Newb Questions

[DocTide]

Hey, Im in the market for a wakeboarding boat, but also want to do some wake surfing. So basically in the market for an Inboard engine setup boat. Im going to get a used boat, to keep costs as low as possible, probably an early 90's late 80's boat.

I was wondering if anyone knew which boat would be the smallest (in length) that would be a decent wakeboarding boat? Preferably something in the 14-16ft range. I know its a stretch but I dont have enough money to dock it, or buy a storage garage, and my car garage is a single car, and not much longer than 17'.

 

[sebber83]

Re: Newb Questions

hey there,
basically for wakesurfing you need a v-drive type boat, I dont think they made those under 18 feet, I could be wrong tho. Also, if I am not mistaken, wakeboardind really got popular later in the 90's so you might be hard pressed to find an older v-drive designed to throw a big wake, most older v-drives were meant for slalom skiing and kick out the smallest wake possible. Then again I could be wrong on all aspects, but look into it! Im sure other people will also chime in and they might prove me wrong!

 

[DocTide]

Re: Newb Questions

Hey thanks a ton for the info!

Now that I have a little more knowledge, would it be possible to buy a much older SKI boat, mid 80's, perhaps under 17 feet long, and buy a V-Drive engine? Assuming this set up would be cheaper than dishing out $15,000 on a different boat, would this be possible/stable?

Also, V-Drive it better than Direct Drive for wakesurfing when it comes to inboards?

Thanks a ton, again.

 

[smitty1258]

Re: Newb Questions

well, the cold hard truth is that if you wanna play your ganna pay.

Here is what I would look for. A Centurion mid 90's boat. You should be able to grab a nice one for under $15k. Centurion is known for there surf wakes, and they have good wakeboarding wakes as well. BUT you wont be able to stay under 19ft. What if you parked the boat corner to corner, that should net you some extra space.

You do not want a DD for surfing, because with surfing you want as much weight in the back as possible. DD for wakeboarding is ok, but youll need to add more weight, but you would with a VD as well. I would continue to do some research and search craiglist and boattrader.com but in your price range and search there, see what pops up, you might be surprised!

 

[smitty1258]

Re: Newb Questions

dunno what your budget is but these boats are close to you and a good deal.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2000-MaserCraft-X-Star-96182895

this one is a DD but still would be a good boat.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2000-Moomba-Mobius-95877253

 

[DocTide]

Re: Newb Questions

Hey thanks a bunch. Alright, I guess I have to rethink this. I will start looking for a VD, and stop worrying about the length.

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Newb Questions

The only one I know of that would fit your length specification is an older Ski Tigue. Its a direct drive. Just put all your weight in the back.

 

[skibrain]

Re: Newb Questions

Small and inboard? the '93 Ski Centurion Wave Comp is the smallest direct drive ski boat I have heard of. The engine box is more like under the bow, with the stern of the boat right behind the pylon. I believe they were available with either a 4 cyl. or 5.0 V8 engine.

http://www.budgetrv.com/93sk16.htm

http://billsmidwaymarina.com/93-wave.htm

I have only seen them in photos and ads (see above links) I have no clue how many years or at what quantity they were built, but something Centurion fans should check out.

To your question can you convert a direct drive boat to a V-drive boat? Not without lots of effort and expense. Sounds to me like a really complicated way to get more weight in the back of the boat.

 

[DocTide]

Re: Newb Questions

Wow, thanks a bunch for that info skibrain! I was looking for a Centurion specifically but was going to keep my options open. Ill def keep my eye out for one of those!!

 

[smitty1258]

Re: Newb Questions

what is the budget?

 

[DocTide]

Re: Newb Questions

At the moment, I didnt want to spend more than $6000, but if a good boat presents itself, I could go a little higher. I have seen some 2000-2001 mastercrafts and nautiques go for around $8000. So I could possible try and save a little more to get those, although Im really interested in a Centurion.

Also, I wouldnt be able to purchase it before April of next year, so that gives me some more time to find a good deal, or to make some more money. To me, the problem isnt the money, its the storing of the boat, my small one car garage is the only place I have to put it so that narrows things more than anything else.

 

[skibrain]

Re: Newb Questions

Remember that overall length even on a 18' boat + trailer tongue + i/o drive or a 19' direct drive + trailer tongue + ski platform can be a storage package of 22-24' Newer trailers with swing-away trailer tongue can save a bunch of space but those are less common on older rigs.

Have you done some wake surfing? If so, what kind of boat were you behind?

 

[DocTide]

Re: Newb Questions

Remember that overall length even on a 18' boat + trailer tongue + i/o drive or a 19' direct drive + trailer tongue + ski platform can be a storage package of 22-24' Newer trailers with swing-away trailer tongue can save a bunch of space but those are less common on older rigs.

Have you done some wake surfing? If so, what kind of boat were you behind?

Yea I've been keeping that in mind. Which is why I wanted to go as small as possible. I've wake surfed behind a newer Mastercraft (not sure on the model, but it was at least 2005+), my girlfriends father's boat. Unfortunetly they live in St. Louis so I cannot use often. I have also longboard surfed behind an outboard boat, which my friend uses every weekend. I used the longboard because it let me stay far away from the props. Not as entertaining as the Mastercraft on a wakesurf board, which is why I'd like to get a boat designed to make real wake.

 

[smitty1258]

Re: Newb Questions

doc

if I were you id jump on this.

http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/8/750971.html?1260424757

 

[LWM]

Re: Newb Questions

The boat you are asking for is an older Nautique "2001". They are considered to having one of the best wakeboard wakes of any boat. They also produce a decent surf wave; see the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ujm9rWnSfsc
A direct drive is quite capable of a good surf wave. Yes, you need more weight in the rear corner, but you also want the whole boat to ride lower. A direct drive allows you to put more weight in the rear, due to more room, and you have the weight of the engine in the middle of the boat as well. Be prepared to ballast over 1000 pounds. For more info go to:
www.HowToWakeSurf.com