2013 X30 or 2013 X25
 

I cannot decide between the two boats. I currently have an 2008 X2 whcih include the pickle fork front end. I am a huge fan of the look so I struggle with the 30 for this reason. Here are some highlights I have found, feel free to add to them to help the decision. I am 70% Surfing / 20% air chair / 10% wakeboard and other. Spend alot of time lounging on water with friends and now kids. Also want a boat that handles better on rough water than my X2. I plan on ordering an 2014 but am comparing the 2013's as the 2014 are unknown on changes.

X25
-pro-pickle fork front end
-pro- surf seating
-pro wide seating and seat position is low(deep interior)
-cons - storage(shallow)
-cons - handling
-pro - length
-5.7l borderline for power
-cons-surf wake stock ballast
-Surf TABS
X30
-con-no pickle fork front end
-pro-reverse seat
-pro-storage
-pro-surf wake
-pro-handling
-5.7l bearable
-con-length
-con-shallow interior
-pro seating room
-Surf TABS????

Why not the x-35? Its the same boat plus a pickle fork....right? If so that one less con.

went from a 08 X2 w/6.0 to 13 X25 w/6.2 night and day from X2... length, width, deeper V... very pleased so far. hopefully get behind the boat this weekend now that it is broke in.

the 30 if 70%surf 10% board

I think there are a couple threads that deal with this very question. I had the debate as well and went with the X25 though it could have gone either way.

Agreed.

the "surf seats" you mention for the X25 may be illegal to use when underway.

Obviously you'll want to test them both yourself, but the general consensus is that the X-25 has an outstanding wakeboard wake and a nearly outstanding surf wake while the X-30 has and outstanding surf wake and a nearly outstanding surf wake. Since you say you mostly surf, I'd say the X-30 is the boat for you if the wake is your only criteria. I think most would agree both boats are good enough at both wakeboarding and surfing that you'd be happy with either one and could safely choose based on which one offers a better interior layout, storage, etc. that fits how you use the boat.

As for your other points... The X-25 is fine with the 5.7 engine. Is it better with the 6.0 or 6.2? Sure, but it functions well with the 5.7. I recently got the X-25 with the 5.7 and was a little worried, but have been pleasantly surprised. The only time I wish I had a bigger engine is when I'm pulling the kids tube as the deep v hull does bleed off more speed than I was used to in turns, so the 5.7 has to work a little harder to accelerate the X-25 out of turns.

Pickle fork vs traditional: Overrated difference. You'll get used to and love either one once you're having fun with the boat.

You don't need surf tabs on the 30.

storage in the bow may be shallow in the 25, but everywhere else its SSUUUPPPEERRR deep