cheap wake boat
 

I've been learning to wakeboard from my Seadoo Wake PWC (jet ski) and as you can imagine, the wake is very small so I'm looking into getting a wake boat. Are there any good wake boats out there that aren't very expensive?

I'm in NY if that matters.

your price range will give us a better idea of what will be avaiable. to some cheap wake boat is 45,000 - 55,-000 to others its 20,000-30,000

Under $10k - Nautique 2001, Malibu Sunsetter, older Supra saltare

Under $18k - Nautique Supersport 210, V-drive Sunsetter, Sanger 210, Supra Launch V, MC 205v or Maristar

Under $30k - Wakesetter, SuperAir Nautique, X-series boats (vdrive) .... lots of options

Thanks, this is good info. I didn't list my price range because I really have no idea what it takes to get a decent boat that will put out a good sized wake. My max range that I'm willing to spend is probably $30-40K. Is there a big difference between the wake in each of those 3 groups you listed?

you can make most Vdrive boats have a good wake with proper weight, just depends on the shape you like. Steep like a Nauitque 210 or rampy like a MC. Just make sure you get one with a Vdrive, perfect pass and internal ballast. upgrading bags to make your wake bigger is easy if its already plumbed in. perfect pass can be added later but its just better if its on there from the start. Honestly unless youve been riding for the last few yrs and/or have ridden behind multiple boats any vdrive boat wake will feel good and you'll just get used to that set up.

My opinion on the inboard world:

Direct Drive Boats - they work but, bottom of the inboard barrel
Mid 90's - Early 2000's V-drives - great boats, lots of wake with enough weight in them, but since they're 10+ years old, tech is a bit dated (electronics and wake making tech)
2010+ V-drives - Newer tech (wake and electronics)
New new new stuff - the best, but you're stuck paying $75k+


I suggest onlyinboards.com for the search (and local craigslists)

I with a $40k top end I would look at the following:

* Malibu Wakesetter - VLX and 23 LSV .... VLX for pure wakeboarding, LSV for a wakeboard/surf/family boat
- http://www.onlyinboards.com/2004-Mal...ork-48691.aspx

* Master Craft X-star .... pure wakeboard boat (surf wake is meh)
http://www.onlyinboards.com/Immacula...tts-49872.aspx
- X-45, more of a do-all big boat - http://www.onlyinboards.com/2008-Mas...ork-48096.aspx

* Super Air 210 .... great wake but kinda small
http://www.onlyinboards.com/2001-Sup...nia-48101.aspx

* Moomba Mobius XLV - great do-all family boat ... HUGE
http://www.onlyinboards.com/2008-Moo...ine-48249.aspx

I think one of the best wakes for the dollar in the used market would be the pre-picklefork MC X2 series (2005 and older). This was the original X-star shape with built in ballast that could be added to with a kit. I never surfed this boat, but it was a great wake for wake boarding. It also looked and handled very sporty empty.

Check out Adirondack Marine inventory great folks

The 205v (original X-Star, later became X-2, then X-1) is still pretty good for wakeboarding with 2500+ lbs of weight, but it sucks for surfing (IMO). Though I know very little about wakesurfing.

30-40k I'd look for an mb b52 or f21. Just saw a 2010 up in the new england area go for 35k.

Thanks everyone, this is very helpful. I'm going to start looking and I'll come back when I have some more questions.

i like how the definition of "cheap" wake boat is now 30-40k. thats a damn nice/expensive wake boat in my opinion. but i own a Vdrive i bought for 14.5k

I agree and when I asked the question I was hoping someone would tell me I could spend 15-20K for a decent boat that would put out a wake for big jumps. 30-40K is the max I would even considering spending. I'm not sure what a V-drive is, I'll have to google it later. Which one do you have? How is it for wakeboarding?

cheap wake boat
 

You can for sure get a decent boat with a big wake for 15-20 grand

If go early xstar for nice big wake for 20k

Yeah I got my 2001 205v (og xstar, x2, x1 hull) for 20K. Either that or a Nautique from that era are among what I'd consider "decent". For twice that you could get something what I'd consider "nice". Like a Tomcat that's 10 years younger.

BTW, a v-drive is motor in the back. As opposed to direct drive, with motor in the middle, which tend to be better for skiing.