Newbie has a ton of questions

Deafcon · Newbie Joined: 31 May 2004 Posts: 4

First I should say that I've never wakeboarded but I'd like to learn. I want to buy a boat next winter for use next season. The boat will be used on lakes for tubing/boarding/partying. I'm thinking that a V-drive would provide more space for people/gear. I'm looking to spend 20-25k on a used boat. What boats should I be looking at? My next question is how much truck am I going to need? I drive a Trans AM and I'm not going to get rid of it. That means paying cash for a tow rig and that means it needs to be cheap. Right now I'm thinking that a late 80's Ford Bronco would get the job done pretty well but does anyone have other suggestions? Do I need 4 wheel drive to get a wakeboard boat off the ramp?

boarditup · Addict Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 731 City: Allendale, MI

A Bronco will do fine. I have never yet had to use 4WD on a ramp. I have an Expedition.

As for boat, just keep your eyes open. Have a handful of boats picked out that meets your needs and select the best condition for the best value when you have a chance to buy.

Skip the tubing - it chews up the water for the skill-based riders. It is professional courtesy.

jzwake · Addict Joined: 12 Dec 2003 Posts: 801

You should be looking at mid 90's super sport nautiques or if you live out west late 90s sanger v210s.

Buy a full size truck/suv with a v8 that you can pay cash for to tow it. a bronco will do fine. If you are only towing a mile or two to the ramp a mid size suv or truck (bigger 6cyl) will work as well.

4 wheel drive is not needed unless you put in at a soft ramp (not a concrete ramp, mostly rocks or dirt) then 4L is nice.

Deafcon · Newbie Joined: 31 May 2004 Posts: 4

Thanks for the input. From what I can gather by reading posts on this site tubing is a rather despised leisure activity. The main lake I'll be going to is packed with boats and PWC on the weekend so water quality won't be so great anyway.

Broccoli B · Posted: Jun 01, 2004 10:53 am Post subject:

We probably tube off my boat more often than boarding. Mainly because everyone likes to tube, but only a handfull of us like to wakeboard. I would say it is proffessional courtesy to not go tube in someones calm cove, but don't cut down on your fun just so someone else can have some smooth water.

KurtInCincy · Addict Joined: 06 Mar 2003 Posts: 645 City: Cincinnati OH

20-25 grand for a used boat will get you something awesome! you could get a used Malibu or a Moomba from the late 90's or early 2000's with tower and all the gear easily for that price. That's what i would search for.

wtbamoomba · Addict Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 808 City: raleigh

where do you live?

wkbrdr82 · Newbie Joined: 03 Sep 2003 Posts: 31

the only time we have to use 4wd is on this really steep ramp where we vacation

mississippireb · Newbie Joined: 24 May 2004 Posts: 29 City: Pontotoc

I think that it is more about the off-road/all terrain tires that usually come standard on 4WD's. They tend to get better traction on a wet ramp than those slicker street tires that come on 2wd's. A strong 2wd with grippier tires will probably get your boat out of the water 99% of the time.

Daniel

Bowen · Posted: Jun 01, 2004 4:25 pm Post subject:

Deafcon · Newbie Joined: 31 May 2004 Posts: 4

I live in Ocala Florida and have family in Orlando so pretty much the general central Florida area will be where I'm riding. I'm really liking the bang for the buck that moombas provide, I could get a 1 or 2 year old boat in my price range. I was thinking today that D-Drive may be better for me because there's a good chance of me pulling skiers also. I don't really see myself becoming a great wakeboarder so what I want is a boat that does a little bit of everying well but isn't the best for any one thing.

Bruky · Guest

Brocolli B, yeah, but you are still only adding to the chop.

I like buywake's slogan, check it out-www.buywake.com.

Deafcon · Newbie Joined: 31 May 2004 Posts: 4

MrBlean · Posted: Jun 02, 2004 12:40 am Post subject: Closed mind?

Junkee · Posted: Jun 02, 2004 6:26 am Post subject:

Deafcon, i've towed the boat with my roomates 93 bronco, i know its not late 80's, but close enough. it did great. so dont worry about that.

and 20-25K on a used boat? you should be able to get a mobius for about that price, used but still relatively new.