Best Boats For Wakesurfing: Crafting The Perfect Wave

Wakesurfing is a hybrid of surfing and wakeboarding, where the rider aims to let go of the rope and surf the boat's wake. The type of boat used for wakesurfing is important, as the rider stays very close to the boat, typically at a distance of 3 to 10 feet. Therefore, the boat's propeller should not be exposed in the back, and inboard or V-drive boats are considered the safest options. Inboard boats, including direct drives and V-drives, have the engine and drive unit placed inside the boat, with the propeller under the hull in front of the transom, reducing the risk of the rider hitting it. Outboard boats and stern drives are not suitable for wakesurfing due to the exposed propeller and exhaust, which pose a serious safety hazard.

Inboard boats

There are three types of inboard boats: direct-drive, V-drive, and jet boats. Direct-drive engines are located in the centre of the boat and are very efficient as they have fewer moving parts than other engines. However, the location of the engine box can take up deck space. V-drive boats are great for wave creation due to the weight distribution of the engine, with more weight at the stern. This frees up the mid-deck for use, with the engine usually covered by a padded deck at the back. Jet boats have become increasingly popular for wakesurfing. They have greater propulsion efficiency and are safer for marine life as the impeller is within the stern hull, meaning there is no external spinning blade.

V-drive boats

The weight distribution of the engine in a V-drive boat, with more weight at the stern, makes it great for wave creation. The mid-deck is also freed up, with the engine usually covered by a padded deck at the back.

When weighting a V-drive boat for wakesurfing, you will want to weigh down the side that you are going to surf on with a greater amount of ballast next to the engine. Then, add a smaller amount of weight directly in front of that, either under the seats or on the seats, still on the side you want to surf on.

Jet boats

However, jet boats do have some drawbacks for wakesurfing. The engine shoots water directly into the area where you are surfing, which can be unpleasant. The best way to avoid this is to use a twin-engine jet boat, where you can throttle back on the surf side jet.

There are a few other things to consider when setting up a jet boat for wakesurfing. Firstly, ensure you have enough ballast. A good rule of thumb is to start with at least 1200 lbs of ballast, placed as far back in the boat as possible. You can use ballast bags of different sizes, placed in compartments or on the floor of the boat. Secondly, a wake shaper can help to move the surf wave closer to the centre of the boat. Finally, a wake tower is a great addition, providing a high towing point and a place to mount speakers and a Bimini top.

Some examples of jet boats that can be used for wakesurfing include:

• Yamaha 242X E-Series
• Chaparral 203 Vortex VR and 223 Vortex VRX
• Chaparral 2430 Vortex VR and 2430 Vortex VRX
• Scarab 215 ID, 255 ID, and 285 ID

Deep-V hull shape

A Deep-V hull shape is an excellent option for wakesurfing. This type of hull creates a larger wake with a bigger section to surf on due to its ability to displace more water. The "V" shape of the hull cuts through choppy waters, providing a smoother ride and making it more fuel-efficient when ballasted down. This is in contrast to flatter hulls, which push water forward and can result in a bumpier ride.

The Supreme boat company has perfected the art of wake-making with their modified deep-V hull design, which includes their Tapered-V and EZ-V running surfaces. The Tapered-V Hull design lowers the rear of the boat into the water when weighted, creating more water displacement with less weight and, as a result, more intense waves and wakes. The EZ-V Hull, found on the S220 and S240 models, creates a surfable wave right off the trailer, making it an excellent choice for those new to wakesurfing.

Deep-V hulls also offer added security with taller gunnels, and they spray water outwards, which can be beneficial for wakesurfing. However, it's important to note that Deep-V hulls require more power and are not suitable for super shallow waters.

When setting up a Deep-V hull boat for wakesurfing, it's crucial to consider ballast and weight distribution. While weighting the stern of the boat will generally result in a more pronounced wave, distributing ballast evenly throughout the boat will improve fuel efficiency and stability. For wakesurfing, it's recommended to have 60% of the ballast in the back and 40% in the front. Additionally, adding wake shapers can further enhance the wave by delaying the convergence of the opposing wave, resulting in a bigger, cleaner, and longer-lasting wave.

In summary, a Deep-V hull shape is an excellent choice for wakesurfing due to its ability to create larger waves, provide a smoother ride, and displace water efficiently. With the right ballast and wake shapers, you can create the perfect wave for an enjoyable and safe wakesurfing experience.

Ballast tanks

To create the perfect wave for wakesurfing, you need to add weight to your boat. This is where ballast tanks come in.

Types of Ballast

Ballast can come in the form of ballast tanks, physical weights, or ballast bags that you fill with water. Ballast bags are portable and can be filled and stowed away as needed. They typically have a heavy-duty cover to avoid puncturing and have easy-access holes for filling and draining valves.

Ballast Configuration

The general rule of thumb is that more weight at the front of the boat creates a shorter wake but increases the length of the wake, and vice versa for weight at the back. For wakesurfing, only one side of the wake is used, so to increase the wake's size, you need to add more weight to that side of the boat.

The optimal ballast configuration places the majority of the weight (around 60%) at the back of the boat, with a smaller amount (around 40%) distributed towards the front to lengthen and smooth out the wake. This weight distribution also improves fuel efficiency.

Benefits of Ballast Tanks

Frequently asked questions