Wakeboarding is becoming more popular day by day. With that, the market for wakeboard boats is also multiplying rapidly.
Moreover, according to Stratview Research, the wakeboarding industry is expected to be valued at a whopping $1.94 Billion by 2024.
What are Wakeboard Boats?
Wakeboard boats are specially designed recreational boats. The boats are calibrated to facilitate wakeboarding. Not familiar with the term wakeboarding? I’ve got you.
This article deals with everything you need to know about wakeboarding. Keep on reading to find an answer to “What are Wakeboard Boats?”
Wakeboarding is a recreational activity or a sport. The wakeboarder connects with the boat via a rope.
Furthermore, it makes a ‘wake’ as it glides across the water. What is wake? It is the pattern formed in a fluid when an object flows through it.
In addition to this, the wake has differential surface tension. Differential surface tension is what makes wakeboarding possible. They design wakeboard boats mainly to produce a specific wake pattern that allows the surfer to surf.
The boat has some specific traits which make the function possible.
Moreover, the design of a wakeboard boat (wake boat) is what makes the sport possible. So without further ado, let us look at the qualities of an excellent wake boat.
Main Characteristics of a Wakeboard Boat
There are two particular things to look for when finding the perfect wakeboard boat: Internal ballast and hull design.
Internal Ballast
An internal ballast is a ballast that is located inside the hull rather than inside the keel. When talking about wake boats, this is a particularly significant aspect. Moreover, an ideal ballast is one that spreads throughout the bottom of the ship.
Alternately, if it is only at the rear side, it would cause an extraordinary nose rise, making it hard to control. This trait makes the wake boats extraordinarily stable, and it also makes the boat more efficient.
Besides, you should be looking for this increased efficiency, considering there will be extra weight tied to your boat in the form of a surfer.
Hull Design
A decent wakeboard boat comes with a perfect hull design. I know that the wakeboard boat needs to produce a specific wake pattern. Therefore, make sure that the hull of a wakeboard boat is crafted appropriately.
The sport’s integrity relies on the hull’s design, making it perhaps the most crucial element to consider when looking for a wake boat.
Besides, the best hulls come with unibody vacuum infused construction. They will ensure the longer life of your boat and also add bonus strength to the design.
What Else?
Furthermore, the weight of a wakeboard boat also needs to be considered. As a wakeboarder, you should know what time the ship takes to get ‘waking’ when it’s fully weighted.
If you like wakeboarding, you should ensure that the boat has a system to change the wave from side to side and alter the tide’s steepness.
Furthermore, people make a typical error in wrongly classifying a wakeboard boat as a Ski boat. If you are also not familiar with the disparity between the two, let me help you out.
Difference Between a Wake Boat and a Ski Boat
As water skiing and wakeboarding are slightly different sports, so is the equipment used in them.
Skiing is almost similar to wakeboarding; however, there are slight differences in both boat designs, making them suitable for their respective sport.
Firstly, and most importantly, the most significant contrast between the two is their wake. A ski makes a smaller, flatter wake which is essential for supporting the skis.
However, a wakeboard boat makes a more expansive and airy wake that will help the wakeboard.
Moreover, the weight of your average wakeboard boat is relatively more decadent than a regular ski boat. Again, this also is concerned regarding the nature of the wake.
Given how fun wakeboarding can be, the mischief inside you might wonder if wakeboarding behind a ski boat is an option. Well, I’m sorry to break it to you, but it is not.
In fact, wakeboarding behind any boat is never an option. If you’re curious as to why, you can also refer to our previous blogs, can you wakeboard behind a ski boat?
Furthermore, a wake boat is larger and more spacious in contrast to a ski boat. A ski boat accommodates fewer people as it usually has a central engine. On the contrary, a wake boat has a larger area where passengers can sit.
Lastly, the engine placement in both boats also varies. As a wakeboarding ship needs to make a wider wake, the engine is situated at its back.
On the contrary, the waterskiing boat engine is located centrally to help it clear shallow, more diminutive wakes.
Moving on, you will now see what purpose a wakeboard boat serves.
Wakeboard Boats and Recreation
Wakeboarding boats are one of a kind. They are specially designed for a particular sport. And that sport is wakeboarding.
If you are into wakeboarding, you must know that sport is managed and dominated by the wake boats’ manufacturers.
Moreover, the manufacturers host tournaments and generate peoples’ interest in the sport. Several wakeboarding activities and competitions are operating in the US.
However, the recreation is limited to the boating season.
To keep yourself involved, I suggest that you get enrolled in a boating club. A boating club is easily your favorite pastime, not to mention all the experience you gain with wakeboarding. Win-win.
Finally, let us look at the best five wake boats currently up for grabs.
Top 5 Wakeboard Boats in the World
- 2014 Axis Wake Research A24
- 2021 Yamaha 255XD
- 2012 Correct Craft Super Air Nautique G23
- 2021 Moomba Mojo
- 2021 Moomba Mondo
Wrap up
In the end, I hope this account was comprehensive and good enough for a beginner to get a knowhow of what a wakeboard boat is.
Furthermore, after selecting your wake boat, I suggest you get the best boating accessories that would add to the aesthetics and the mechanics of your boat. Perfect boats and suitable accessories will surely make your boating experience worthwhile.
