Do WB boats beat the crap out of you if water isn't glass?

AbsoluteZero · Criminal Joined: 04 Jul 2009 Posts: 50

My dad (who's 64 and most likely not going to every wakeboard) and I talk about boats a lot. I keep talking about getting a wakeboarding boat for next season, and he keeps coming up with reasons why I shouldn't get one (He likes deck boats). The price/year/length is his biggest reason for not getting one. Meaning I could get a 21ft IO that is newer for less money...

Anyway, the added cost isn't really pushing me away. I know it's more expensive, but if it's more fun, and gets used more, it's worth it to me.

However, the one thing he also keeps telling me, based on his experience in the "old days" is that inboard ski boats are a rough ride and if there is a bit of chop, I, along with my passengers (wife, kids, friends) will get beat up as the boat continously slams the waves, especially those created by other boats on the water.

So, what are your thoughts? Have you ridden in boat IOs and Ski/Wakeboard boats, and how different are they? Will my young kids hate being in the boat?

I do plan on test driving anything I'd buy, but it's not easy for me to test drive as dealers carrying these types of boats are not close to me. I guess what I'm getting at is - are these boats uncomfortable? It is like driving a sports car on a road with pot holes?

NKCrider · Posted: Sep 06, 2009 1:44 pm Post subject:

i know that my 1980 Ski Nautique is a little rough, our only problem is when we have to pass close to a sacked out xstar or something comparable surfing. if you drive the correct ways it shouldnt be horrible, though ive never ridden in a newer ski/wake boat..

DJew Jake · Posted: Sep 06, 2009 3:22 pm Post subject:

The super air def slams waves pretty hard... The flatter the bottom the worse it will be... Just get a boat that has a deeper v, the wake will never be as good but the ride will be smoother.. Like an x-10

TnR6Rida · Posted: Sep 06, 2009 3:51 pm Post subject:

My boat beats the stuff out of me, but there is no way I would ever trade it for an IO even if the IO is brand new. BTW my boat is a 93.

Inboard ftw!

NKCrider · Posted: Sep 06, 2009 4:01 pm Post subject:

yall must have alot of traffic, i probably have 1 beater every idk 5 hours of riding time..

Blindside_137 · Posted: Sep 06, 2009 5:58 pm Post subject:

It's really gonna depend on your lake and the conditions..

Our lake is really only choppy due to boat traffic, wind generally isnt much of an issue. Big weekends like labor day and july 4th are horrible boat traffic wise and a result is ridiculous chop.

I can not stand going out on the lake during those times because of a couple reasons. A lot more wallys to steer clear of, it's nearly impossible to do any kind of wakeboarding when you've got boats all over the place, and other things.

It's really not all that bad. I generally cruise between 26-32 mph across our lake when its rough and occaisonally have to slow down to ~15-20 to handle those rogue waves. I know I hated going fast in our old sea ray as a kid (along with a lot of other people) so I'm fine with crusing at 30 instead of 40

_bruky · Wakeboarder.Commie Joined: 24 May 2009 Posts: 1201

Some boats are better than others.

I beat the stuff out of my SANTE's in rough water. They don't handle it well, but I'm not going 25mph across a 25 mile lake, either.

I'd say look at one of the picklefork MC's, but if price is an issue, possibly an older X-10 or Malibu would do you good.

My family has always had Nautiques and Sangers, both known for their rough ride. A couple of years ago my parents, both approaching 60, picked up a Malibu LSV that they keep at the lake to cruise around in, picnic in, and overall just pretend they shouldn't really have bought a pontoon!

Now, the rough ride in my Nautique is always a topic of discussion when they come out. Laughing

Chattwake · Posted: Sep 08, 2009 4:28 am Post subject:

My first boat was a prostar 190. It beat the crap out of us in any sort of chop. I had an old Xstar/X1 for a while, and it was much better than the 190, but it was still pretty rough. I had an 07 VLX that took the waves better than my old Xstar. I currently have a 23.5 foot Nautique 230. I guess it's because it's a bigger/heavier boat, but the 230 rides really well in chop.

My friend's 24ssv also rides well in chop. Each boat is going to be different. The best thing to do is test drive as many as you can in varying conditions.

Suprahunter · Soul Rider Joined: 28 Apr 2008 Posts: 486 City: Lowell

I have a 08 210 and go to Lake Michigan often. The ride quality has a lot to do with driver skill. Too fast and you jump the waves, too slow and the waves crash
over you. Find that sweet spot with speed and angle and the ride is smooth and dry. Yesterday 2 foot chop 17 mph no problem.

kyle f · Addict Joined: 14 Aug 2008 Posts: 835 City: Norris Lake

Older ski boats try to flatten out the wake, so yes when they hit chop they are going to ride rough because the hull is working to shape and flatten the wake. Plus by design they are small and light as to not make a lot of wake themselves.

Newer wake boats are heavier and that helps a lot. But they still tend to be a bit rougher as they are made to shape the wake too instead of just cut it. I suggest on busy days with a lot of wind and chop to fill your tanks about 1/2 way even for cruising. The added weight helps.

Driving technique can help a lot to. The way you approach other boats waked will have a major effect as well. I know you cant help it when you have a rider, but other times you can.

Bambamski · Posted: Sep 08, 2009 6:19 am Post subject:

some wakeboard boats will be better then others for sure in the rough water. My 2005 x-2 isn't great we get beat up pretty bad in really rough water. My Old X-10 was better. My buddies X-star is does quite well, I was shocked.

I've heard the tiges do well.

I'd take a look at the X-15, i don't think that boat has the tracking fins so the bottom of the hull is not going to be flat all the way down which should help break the chop up.

Nothing is going to as good as a 20-22 foot I/O though. You'll find if it gets really rough you really don't want to go out anyways.

Riddick · Outlaw Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Posts: 212 City: Knoxville

I had the same issue...my dad wanted a sea ray, but we got a 23 lsv and now an x.star. he.s hooked on inboards

wakeborder5 · Soul Rider Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 279 City: Commerce

I would definitely check some Tiges out, they handle rough water really well.

lcap · Ladies Man Joined: 13 Nov 2003 Posts: 10973 City: Homeless

Those that attribute the single most important factor in ride quality with driving skill are correct. Unless your piloting a hydrofoil or a ship.

The SANTE rides best with the belly ballast full and the rears empty.

jonyb · Addict Joined: 06 Oct 2007 Posts: 844 City: Paducah

My lake is so rough it doesn't matter what kind of driving skill you have... At least Roswell just replaced my broken mirror arm. I'm just waiting for the cheapo tower to fall down on me.