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Best Direct Drive Boat for Wakeboarding - Under 20k
I need some advice on the best DD wakeboarding boat under 20k. Wake is the only thing that is important.
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Mastercraft 205
Nautique Air Nautique/sport Nautique Malibu wakesetter/sunsetter Supra Launch |
Swat pretty much nailed it. And depending on age/hours you can probably get well under 20k. I have a 89 Supra sunsport, basically same hull as the DD launch mentioned. I will concede that the other three might make a slightly better wake (shape) but none will handle rough water and loads of ballast like the supra. I run up to 2800 lbs, my only limitation is the 240hp 900 hr engine. If you can find an early 2000s DD launch you would be in the 310hp range.
My only knock on the older Supras wake is that it widens out in a hurry past 65ft. The MC and Nautique will be steep and narrow. I wind up riding about 67ft line where would typically ride 78-80. Was not a big deal for me as I have access to Tige Z3s and ASRs when I need the big wake fix. I have two little kids so the added space/storage/high freeboard make the Supra the better choice. |
I would also throw in the Ski Nautique 2001 in the mix. 2001 is the model name, not model year invade you didn't know. These were built like 1985-1992 or something. They have a great wake.
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Check the classifieds on this site:
This DD would be a nice option - http://www.wakeworld.com/classifield....php?view=4356 |
My Centurion T5 is the best crossover boat I have ridden behind. I bought it because it has a perfect slalom wake. Fill the ballast and adjust the wake plate for a great wakeboard wake. Add two sacks and your surfing.
What is going to be the main focus for your boat? Ski, wakeboard, surf? |
Best Direct Drive Boat for Wakeboarding - Under 20k
^from the way he sounded he cares 100% about wakeboarding 0% about anything else. In that case swat nailed it and thread is pretty much done minus finding the actual boat. While I might would put a t5 tied at #3. They should really concentrate on 205 and Air nautique/2001. Favoring the 205
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You can find a vdrive for less than 20k. Just spend some time and get the boat you want.
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I agree why DD op?
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The T5 is one of the best crossovers for sure. As you mentioned it skis well. But wakeboarding wise which is this op's focus and partially due to the low freeboard on the T5 I would put all the boats I mentioned above the T5 for this specific case.
Someone mentioned the 2001 model series Nautique. It's hard to argue that's not a legit option that I left out. I just had open now in my head with the 20k tag he put up. But if you're cool with a closed now the 2001 late 80's series Nautiques are about as ligit of a wake machine you can get on a budget. I think a lot of people go d drive because the feel they can get the boat loaded up with all the essentials for the price. They are turn key boats. Most sub 20k v drives. Are gonna need things . At the 15k mark your pretty much stuck d drive. At the 20k mark you have some v drive options but they are like unicorns around the market these days. If you really can stretch 20 I agree. Why not hold out little for v drive. |
There are a few Sanger V210 v drives on craigslist right now that are fully set up. 15-20k easily. I haven't ridden one but the wakes look big and clean in pictures. Everyone who has one likes it. So i would also toss the Sanger 20 DLX as it is the same hull as the V210, just DD.
If i has to be DD my choice would be an air nautique as they already have some ballast, tower, gt-40 motor is bulletproof and i like the wake. the sport nautique is the same hull without ballast and with out trunk storage in 93-97. the malibu and mastercraft are bigger boats overall but require more ballast to get a big wake. I've ridden sunsetter wake and it is ramp shaped like everyone else says it is. both solid boats. |
Thanks for all of the input. I mentioned DD because I like the way the DDs sound, handle, etc. A DD with a ski pylon takes me back to the days before the 25ft yachts with 8k in ballast came into the picture. I'm getting older so I can't take the abuse of the massive wakes anymore. I'm gonna try to find something a little more mellow, and get my young daughter hooked on the water. But I still want to be able to throw some weight in it so I can show em how it's done. I appreciate all of the good advice. I have had many boats (moomba outback, MC 205, MC XStar, Supra Sunsport, MB Sports B52V, MB Sports F21 Tomcat). I am thinking a SN 2001 is the boat for me.
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those low riding boats with a pole in the middle do have an old school feel to them that you just don't get any more. looking forward to seeing it in action
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FWIW - a v-drive not loaded down will do all the things you mentioned and if you're out with the family, as you probably know, v-drive seating / layout is so hard to beat. Also, not sure buying a boat based on sound is a great idea... but none of my business if that is important to you.
I guess if I was looking strictly DD, there are a few slightly above $20k, but a Wakesetter XTI or Supra Launch would probably be my votes. Something like - http://www.onlyinboards.com/-2004-Ma...gan-49831.aspx |
a well tuned ddrive V8 makes its own music when getting up on plane and cruising across the water, but there are a lot of other factors that rank quite a bit higher on the list.
as others have mentioned you can get into a newer vdrive very close to what you'd spend on a ddrive. buy the boat that makes sense to you. |
Malibu sun setter plus it throws a great surf wave
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Bought a 1985 SN 2001. All original, 300hrs. Gonna big a big change from my MB F21 Tomcat...
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Nice! Let's see it
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Congrats. Post pics pronto
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That is super clean! What did you pick it up for?
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That gel scheme is awesome on that boat. Nice find, as mentioned looks ridiculously clean
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