Setting up our I/O for wakeboarding

[SoggyBear]

Been looking at wakeboard boats and have concluded that we can't afford to buy a new or semi-used boat right now so we are looking at setting up our 2000 Chris Craft 262 Sportdeck with an Aerial tower for now until we can upgrade to a newer V-drive. Thought I would seek some insight from peeps who've been down this road.

Years ago I had a huge custom formed swim platform made specially for the boat ... it's massive ... 4ft ... looks like a beaver tail and works great, puts the sterndrive well out of the way. I also set the boat up with a 502 MAG after our 454 died a horrible death, so we're pushing around 500 - 520 HP. Pops out of the hole like Arnold Schwarzenegger after the nanny. I know the deadrise on the I/O's is not dialed in like the V-drives however it is a deep V hull with a 3'6" draft at around 8500lbs ... pretty much a beast as far as open bow boats go. I've skied behind her quite a bit.

Looking to install perfect pass and possibly some sacks along with the tower.

Any other stern drive projects out there?

 

[linuxusr]

Re: Setting up our I/O for wakeboarding

I have a 1997 Seaswirl. I put a BigAir H20 tower on it and love it. While I am not rocking any boarding competitions I love the performance I get out of it.

I also have looked at the GPS Perfect pass system.

Good luck

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Setting up our I/O for wakeboarding

To me the key for wakeboarding with an io is the right prop to hold the slower speeds better. Sounds like you will have a sweet wake with such a heavy boat, just need to find the right prop to hold 17-22 MPH well, and then find the rope length you really like,

To me the tower is not a huge addition unless you need storage space for the boards. That is why I added mine.

I like my Aerial Tower, but it does creak more than some others on a really ruff lake. Fairly smooth lake, and no creaking. Then again, I have the Assault and I think the single top bar is one of the reasons it is less quiet.

 

[SoggyBear]

Re: Setting up our I/O for wakeboarding

I'm looking at the FreeRide Aerial tower right now. Looks like a solid tower and will definitely look good on our boat. One thing about our boat I like is the low speed control is nice given our displacement. The biggest concern I have is just that, our boat is BIG! Not too wide but overall with the swim platform she's 30ft. Makes for a pretty long wakeboard boat. I may need to put some trim tabs on. I use to have Lenco tabs but trashed them in reverse on sand bar. Local friends who already have their V-drive boats are encouraging me to go broke on a new boat rather than equipping our Chris. No doubt it would definitely make for an interesting wakeboard boat.

Thx for your input!

Proof I'm not the only goof out their trying to hairball a wakeboard boat together! LOL!

 

[PMP]

Re: Setting up our I/O for wakeboarding

I'm looking at the FreeRide Aerial tower right now. Looks like a solid tower and will definitely look good on our boat. One thing about our boat I like is the low speed control is nice given our displacement. The biggest concern I have is just that, our boat is BIG! Not too wide but overall with the swim platform she's 30ft. Makes for a pretty long wakeboard boat. I may need to put some trim tabs on. I use to have Lenco tabs but trashed them in reverse on sand bar. Local friends who already have their V-drive boats are encouraging me to go broke on a new boat rather than equipping our Chris. No doubt it would definitely make for an interesting wakeboard boat.

Thx for your input!

Proof I'm not the only goof out their trying to hairball a wakeboard boat together! LOL!

That is a big boat for wakeboarding. Not to big.. But big. If you just want to get out and have fun then I would say put a tower on it and call it good. I am sure the boat will put out a wake that will be fine for now. perfect pass is great if you have a wife that can't pull you very well or you start getting more serious about your wakeboarding but I wouldn't get it for your current boat.

If the main point of the boat is to wakeboard then sell it and snag up an older supra or ski nautique. V drive, Amazing wake.. Just another option

I plan on selling my boat next year and getting a 01 or 02 ski nautique myself. But for this year I will be rocking my 190ls stingray.

 

[SoggyBear]

Re: Setting up our I/O for wakeboarding

To me the key for wakeboarding with an io is the right prop to hold the slower speeds better. Sounds like you will have a sweet wake with such a heavy boat, just need to find the right prop to hold 17-22 MPH well, and then find the rope length you really like,

To me the tower is not a huge addition unless you need storage space for the boards. That is why I added mine.

I like my Aerial Tower, but it does creak more than some others on a really ruff lake. Fairly smooth lake, and no creaking. Then again, I have the Assault and I think the single top bar is one of the reasons it is less quiet.

I'm running a DPS outdrive so how does the counter rotating prop factor in?

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Setting up our I/O for wakeboarding

Don't know? I hear DPS is da bomb, though! Does it hold plane at slow speeds really well?

 

[Liquid Indy USA]

Re: Setting up our I/O for wakeboarding

I had a 20' SeaSwirl as my last boat. I put hydraulic trim tabs on it to even the boat out and help it plane out better. It did OK. My current boat has Perfect Pass on it - I call in the marriage saver. I wish I had spent the money and put it on the SeaSwirl. The new GPS ones seem really nice. My buddy has a GPS one and it works great. If you can afford the price it will really make your boating and wakeboarding experience much nicer every time you are out on the water.

 

[PMP]

Re: Setting up our I/O for wakeboarding

. My current boat has Perfect Pass on it - I call in the marriage saver. .

HAHAHAHA I know exactly what you mean. I am thinking about getting this as well.

 

[slaney]

Re: Setting up our I/O for wakeboarding

Your not the only one setting up an I/O for wakeboarding. We had a Joystick tower installed and am looking to add some ballast to the front hoping that will help it plane out at a lower speed. Right now it wants to plane right at 18 where we want to wakeboard. So it keeps the driver busy.