Wakeboarding has become a popular pastime for many people. It’s a great way to spend some time on the lake and also have a good time. But many people don’t realize that wakeboarding behind an inboard/outboard is a lot of fun!
Wakeboarding is a type of water sport that you can do behind a boat or on a wake from the boat. This is a lot of fun, and it’s different from regular surfboarding.
In this post, we will go over some of the differences, as well as the tips and tricks to help you wakeboard behind an inboard or outboard better.
You can use an inboard/outboard boat for wakesurfing, although it’s usually not recommended. However, early model inboards with direct drives were marketed explicitly as wakeboarding vessels.
Here’s What You Need To Know To Wakesurf Behind an Inboard/outboard Boat:
Yes, you can wake surf behind an inboard/outboard boat, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, the wake from an inboard/outboard boat is going to be much larger and more powerful than the wake from a traditional outboard boat.
This means that you’ll need to be a strong swimmer and have an excellent balance to stay on your board. Second, you’ll want to double-check that the inboard/outboard boat you’re using is appropriately weighted down so that it doesn’t create too much of a wake.
Finally, you’ll need to be careful of other boats and obstacles when wake surfing behind an inboard/outboard boat.
Inboards/Outboards Wake Waves
Inboards are generally considered the better option for wakesurfing. This is because they produce a bigger wake, and the wake is more consistent. Inboards/Outboards, on the other hand, can produce a larger wake, but it is more difficult to control.
The biggest downside to wakesurfing behind an Inboards/Outboards is the risk of serious injury. This is because the propeller is located at the rear of the boat. This means that if you fall, you could be pulled into the propeller.
When wakesurfing behind an inboard/outboard, you’re essentially trying to ride the wave with your board rather than by riding a wake. So, for a lot of people, wakesurfing behind an inboard/outboard is difficult.
For this reason, it is essential always to maintain a safe distance from the rear of the boat. However, Inboards/Outboards can still produce a surfable wake.
Why Choose Inboards/Outboards for Wakeboarding
People may choose the inboards/outboards for wakeboarding for a variety of reasons. One reason is that they provide a longer wake, which is perfect for wakeboarding.
They also tend to have a larger wake size, which is another excellent option for wakeboarding. Additionally, inboards/outboards provide a steadier speed, which is perfect for wakeboarding.
Finally, inboards/outboards are often used for racing boats, so they can be easily modified for wakeboarding with higher speeds.
Are They Better Than Inboards at Wakeboarding
No, inboards are better for wakeboarding than inboards/outboards. Inboards/outboards are better in some areas of wakeboarding, such as they provide a higher speed and a more exciting ride.
Inboards/outboards also have a more powerful motor and prop that can create a bigger wake. However, inboards have a deeper hull that provides a steadier ride and a bigger wake.
Inboards are better because they have a faster pick-up time. Inboards also have better acceleration. Inboards can also provide a better wakeboard experience because the wake is more stable, allowing more control.
On the other hand, inboards/outboards have a better fuel economy. So it all comes down to what you’re searching for in a wakeboarding experience.
How Many People Can Ride the Wake from Inboards/Outboards?
The answer to this question is two, the wake from an inboard/outboard boat can hold up to two people surfboarding or wakesurfing at a time unless you are talking about an inboard wakeboard or rider. In that case, the answer is one.
When wakesurfing, there are a few things to keep in mind behind an inboard/outboard:
- The wake from an inboard/outboard will be larger and more powerful than the wake from a jet ski or other personal watercraft.
- Wakesurfing behind an inboard/outboard requires more space than wakesurfing behind a jet ski or other personal watercraft.
- Wakesurfing behind an inboard/outboard is more challenging than wakesurfing behind a jet ski or other personal watercraft.
Best Wakesurfing Position
There are a few things to keep in mind when deciding on the best position for wakesurfing behind an inboard/outboard.
First, you’ll need to choose the right surfboard. If you’re a beginner, it’s best to go with a broader and longer board. This will help you stay balanced and catch more waves. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can move on to a smaller board.
Next, you’ll need to add ballast to the boat. This will help create bigger waves for you to surf on. The amount of ballast you need will depend on the size of the boat and the number of people aboard.
Once you have the surfboard and ballast, it’s time to hit the water! The best position for wakesurfing is behind the boat, about 10-15 feet off the stern. This will give you the best chance of catching a wave. If you’re wakeboarding, you’ll want to be closer to the front of the boat.
Finally, be sure to adjust the tow rope accordingly. The rope should be about the same length as your surfboard. For wakeboarding, the rope should be shorter.
Choosing Boats For Wakesurfing
Here are some things to think about when selecting a boat for wakesurfing:
- Outdrive: An outboard motor will provide a steadier speed and produce less wake than an inboard/outboard.
- Watersports: If you plan on doing other watersports behind your boats, like wakeboarding or skiing, you’ll want a specific boat for those activities.
- Wakesurf board: You’ll need a wakesurf board that is the right size and weight for your boat.
- Steady speed: You’ll need a boat that can maintain a steady speed. Ballast tanks or bags can help with this.
- Shorter wake: A shorter wake is better for wakesurfing. A rub rail can help create a shorter wake.
- Specific length: Depending on their length, some boats are better suited for wakesurfing. A shorter boat will create a shorter wake, while a longer boat will create a longer wake.
- Best option: The best option for wakesurfing is a hybrid boat. This type of boat has an outboard motor and a ballast system.
- Fumes: Be aware of fumes from the boat’s engine when wakesurfing.
Which Boats are Better for Wakesurfing?
In general, inboard boats or v-drive boats are better for wakesurfing. This is because they have a wake shaper, which helps create a better wake for surfing. V-drive boats also tend to have more power, which is helpful when trying to get up on the wake.
Both inboard and v-drive boats can go around 20-25 mph in terms of speed. Wakesurfers typically need waves that are at least two feet tall and travel at around 10-15 mph.
How Long Should the Wakeboard Be?
First, the wakeboard length should be based on the rider’s weight and skill level. For example, a beginner rider might need a longer board, while a more experienced rider might need a shorter board.
Second, the wakesurfing board may need to be modified to fit the wake of the boat. Finally, the wakesurfing setup should be checked and adjusted as needed before each ride.
When To Board and When To Stand Up Behind an Inboard/outboard?
If you board too early, you will end up getting pulled out of the pocket and into the back of the wake. If you board too late, you will not have enough time to get up and get into the sweet spot.
You need to time it just right so that you are boarding as the wake is starting to form. You need to make sure that you are using the correct weight distribution.
The best time to board is when the wake is flat and the water is calm. The best time to stand up is when the wake is steep and the water is choppy.
Final Thoughts
Here are a few final thoughts on wakesurfing behind an inboard/outboard boat:
- The wake will be different than what you’re used to. Inboard/outboard boats create a different kind of wake than traditional inboard boats. So you need to be prepared for that.
- You need to be careful of the props. Since inboard/outboard boats have their props in the water, you need to be careful not to hit them when you’re wakesurfing.
- You need to make sure the back of the boat is clean and free of anything that could snag the rope or your surfboard.
- Make sure the people in the boat are aware that you’re wakesurfing. Since inboard/outboard boats are less stable than traditional inboard boats, it’s important that the people in the boat are aware of what you’re doing and are prepared for it.
- You need to make sure the rope is the right length. The rope should be long enough to reach the back of the boat but not so long that it gets tangled in the propeller.
- You need to make sure the surf boat is big enough to create a good wake. A smaller boat may not create enough of a wake to surf on.
Overall, you can definitely wakesurf behind an inboard/outboard boat, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. With a little bit of preparation, you’ll be able to enjoy a great day out on the water.
