photo: Dennis Marchwinski
You’re not limited to wake parks and cable setups.
If you’ve got the cash, you can buy a boat for wakeboarding.
Maybe you’ve got a few lakes you’ve got permission to launch on (or have your own), or want to get out in the ocean.
But, you’ve probably seen cheap boats in the $1,000-3,000 range.
And, there’s wake boats that are 10x-20x that amount.
So, what’s the difference?
Jump To Section
What Makes A Wakeboarding Boat?
There’s a big list of features to cover, but top of that list is one feature; a boat that creates a tonne of wake for riders you’re towing.
Wakeboard boats create more surf (or wake) behind the boat, than a traditional boat.
How Do Wakeboard Boat Engines Differ From Normal Outboard Boats?
Most boats will have a small outboard engine.
The engine sits deep into the water, because that’s the best way to get the most efficiency in terms of power. Creating spray, wake and surf is essentially a form of power loss.
Unlike traditional boats, wakeboard boats use a V-Drive engine that are placed inboard, near the rear of the boat.
They are less efficient power wise, because the power is released to create wake, rather than just speed.
What Else Besides The Engine, Is Unique To Wakeboarding Boats?
Most wakeboarding boats will have a wedge. Its device used to harness the power of the wave created by the propeller, shaping it in the process. It creates bigger and smoother wake that’s perfect for riding.
Asides from this, some boats will use water tanks.
These are used to weigh the boat down to give bigger, deeper and more powerful wake off the back of the boat.
Do They Create Waves Big Enough To Wake Surf, And Play The Guitar?
Yes…yes they do.
