Re: Wakeboarding Boat
I'm not what you would call an "avid" wakeboarder, but I have been doing it for 20 years and do it almost everytime out!!! Anything I add will have exceptions, my statements are from my experience and can be considered "narrow". I learned behind a Champion Bass boat with a 200HP Mariner XR4.
Outboards...usually has the power and the space, just not the wake. Fat-sacs can be added, but you loose interior space/performance.
I/O...No power issues, decent out-of-the-box wake, can have great space because of engine layout (rear), which adds to the wake; Wakeskating would be a no-no for me as the you're too close to the outdrive at very slow speeds (not sure if you mentioned any interest in this, but with a direct-drive or v-drive, not an issue.) Fat-sacs can be added for additional weight but affects handling more than a onboard ballast tanks and they take up an immense amount of deck space.
Direct-Drive: Typically cheaper than a V-Drive, less interior space (motor doghouse in the middle). Handles straight, has great take-off. (most likely your sweet spot for the best $ to boat ratio). Some of the ones built in the last 10 years might have internal ballast tanks and generally are distributed evenly throughout the boat so handling is not affected as much as an I/O. A well cared for one does tend to hold it' value vs. an I/O, everything else being equal (year, motor, size, etc...) Limited steering when reversing (left only if I remember correctly?) Can wakeskate safely!!
V-Drive: Very similar to a Direct Drive in function with the exception the motor is located at the rear of the boat with a V-drive transmission mounted fore of the motor (under deck). A lot of the same features as a D-Drive along with a lot of the same handling characteristics. Can wakeskate safely!!
Good Luck with purchase...as others have stated, (paraphrasing) condition should trump brand name. Towers can be added, avoid boats with wood and catch some big air.
