Tips for Buying Wake Boats: Which Major Things to Look For?
Buying a wake boat is an asset that should be taken seriously. Choosing the right wake boat can make all the difference in your enjoyment of the water, and it is important to take your time and research before making a decision.
This guide will go over tips for buying Supra wakeboard boats to ensure you get the best value for your money and the most enjoyment out of your time on the water.
Top Considerations Before Purchasing a Wake Boat
Before buying your first wake boat, you should consider a few major considerations.
Consider The Wake Boat’s Ballast System
The most important thing to consider when picking out your first wake boat is what kind of ballast system it has. The purpose of a ballast system is to add weight to a boat by filling compartments with water, which increases displacement and creates a wake with more amplitude. There are two types of ballast systems: built-in and add-on.
- Built-In Ballast System
Many contemporary wake boats come with a ballast system. The typical person who wants to use their wake boat for wakeboarding usually chooses this type of wake ballast system because it is more efficient and comfortable.
- Add-On Ballast Bag
If your wake boats don’t have a built-in ballast system, you can place ballast bags or lead weights throughout the boat to add more displacement and create a bigger wake.
Choose a wake boat with a built-in ballast system instead of add-on ballast; it is more convenient and less annoying to move around the boat.
Wake Boat’s Hull Designs
The next step is to choose the hull design of your wake boats. The Supra boat’s hull keeps it afloat, making it an essential part of any wake boat. The deep-V hull provides several advantages; first, it gives a smoother ride in rough water because it cuts through waves rather than bouncing over the surface like a flat or rounded ski boat hull. Second, it provides better fuel efficiency because the v-shaped hull cuts through the water rather than pushing against it. Most wake boats have a v-shaped hull.
When buying wake boats, you should consider four hull designs: v-shaped, rounded bottom, flat bottom, and multi-hulled.
- V-Shaped Hull
If you’re looking to get into wakeboarding, this is the hull for you. It’s designed perfectly to cut through the water and create an ideal wake for wakeboarding. V-shaped hulls are also great for towing skiers and other water sports, providing a smooth ride in rough water. Also, no matter the weather condition, this hull design will provide the best performance and fuel efficiency. The sharp v-shaped hull will let the boat slice through the water rather than being pushed by it. This makes it ideal for wakeboarding.
- Rounded Bottom Hull
Although the rounded bottom hull provides a smooth ride, it is less stable in choppy waters and doesn’t create as large of a wake. Therefore, it is best for lakes or areas with calmer waters for towing skiers and other water sports.
- Flat Bottom Hull
A flat bottom hull is much more stable than other hulls, but it’s also slower and doesn’t create as large of a wake. Therefore, it’s ideal for skiing and fishing.
- Multi-Hulled Hull
The stability of a multi-hulled boat is unrivaled, making it the preferred hull type for yachts, pontoons, and catamarans. This hull type is also excellent for a calm ride, absorbing much wave action.
Choosing the Right Size Wake Boat
Generally, wake boats are around 18 to 25 ft long. The various lengths offer convenience in driving, the number of passengers and loads the boat can carry, and its speed.
If you’re looking for a leisurely experience, choose an 18 to 20 ft long boat. But if you want to use the boat for wakeboarding, ensure the engine is powerful enough to pull them.
The next size range up is a 21 to the 22-ft boat. These medium-sized boats are perfect for wakeboarding and wake surfing. There’s enough space to have a few passengers but not so much that it evolves awkward or rowdy.
The last and largest wake boat is 23 to 25 ft long. This popular type of boat includes features like a solid and large engine, ample strong space, more ballast capacity, and extra seating room.
So when buying your wake boat from boat dealers in Knoxville, TN, look at the size of the boat and choose as per your need.
How Many Watts Does a Wake Boat Need?
After you’ve decided on a wake boat, the next question is how much horsepower will be necessary to tow it? Horsepower (HP) is the unit of power an engine or motor produces. The average speed of wakeboarders is 16 to 19 mph, which is slower than skiing at 20 to 30 mph.
The average speed for a wakeboarder is 16 mph. You can ride a flat-bottomed hull boat with only 25 horsepower if you’re skilled. If you desire to make it easier for the surfer, you’ll need to cinch the rope tighter and push off at an angle instead of facing the back of the boat. This position will make the boat drive faster and put pressure on the rope pulling the wakeboarder or surfer.
However, this doesn’t work for small boats because they lack the power to generate a big wake. Alternatively, larger boats with more robust propellers and engines can make bigger wakes. The larger and heavier the boat, the bigger and more impactful its wake will be.
How Much Does it Cost to Buy a Wake Boat?
When buying a wake boat, you must consider the cost, which heavily depends on the size, engine power, and features. A wake boat costs vary from $150,000 to over $200,000, depending on your chosen features.
At the lower end of the spectrum, you can find wake boats that are 18 to 22 feet long and powered by engines with up to 300 HP. These boats generally have basic features such as a stereo sound system, seating for up to 12 people, and a tow bar.
At the higher end of the spectrum, you can find wake boats 23 to 25 feet long and powered by engines up to 500 HP. These boats have additional features such as a wake plate, customized interior design, and larger ballast tanks for more powerful wakes.
Related Reads: Pros & Cons of Knowing About Ski and Wakeboard Boats.
Final Verdict
When buying a wake boat, there are various factors to consider, such as hull type, the implications of wake plates, size, power, and cost. Make sure you buy the perfect wake boat to fulfill your needs while staying within budget. Look for reliable boat dealers in Knoxville, TN, to ensure you have the best boat for your needs.
