Lake Washington boat advice...

mikeki · Newbie Joined: 01 Nov 2011 Posts: 3

I'm in the market for a good wakeboard boat that will be primarily be used on Lake Washington (near Seattle). This lake does get a little rough and it's also pretty cold. I'll use it for Wakeboarding, some surfing, tubing (yes I know...), and just cruising around the lake (grabbing dinner somewhere, 4th of July, etc.)

After doing some research, it looks like a 22 or 23' V-Drive would be the best. This would narrow it down to a Sanger V230, Moomba XLV, Centurion Avalanche and Typhoon.

What are some specific things I need to look for in a good Lake Washington boat?
The boat will be stored on boat lift during the summer. Is there anything I need to worry about with that?
Are there some dealers that are known to be better than others?

It's a pretty open ended post, but I'm hoping there is someone lurking out there with some experience here.

anw7405 · Outlaw Joined: 10 Sep 2010 Posts: 188 City: edmond

First question is why have you narrowed it down to these boats? Why not a big 3 boat? (Malibu, Mastercraft, Nautique) Are you looking at new or used boats? I don't live there any more but if I did I would buy an Axis A22. (regardles of where i live.) I do have a lot of experience wakeboarding on lake washington. It is a pretty rough lake most of the time. You can ususally get some good water on either side of sewerd park and the I-90 bridge but it all depends on wind direction. That being said the rule of thumb on lake washington to get a good ride is 23'+ boat. When people say this they are referring to sterndrive boats not inboards. Its gonna be a rough ride in a wakeboard boat no matter which choice you go with. A bigger boat is probably gonna give you a slightly better ride though.

As far a dealers in the area stay away from gonnasons boats in Kent. horrible dealer!!!! Do not buy a boat from them. They carry supras and moombas which are basicly the same boat.

Moon · Newbie Joined: 29 Oct 2008 Posts: 44 City: Prosser

If you want a 23 ft boat don't rule out mb's. Noticed that Seattle water sports has several Tomcats and Team Wide Bodies in stock.

rowlex · Outlaw Joined: 05 Oct 2006 Posts: 207 City: seattle

lake washington... get a black boat. that water is filthy.

mikeki · Newbie Joined: 01 Nov 2011 Posts: 3

Thanks for the responses.

I ruled out the big 3 because based on forum comments it seemed there V hull flattens out near the rear, which causes them to be harsher in chop.

I'm looking for a used boat (the new ones are crazy expensive) somewhere in the 25-30k range, and will be it fairly soon here in the winter if I find the right boat.