Perfect Boats for Wakeboarding

The freedom of gliding across the water, jumping and trying out new tricks and aerial maneuvers: wakeboarding is sure to get your blood pumping… as long as you have the right boat! Are you looking for the best boat for wakeboarding?

Read on below to find out what key features need to be taken into consideration so that you can make the right choice. We have quality pleasure crafts, but also a wide inventory of docks and lifts.

What is wakeboarding?

Wakeboarding is a water sport that is practiced on a board, pulled by a boat with a rope. Wakeboarding is practiced standing. Wakeboarders are attached to the board thanks to foot bindings and boots. They perform different types of jumps and midair tricks in the boat’s wake and up off the waves’ crests. This is a sport that allows you to perform several different types of maneuvers and to enjoy an adrenaline rush out on the open waters!

Wakeboard vs Wakesurf – The Differences

Although they may sound similar and share some aspects in common, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are two different water sports.

Firstly, the distance between the boat and the rider is not the same. In fact, wakeboarding is practiced further away from the boat, while wakesurfing is performed closer to the boat, even very close behind. This means that rope length is also quite different: a wakeboarder will use a 50- to 85- foot rope, while a wakesurfer will be using a 10- to 20- foot rope, or 30- feet maximum.   

Wakeboarding is also practiced at higher speeds, generally between 25- and 40 km/hr, while wakesurfing requires lower speeds, between 15- and 20- km/hr. All in all, wakeboarding will provide you with a bigger adrenaline rush at high speeds, while wakesurfing requires a great deal of balance. In fact, a wakesurf board does not have any bindings for boots, and riders rely on their bare feet alone!

Man practicing Wakeboarding pulled by a boat.
Woman practicing Wakeboarding on a lake.

What makes a boat suited to wakeboarding?

The first thing you’ll need is a wake tower; that is one of the features that makes a boat suitable to wakeboarding. In fact, this steel or aluminum tower will allow you to fix the towing rope to 6- or 7- feet above water, allowing the wakeboarder to be able to perform several different types of areal tricks.

You also need a model that is equipped with a ballast system. These water tanks are used to add to the boat’s weight and allow you to adjust the buoyancy levels and to influence the size of the wake and waves.

Power is another factor that must be taken into consideration, especially for safety reasons. In fact, a boat that does not have a sufficient amount of power could slow down or even come to a stop while practicing the sport. Wakeboarding requires a minimum of 150 horsepower.

When it comes to size, it is best to choose a boat that is between 18- and 25- feet long. Among the different pleasure crafts available, Bowriders are a very popular and excellent choice, especially given their propulsion system that creates a constant wake. A swimming platform at the back also comes in handy, to get into and out of the water easily.

To help you choose the perfect boat for wakeboarding, don’t hesitate to book an appointment online.

The different options to consider, for a wakeboarding boat

The size of the boat and cabin will certainly have their part to play in your selection process. Try to imagine your future outings out on the water: how many people will be on board, to witness your midair tricks? A larger craft will also create a bigger wake, which is ideal for jumps.

The type of motor is another factor that needs to be thought through. An inboard motor could be a great choice if you want to avoid any contact between the rope and the propeller. If you are looking for a wakesurfing boat for sale, traditional outboard motors should definitely be eliminated from your list, given that the wakesurfer is very close to the boat and that these can prove to be very dangerous.  

But outboard motors can be a good option for wakesurfing, allowing you to easily adjust your speed. Outboard motors are an excellent choice for beginners.

You will also want to pay close attention to the hull: while boats for water skiing have a flatter or rounder hull, models that are ideal for wakeboarding have a deep V-shaped hull.

Finally, you’ll want to think about technologies and the different comfort features. Cruise control is a must; but you might also want to add different types of systems that will allow you to control your wake and create better waves. You should also think of added options like a good sound system, for the ultimate wakeboarding experience!

Three people on board the T220 boat on a lake.

Top brands and products for pleasure crafts

Among the top brands, Malibu and Axis truly stand out with high-quality pleasure crafts. Their sophisticated design and cutting-edge technologies will allow you to take full advantage of your experience.

For example, the Axis T220 will allow you to customize your wake and waves thanks to a surf gate and power wedge system! Comfortable, it is sure to please the surfer, driver and guests alike!

The ultimate luxury wakeboarding boat, the Malibu M240 is not only sophisticated and comfortable, it is also very practical for wakeboarding. In fact, the 6 ballasts fill up in record time –under 3 minutes-, without forgetting all of the other cutting-edge features it offers!

Why choose Cabano Marine?

At Cabano Marine, a team of passionate experts is here to provide you with customized advice. We take the time to listen to your needs so that we can guide you toward the perfect model; one that meets all of your requirements.

Moreover, we have several wakeboarding boat models for sale, new or pre-owned. Come and visit us in Quebec, close to Trois-Rivières and Saguenay, in Témiscouata-sur-le-Lac or in Tracadie, New Brunswick!