM powerplants, and later a return to Indmar. Most configurations were small block V8s, commonly 5.7 or 6.0 liter engines, providing reliable torque for towing riders and quick planing. Throughout its production run, MB Sports maintained a focus on simplicity, performance, and hand-built quality. The B52 21 remains a well-rounded choice for those looking for a wakeboard-first boat that can also satisfy the needs of modern surf riders, particularly buyers who value craftsmanship and straightforward design.