Which boat is better for wakeboarding?

[bcnumber1]

Hi all. I am in the process of researching boats to purchase by the summer. I am a college student so my budget is set pretty low, pretty much 4K and below. I have a bunch of friends that wake board and I got hooked on the sport so now I am looking for a good starter boat that will satisfy my needs for novice wake boarding. As I've read the threads, it seems as the best situation for a start boat is a I/O with at least 3.0L preferably 4.3L engine. In my recent searches I have found a 1989 18ft Ebbtide Riviera with a 4.3L Mercrusier, for $3,999. I have also found a 1989 19ft Regal 190 with a 4.3L Mercrusier for $3,495. Both are I/O. I have not looked more in depth then what has been listed on the web ad. I am just wondering if either of these boats are worth looking more into. Both seemed to be in good condition for their age but I can only tell from there pictures. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Also I was given a 1979 Renken TriHull with a 1970's(not sure of exact year) Johnson hydroelectric 85 Hp outboard engine. I have cosmetically cleaned it up (replaced the carpet, replaced the seats, replaced steering wheel and steering cable) but the engine has problems. I don't know if I should try selling it or trading it in. Any advice on this would also be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[JUSTINTIME]

Re: Which boat is better for wakeboarding?

1989 19ft Regal 190

 

[bcnumber1]

Re: Which boat is better for wakeboarding?

I just found out that the Regal has soft spots in the deck, but the engine is in good shape. How much of a concern is this deck problem?

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Which boat is better for wakeboarding?

Does your college have a water ski club? Join it instead. Is there a local boat club by nautical toys. Save your $4000 and ski with friends. If not, wait for a deal on an old ski supreme, ski tique, or ski natique -- they will be easier to keep going on a college student budget. Then, when you can afford it, get a nice boat.

Oh yeah, what's your college student budget tow vehicle? That is a major factor.

 

[bcnumber1]

Re: Which boat is better for wakeboarding?

I'm from upstate NY so there isn't any clubs around. There isn't a lot of wake board boats on the lakes that I go to(primarily the finger lakes and Syracuse area lakes). I have access to a tow vehicle so that is not a problem. Does anyone know of any good listings in this area for older wake board boats?

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Which boat is better for wakeboarding?

I would watch the craigslist (google it) in your area for an older inboard -- ski natique, supra, malibu, mastercraft, ski supreme, moomba. On older (86-90) open bow malibu sunsetter would be sweet.

At least on a college students budget you will only be worrying about maintaining a v-8 engine, versus an engine and outdrive of an IO.

Plus, the v-8 is probably the most familiar engine. So, it would be the easiest to find people to help you work on it.

 

[bcnumber1]

Re: Which boat is better for wakeboarding?

This may seem like a dumb question but which is easier (inboard vs I/O) to maintain? Also This boat would be used for more than water sports, it would also be used for fishing.

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Which boat is better for wakeboarding?

Inboard is easier to maintain. Its basically a v-8 car engine bolted onto a simple tranny with one shaft going through the bottom of the boat. They are also far superior for all kinds of towing.

With the IO, you have a car engine to maintain, as well as a outdrive to maintain, with its own gears, lubricants, and hydraulic system. Two complicated components, twice the opportunity for expensive repairs.

However, you just introduced another variable -- fishing.

Where and what kind of fishing? Will you need to trim the prop up for shallows, and if so don't get an inboard.

Fishing plus wakeboarding argues for an IO or even an outboard, IMHO, but the better the boat is for fishing, the less likely I would think it would have a good wake for boarding.

Best of luck to you -- there is a good compromise boat out for you somewhere.

 

[John_S]

Re: Which boat is better for wakeboarding?

I agree with SickWilly, you are having diverging requirements.

What type of fishing? Occasional recreational, like anchored bait fishing, or more bass fishing, where you want a bow mounted trolling motor, or trout fishing the finger lakes w/downriggers?

There is a Syracuse Craigslist. I occasionally check it, and seldom see any inboard Ski type boats on it. Your price limitation would be a challenge for any that did hit the board.

Whatever you choose will have some limitations. I think you would have to compromise to a 17-18' bowrider I/O w/4.3L (preferably vortec) or 19-20' w/SBC V8. The V8 will be prefered to keep the boat at those sub-planing speeds, especially when you have a number of people with you. Just adding a removable wakeboard tower or pole, will eat up a chunk of money.

Probably your best bet, is to find a friend with a wakeboard boat, and save for a couple of years so you have more options.

 

[bcnumber1]

Re: Which boat is better for wakeboarding?

I have discussed the topic of buying a new boat with my parents and we decided that were are just going to buy a new used boat for the entire family (used for recreational fishing and water sports) so now the allowance has gone up to $12k. I'm looking primarily at the 18-20 ft range with at least a 4.3L, primarily in the 90's era. I would probably buy a pylon, or attempt to make one from some of the forums I've read about. I would want to add some weight to the boat for the added wake but I also wonder if there are any products out there for I/O engines that are similar to the power wedge of an inboard? I thought I saw something like that on an I/O as I was browsing through boats.

 

[John_S]

Re: Which boat is better for wakeboarding?

If you really want to add ballast like the specialty wakeboarding boats do, I think that will put you in a 5.0L or 5.7L. If you still want to go with a 4.3L, get a latter model that has vortec heads. These engines will have 25-35hp over the early non-vortec heads. I believe they came out around '95, but you will need to confirm engine, because a '95 boat may have a '94 or even earlier engine. The SBs started going vortec in '96, and would be more desirable, but the non-vortecs still had plenty of torque for what you want to do.

IMHO, for a decent compromise boat, you should be looking for 19-20', late 90's Bowrider I/O, with a 5.0 or 5.7L engine. Make sure it is a Volvo or Mercruiser drive. Start looking at every one you can find within your area. Selection will be slim until late March/Early April. Take the time to read allot of the info in the I/O forum. If I happen to see something down my way (1 hour south of Syracuse) or on Craigs List, I'll send a PM.

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Which boat is better for wakeboarding?

On the power wedge, I have only seen that as a factory option. I for one would never install one that the boat manufacturer did not specifically build the hull to accommodate.

Your better option is to add weight with a ballast system.

However, you have many hours of learning before that will become necessary. Just get the boat and enjoy for a while before worrying about a tower and weight.

 

[bcnumber1]

Re: Which boat is better for wakeboarding?

Imported John S- I'm from Vestal, I dont know if you know of any other classified options, the press and sun seems to have nothing as of now. Thanks for your help.

Sick Willy- thank you for the help, I really started getting interested in boats this past summer so I'm learning as much as I can. I do have a friend that has a ski boat so I plan on bumming off him as much as I can but I still plan to turn our boat into a wakeboard/fish over time. thanks again.

 

[John_S]

Re: Which boat is better for wakeboarding?

"I'm from Vestal"

Well, that means we are much closer I live in Tioga county.

There is a Binghamton Craigs List, but usually doesn't have allot of boats.

Monitor the online Pennysavor Adds, too.

When it warms up, stop in an see Hanafins. He has a couple of used that might fit your 4.3L requirements: http://www.hanafinmarine.com/searchresults.html?SEARCH2
The pricing is somewhat high and you cn usually negotiate them lower.

PS: If you find something you really like, I might be able to give it a look over.

 

[oops!]

Re: Which boat is better for wakeboarding?

ok wrench into the plans.........

im a cheep so and so.......

one thing no one has mentioned.......re fit that old tri hull you got.....

there is enough guys on here that know what they are doin with johnnys...that 85 hp you got...will be screeming that ol tri like its a hydro plane.....

i learned on one of thoes old boats and an 85 is more than enough to board...youll have to make a tower......and for fishing lakes...you wont find much better boat than that ol tri.......

ill bet you could fix that boat for under a grand......next season.....( 09 ) if your in better financal standing...go to a wake boat......

right now if you want one of them tournament wake boats.....its 25 grand......ive seen old ones as low as 7900........

thats why that old one you got is just fine.....it will be cheep on gas.....youll have lots left for beer and girls.

cheers
oops

 

[bcnumber1]

Re: Which boat is better for wakeboarding?

The trihull's outboard has had a lot of problems. It's also a hydro-electric shift which I know will be harder to repair then any other outboard. I still would love to fix it and get it to run, but I rather save the money for other things. I don't think this is appropriate section to post a thread about the engine problem...