good boat for wakeboarding??

[Scott Kramer]

anyone and everyone i have a question in regards to wake boarding i am pretty much new to the boating world. i never really thought id be on the water wanting to be pulled by a boat and do tricks but running in circles and fishing is just not my cup of tea. this is coming from a am/pro rollerblader. (search my name on youtube and in x-games articles.)

anyways im 23 new to the water and want to do some crazy stuff, i have that gene in me i guess, i have a 1991 180cx celebrity bow rider. its got a mercruiser 3.0 on it and i suppose about 140hp. im just curious what i can do to possibly make it a nice starter boat. i plan to put a tower and so on and so forth on it.

any feed back would be awesome, i think its a hobby/sport i would definatly enjoy.

 

[gmcc]

Re: good boat for wakeboarding??

Don't put much money in the boat. You can use it to get the basics down, but you will quickly outgrow the boat. You will want a real wakeboard boat -with ballast and an inboard to give you a better wake.

 

[Scott Kramer]

Re: good boat for wakeboarding??

i figured after reading other post's it would work. i don't plan to buy a wake boat till i know how to wake board. for now it will def. serve its purpose. thanks for the response.

 

[Jet Lag 176flyer]

Re: good boat for wakeboarding??

the bayliner will do just fine for a beginner but if you want to make more wake you can buy wake sacks (not sure what there called) but you can add water to them to weigh the boat down for more wake

 

[skibrain]

Re: good boat for wakeboarding??

Your boat will be just fine for learning to wakeboard.

Wakeboarding especially is a social thing. It is fun to have friends that share you passion and are along to watch, coach, and enjoy the thrills and spills.

1. Recruit like-minded enthusiasts. (cost = zero)
2. Consider if current prop set up gives you adequate hole shot and allows you to maintain consistent wakeboard speed easily. (used props $50 - 100)
3. Learn to wakeboard and practice, practice practice. Keep it fun. (cost = gas) Towing from the transom eyes will work just FINE, you're just getting started.
4. Teach your new friends how to drive your boat and help pay for gas.
5. Experiment with different rope lengths to see were the optimal wake is behind your boat. Experiment with number of passengers and their placement in boat to create a larger or better-shaped wake. (cost = minimal)
6. By next summer if you still have the passion, consider getting a tower for next season, or evaluate your boat set up and consider a trade. (cost= TBD)
7. Be open to advice, but don't worry too much about people who say you have to have certain specific equipment to have fun on the water.

Have a great summer Scott

 

[Scott Kramer]

Re: good boat for wakeboarding??

thanks skibrian you advice is certainly what i was thinking. i have taken everything you said into consideration.

 

[dbok1]

Re: good boat for wakeboarding??

Scott,

I will 2nd that being a good starter boat. I started with an 18 1/2" i/o 3.0L added a tower, fat sacs, stereo, etc. i have been using this boat for about 4 years and am overdue on an upgrade for a new boat.

You being young and 23 considering your athletic ability will more then likely catch on quick and be ready to upgrade your boat quickly if finances support it. Expect to pay $60,000 to $30,000 for a new or good used wakeboat.