Swamped surf boats

How often does someone swamp their boat due to surfing?

There is always a lot of discussion about how much weight is safe to load a boat up with and the dangers associated with it. I have an 08 MB B52 that we run stock ballast on the surf side, 200 lbs up front, and 600lbs in the corner locker. It throws a great wake and we always have a good time.

The problem I have is that every time I go out with my wife she freaks out about "how close that edge is to the water!" With the setup above, the rub rail is at water level. I admit that when we first started it was a little scary but I'm a guy and don't freak out about these things.

Anyway, my question again is--How often does someone swamp their boat due to surfing? I don't think I've seen anybody on this forum say, "I swamped my boat yesterday, so be careful." Anyone had this unfortunate experience or know someone who did. If it does happen maybe share some tips on what they did wrong. I'm trying to research this to satisfy my wifes paranoia, but I'm curious as well. Thanks

Hey Kenny

Many people ride with the rub rail at water level or even lower. We do. It sounds like you could put more weight on that boat, honestly... Weight at your own risk though and be careful when driving.

I haven't heard of anyone swamping a surf weighted boat in the last few years, but that doesn't mean it hasn't happened.

My wife used to worry and not want to weight the boat too much. No she is wanting to put more and more weight!!

It's a boat, boats get wet some get more wet than others.I chilly dip mine 3-4 times a season and is usually from some one else's wake and me not having enough time or safe conditions to get the nose up. Think of it like its a reminder that its time to give the boat a good cleaning. and the lake is just helping you get it rinsed.

Kenny, you are no where near what that boat will hold. I have a smaller boat with less dead rise and I run up to 3000lbs not including passengers. If you want a serious wave you need to bury the rub rail. Just make sure you have experienced drivers so you don't take on more water crossing over roller's.

I've too have never heard of anyone swamping their boat while surfing.

Not while surfing, but getting caught parallel to rollers while changing out riders, then yes a possibility.

"If you want a serious wave you need to bury the rub rail" --- Not with the right boat. My Avalanche pulled Nationals and still had 5-6 inches before rubrail. I see Enzo's with room to weigh down, but don't as it's what the boat's capable of.

I know I can put more wieght in her and be fine...trust me I've done it. We've had as much as 2200lbs and I wasn't worried. With the stock on the MB I usually am at around 1800lbs because I've found that it doesn't help much to put more in. I too have dipped the nose from time to time. My wife gets nervous when there are rollers parallel to us when we're weighted like Joe said. I think that if you are a good driver you should be fine in theory but just wondering if anyone has seen it happen or had it happen to them.

It's very, very difficult to chili-dip the Enzo.

I think I heard somebody chili-dipped an Enzo this weekend. Wonder who?

I didn't say impossible.

I have had water come over my windshield in the Avalanche, but never dipped the nose of my Enzo!

I get water over the back corner if I am turning to pick up a fallen surfer the same time another boat's wake is incoming. Freaks people out, I get a laugh every time.