Buying the Right Wake Boat
If you’re looking for a boat that will give you adrenaline rushes a-plenty, you might be searching for a wake boat. But there are so many on the market, and it can be hard to know exactly which ones best fit you and your preferred watersports. We here at Nisswa Marine want to make sure you get exactly what you need, so we’ve put together some tips on buying the right wake boat, below. To learn more, or to see the wake boats we have for sale, contact our store in Nisswa, Minnesota, today!
Know Yourself
First, anyone who’s new to boating and/or watersports will need to explore their preferences a bit before buying any expensive boats and supplies. Get out on the water and drive around a bit to see what you like in a boat in general, then try out as many watersports as possible to figure out which ones interest and challenge you the most. Different types of wake boats are better for different watersports, so it’s vital that you know exactly what your end goal is before you start the shopping process.
The Sport
Once you know the sport you’re most interested in, you’ll have a good starting point from which to begin your search for the perfect wake boat. For instance, if you enjoy water skiing, tubing, and kneeboarding, you won’t want a super deep or complex wake. That means getting a boat with a flatter and more traditional hull design, and preferably one that’s lighter with adjustable ballast.
However, anyone who’s more interested in wake surfing or wakeboarding will want more ballast and a deeper, V-shaped hull design. This will push the boat deeper into the water, creating a more variable and deeper wake in the process.
Wakeboarding and Surfing
For the avid wakeboarders and surfers out there, you’ll need to look for a few extra details. You’ll want a boat that doesn’t take long to get up on plain while fully weighted. If your budget has room for it, a boat with a manually adjustable wake that can be altered by the operator while at speed is a big plus. That will allow you to switch which side the wave is on and how steep it gets. Some boats even allow you to save certain settings as a “rider profile.”
That control is especially important if people with different riding styles and experience levels are taking part. Some wakes are easier than others.
Other Considerations
Of course, any boat you plan to keep for a while will need good construction. Consider the hull material, construction techniques, engine make, and any warranties. More powerful engines will be necessary on larger boats if you want to stay efficient and hit high speeds.
Ready to get started? Contact us at Nisswa Marine for more information, or to see the wake boats we have available. We proudly serve the people of Minneapolis and St. Cloud, Minnesota—let us serve you today!