New guy from Arkansas here.

eric-holmes · Outlaw Joined: 19 Jun 2009 Posts: 150 City: Searcy

Hey everyone. This is my first summer to get on a wakeboard and I already have the itch. I owned a 2009 R6 and sold it so I could pick up a boat. That how serious I am lol. I really sold it because I miss being out on the water. And getting a boat is something the whole family can enjoy (unlike my bike).

I have always skied and kneeboarded, but wakeboarding is so much more fun. My mom and dad has always owned a boat but now it is my turn to pick up a boat of my own. Any suggestions? I am looking at about a 10k limit. I have been eying some Larsons.

Anyway, here are a few pics of me up on the board. This is my third day on the board. There are some of my wife on there too.

I hope to learn a lot of good information from y'all.

get_sum · Soul Rider Joined: 04 Aug 2008 Posts: 395 City: Edmond

That looks like Heber Springs (Greers Ferry Lake).. I'm from Arkansas, but I'm active duty Navy. I used to go to Lake Norfolk every weekend from Jonesboro. Man I miss a good lake with coves... There are absolutely NONE anywhere around me here in Florida (even within a few hours drive)

Welcome to the board... GO HAWGS!!!

eric-holmes · Outlaw Joined: 19 Jun 2009 Posts: 150 City: Searcy

Yeah thats Heber. We put in at Heber Rec.

get_sum · Soul Rider Joined: 04 Aug 2008 Posts: 395 City: Edmond

whats up with the one up - one down hands on the handle? It always threw me off balance when I used to try that a long time ago.

kriggs · Posted: Jun 20, 2009 7:38 pm Post subject:

eric-holmes · Outlaw Joined: 19 Jun 2009 Posts: 150 City: Searcy

GnarShredd · Posted: Jun 22, 2009 9:51 am Post subject:

Switch up your grip so both palms are facing down towards the water. It might seem weird at first but it'll help in the long run.

You can always try to pick up an old Mastercraft or Nautique and with a little work (add a pylon, some weight, etc.) you can have yourself a nice little weekend warrior boat.

eric-holmes · Outlaw Joined: 19 Jun 2009 Posts: 150 City: Searcy

Thanks, Ill try that next time I am out.

What would you think about this boat?
http://jonesboro.craigslist.org/boa/1196531664.html

eric-holmes · Outlaw Joined: 19 Jun 2009 Posts: 150 City: Searcy

Also what about a good board? I am about 5-9 and weigh about 120. My shoe size is anywhere from 8-9

Okie Boarder · Ladies Man Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 10056 City: Edmond

Are you wanting to get serious with the watersports? If so, I'd consider getting some form of inboard boat versus an I/O.

eric-holmes · Outlaw Joined: 19 Jun 2009 Posts: 150 City: Searcy

What is the difference? Do inboard boat motors sit more toward the middle of the boat?

JeffreyCH · Posted: Jun 23, 2009 9:45 am Post subject:

Check here for what to look for in a WB'ing boat http://forums.wakeboarder.com/viewtopic.php?t=59748 really wish I had been into boarding and a member here before I got my i/o, I'll know better next time.

Okie Boarder · Ladies Man Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 10056 City: Edmond

Kind of. There are direct drive inboard and v-drive inboards. For the price range you're in, you'll only probably find direct drives. The direct drives have the motor in the center of the boat that goes directly to a shaft and prop...no outdrive like an I/O. What JeffreyCH posted will help you understand about a couple good models in your price range.

The key is that inboards are what people usually refer to as "towboats". They are designed to pull someone skiing or wakeboarding and many have the capability of hauling a fair amount of weight to really boost your wake. They are more purpose driven, geared towards watersports, but do not handle choppy water as well as a nice deep-v I/O.

It just depends on what you are looking for. I can second JeffreyCH's statement about regret. I started with an I/O and got into wakeboarding my second year with it. Now I have an inboard, and if your focus is going to be mostly on watersports, they are definitely a better choice. I'm glad I have an inboard now, eventhough it wasn't necessarily by my choice...LOL!

ctgretzky99 · Posted: Jun 24, 2009 11:17 am Post subject:

eric-holmes · Outlaw Joined: 19 Jun 2009 Posts: 150 City: Searcy

Thats what I am hoping Cool

And I am hoping that I come to it quickly since I have been doing other water sports for a long time.

ctgretzky99 · Posted: Jun 24, 2009 12:22 pm Post subject:

taitrt · Soul Rider Joined: 11 May 2009 Posts: 413

Don't know how far you're willing to drive...

Under 15k:
http://forums.wakeboarder.com/viewtopic.php?t=81473

*I love prostar 205s, they are sweet for pretty much all watersports and are super comfortable to hang out on the water all day.

Under 10k:
http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1995-MALIBU-SUNSETTER-94988216

*I am in love with that boat, if I could turn the clock back 6 months I would have bought that boat instead of mine.

mgs917 · Addict Joined: 17 Sep 2008 Posts: 532 City: Spartanburg

Does the price for the malibu seem low to anyone else? It says the engine is new. The boat looks to be in good condition. My dad and I are putting in the groundwork to buy a boat. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks

m_lesney · Soul Rider Joined: 22 Feb 2008 Posts: 358 City: Austin

welcome to the site! great advice from everyone

urinal mint · Outlaw Joined: 07 Jun 2005 Posts: 212 City: Texarkana

welcome. i'm in texarkana and ride all the time. we have a winch.

K9chokechain · Newbie Joined: 01 Jun 2009 Posts: 18

Hey eric, I'm also in AR and go to Heber. Are you any were near cabot? If so go to stucky's extreme marine right off 67. I just bought my board there a couple months back. They have a good selection and the price was the same as other online stores. I'm heading there today to check out there ropes.
Also you have any problems with Greers fairy being so damn choppy all the time. You get out from behind the boat and it you have to fight the waves like hell just to keep a nice smooth ride.

K9chokechain · Newbie Joined: 01 Jun 2009 Posts: 18

once i logged in it showed you're pics and the lake looked smooth. You must have been out on a weekday?