2002 MB SPORTS B 52 The B-52 was a favorite newcomer at the 1998 boat tests -- and one of the few boats with a factory-installed water-ballast system. For 1999 at least a dozen wakeboard-specialty boats showed up at our boat tests, most sporting some type of wake-enhancement system and a full towing tower. Now that wakeboard boats are a legitimate part of the inboard market and not just a marketing novelty, buyers are looking not only for great wakes, but also for great boats. In its second appearance, the B-52 underwent much closer scrutiny from our boarding team as well as from our performance and boating experts. As expected, the riders gave an enthusiastic thumbs up to the wakes, but perhaps of equal importance was the favorable report from our "tire kicking" crew, which was impressed for entirely different reasons. Like all MB products, the B-52 is built to high standards. It displays exceptional workmanship both on the surface and belowdecks. MB quality starts with premium materials and shows up in the flawless, intricate gel-coat and precise lamination work. The composite stringer system is bonded to a seamless fiberglass floor, and front and rear liners are glassed in place for increased strength. Users may not be aware of the leading-edge construction methods within the boat, but they will most likely notice the gelcoat custom graphics, extra-heavy 40-ounce carpet and Prefix Nautolex vinyl interior. In addition to the custom aluminum hardware, proprietary instrumentation and fully appointed interior found on other MB models, the B-52 adds a 70-gallon water-ballast tank with twin pumps and a console fill gauge. There's also an aluminum board-storage rack, a 7-foot black aluminum wake pylon, a transom shower and a CD sound system with four speakers and a subwoofer. Another MB exclusive is the modular tube tower, which can be lowered or removed simply by pulling a few quick-release pins. By combining great wakes with great boat building, MB earned both the admiration of our riders and the respect of our veteran drivers and boat-savvy staffers. - 2002 MB SPORTS B 52
