In the past, wakeboard towers were not a common sight. As times have changed, are now dominating the wakeboard scene. Even though most new wakeboard boats come with towers, many boaters are finding themselves purchasing aftermarket towers for their used boats.

Whether you are looking to purchase a boat with a tower, or wanting to add a wakeboard tower to your current boat, here are some things to consider to help you decide if you do need a wakeboard tower:
 
The Benefits Of A Wakeboard Tower
 
Wakeboard towers have many benefits to them:
 

• Wakeboard towers raises the tie off point of the rope, which allows for a rider to not be pulled down by low tie off points, which allows for more hang-time.
• Wakeboard towers free up more space inside of the boat, unlike an extended pylon, which is typically situated in the middle of the boat.
• Wakeboard towers provide ample space to place things such as speakers, wakeboard racks, and lights.
• Wakeboard towers provide additional support for riders when moving around the boat, as well as for getting in and out of the boat.
• Wakeboard towers enhance your boat, providing character to your boat.

 
Where To Buy Wakeboard Towers
 
Wakeboard towers are easy to find these days. Before making a purchase, however, it is necessary to consider who the manufacturer is of your boat and what kind of wakeboard tower will work for your specific boat. There are two kinds of wakeboard towers you can invest in. Custom wakeboard towers are built with your boat’s make and model in mind, while adjustable wakeboard towers are available for boat owners to install themselves. Although many times boat owners will go directly to wakeboard tower manufactures when deciding to purchase wakeboard towers, an excellent alternative and less expensive resource is OnlyInboards.
 
OnlyInboards has the largest selection of wakeboard towers on the Internet. We specialize in providing top of the line accessories in order to enhance your wakeboarding experience. Visit us to see how we can enhance your boating experience today.

With its growing popularity, wakesurfing is quickly becoming a preferred watersport for boaters all over. In order to ensure your wakesurfing experience is the ultimate adventure, there are 3 things you should know before venturing out into the water.

Know what kind of boat to use. It is pretty safe to assume that most wakesurfers are aware of what type of boat is ideal for wakesurfing. In the case that you may not be aware, wakesurfing is only safe when performed behind an inboard boat with either a V-drive or a direct drive. The reason for this is due to the fact that an inboard boat’s motor is located under the boat, meaning you are less likely to come into contact with the motor.
 
Know how to properly weight your boat. In order to create the perfect wake for wakesurfing, it is critical to know how this is done properly. The following are the 3 most popular ways to correctly and safely weight your boat:
 

• Factory Ballasts- While most boats come with factory ballasts, often times these do not create a big enough wake needed for wakesurfing. However, these are essential in creating wake safely and properly.
• Ballast Bags- The most popular way to create wake is by investing in ballast bags. These will help your boat sit lower in the water, but it is critical to know how to strategically place these in your boat in order to create the right amount of wake.
• Boat Passengers- The number of passengers you have onboard will play a significant role in your wake. By properly positioning your passengers in your boat, as well as evenly distributing the weight, you can potentially create the right amount of wake for wakesurfing.

 
Know what speed to use. When pulling a wakesurfer, the maximum speed that should ever be used is 12.5 mph, with 10 mph being the ideal speed. These speeds will vary, depending on the boat, but should be monitored closely in order to prevent any potential accidents or injuries from happening.
 
OnlyInboards is a great resource for all things inboard related. Visit us to view our used boat marketplace, or if you are interested in the best wakeboarding and surfing accessories around.

In the event that a boating emergency strikes, how prepared are you to take control of the situation? The following are the most common boating emergencies you should be prepared for before hitting the water:

Your anchor is stuck. Unfortunately, this boating emergency can happen often and can be a costly expense. In order to prevent this from happening to you, it is advised that you either set up a trip line or install a device like an Anchor Rescue.
 
Your propeller catches a line. This is another costly and unfortunate emergency. Typically when your propeller catches a line, you engine will stall, creating a potential emergency, especially when you lose power and steerage at the worst times. Be sure to have the right gear on board in order to help you with an emergency such as this one.
 
You get stuck in a storm. Mother Nature can strike at any time, sometimes without warning. In the event that you are stuck in a potentially dangerous storm, it is critical to apply your boating knowledge in order to prevent your boat from capsizing or from your passengers falling overboard. Always keep an eye to the sky and know the weather forecast before taking your boat out on the water.
 
One of your passengers falls overboard. These emergencies are not only common, but are also unpreventable at times. In the event that one of your passengers falls overboard, be sure to know in advance what to do, as well as ensure that you have the right safety equipment onboard.
 
Even though the boating emergencies are common, they are rare in occurance. While some emergencies cannot be prevented, it is always best to stay up to date on the best safety practices, as well as receive annual training to ensure you are well prepared.
 
OnlyInboards is a proud supporter of boaters and watersports, and is dedicated to ensuring you are as prepared as possible for the ultimate boating experience. Visit us to see the latest in inboard specific gear and accessories, or to view our used boat marketplace.
 

When you make the decision to go out on your boat tubing, it is critical to keep these boating safety and tubing tips in mind, especially in order to make sure your boating experience is safe and enjoyable:

Always use a personal flotation device. Not only is it always a good idea to wear your personal flotation device (PDF) while onboard the boat, it should go without saying that you should continue to wear it while in the water tubing, especially in the event that the rider becomes separated from the boat.

Know your equipment. It is imperative that not only you are familiar with the capabilities of your water sports equipment, but it is as equally important that your riders are as well. Be sure to follow to the manufacturer’s recommendations for water tubing capacity, as well as the recommended size, weight, number of riders, age limits, and maximum towing speeds.

Know your riders. It is extremely important to use common sense when it comes to the capability of your rider, especially when it comes to children. Even though sharp turns, high speeds, and big waves can be lots of fun, these things should never come at the expense of rider safety. 

Use a spotter. By designating one person onboard as a “spotter”, you can be sure that they can help you to keep a lookout for water tubing accidents, or to see if the rider has fallen off the tube, while you can continue to keep your attention on driving the boat.

Drive Responsibly. While enjoying a day of water tubing, it is critical that the driver should always maintain alertness, remain sober, and be aware of boating rules and regulations in your area. It is important to keep your distance from other boats in the area, especially when pulling riders. It is also critical to keep an eye out for additional water hazards such as rocks, docks, and buoys.

Use a secure tow line. With any water sport that requires the use of a tow line like in water tubing, it is important to always make sure that the tow line is securely tied before taking off. Also, check for signs of wear and tear, and replace when necessary.

To learn more about boating safety tips for tubing, visit OnlyInboards to view our inboard-specific boating resources.

No matter how much experience a boater may have, it is always a good idea to ensure you are well prepared and review the essential boating safety tips before each trip on the water.

Here is an idea of what to look for to ensure you are fully prepared:
 

• Plan accordingly for the weather. It is critical to be weather wise and know what the weather will be like before your departure, as well as during your time on the water. In the event that you are on the water and notice things such as dark clouds or lightning, it is important to get off the water as soon as possible.
• Use a checklist before departing. In order to ensure that you not only have the appropriate materials for your boating adventure, but also ensure that you are aware of the safety rules and regulations that you should follow.
• Designate an Assistant Skipper. It is critical to ensure that there is another person on board that is familiar with general boating safety, as well as know how to handle and drive your boat in case of emergencies.
• Use the appropriate safety equipment. Life jackets are a must, especially for any children or boaters who cannot swim.
• Take a boating course. By completing a boating safety course, you can ensure that you are familiar with the boating safety rules of operation before hitting the open water.
• Use your common sense. It is imperative to use your common sense in combination with your knowledge to ensure the best boating experience possible. Avoid doing things such as using unsafe speeds, distracted operating, and being respectful of other boaters and buoys.

 
These safety tips are to be used as a guideline, and in addition to other beneficial safety preparedness plans that you may already have in place. Always remember to let family or friends know what your float plan is, including when, where, and who is all on board.
 
OnlyInboards is the Internet’s largest inboard specific resource and marketplace. Whether you are in the market for a used wakeboard, ski, or inboard boat, or are simply looking to enhance your current one with our large selection of accessories, visit us today.

When it comes to buying a used boat, many buyers aren’t sure where to look or what to ask. While buying from a reputable site or seller is a good start, there are several things to look for when buying a used boat.

Look for mismatched paint. When this is apparent, it could mean that the boat may have been involved in an accident, or there have been repairs made to it. Be sure to ask about the reason why the boat was repainted, and look further into any repairs or accidents the boat was involved in, if any.
 
Look for water lines. By looking for a water line on the inside of the boat an don the engine, you can determine if the boat had any potential issues with taking on water in the past.
 
Check for vibration. When there is too much vibration on a boat, it not only makes for a noisy boat, but it can also mean that there is a bent propeller.
 
Make sure the trim functions. It is critical to ensure that the trim works on an inboard boat. This will allow for the boat motor to move from the down position, to an angled one.
 
Check for soft spots. It is critical to check the floors of the boat and the deck on the bow for any soft spots. This could be an indication of rotting. Another good tip is to smell the floors, which can help you in determining if there is mold or mildew on the boat, which typically indicates any prior leakage, water damage, or neglect issues.
 
Check the response time. When doing a test drive, test the steering from one direction to another in order to determine how long it takes the boat to respond.
 
Know the maintenance history. Perhaps the most critical piece of information is the boat’s maintenance history. Not only will you be able to determine what kind of shape the boat is in, but if it was well cared for by it’s previous owners, if there have been many maintenance issues with the boat, and if any unnecessary work has been performed on the boat. When a boat has had lot of repairs, it will typically translate into more dollars spent for you.
 
Look for extras. Certain extras are necessary on a boat, and it’s a big bonus if the owner has already installed these for you. Some extras to look for are things such as depth finders, marine radios, quality stereo systems, speed control devices, and life jackets. In many cases, trailers may be included in your purchase, but make sure that the trailer is in good condition as well.
 
It is always a good idea to obtain an appraisal and have a good idea of how much the boat is truly worth before making the purchase.
Only Inboards is the Internet’s largest inboard specific site, specializing in the sales of used inboard boats, as well as top-of-the-line accessories. Visit us to see what we can offer you and your ultimate boating experience.

Kneeboarding has gained popularity in its watersport counterparts. This is most likely due to the ability for riders of all ages being able to take part, as well as the easier learning curve that kneeboarding entails, since the rider is situated closer to the water.
 
In this watersport, which combines boogie boarding and skiing, the rider is situated on their knees on a kneeboard, which is contoured to fit the rider’s legs, and is towed behind an inboard boat by holding onto a tow-rope. Since this can be either an easy or difficult sport, all depending on your speeds, we have provided several kneeboarding tips.
 
Start with the “belly start”. By lying down on your stomach and holding onto the tow-rope handle with one hand and the kneeboard with the other, you can begin the process with a little more ease. Once the boat starts to speed up, then begin to pull your knees up, and tighten the strap with the hand that was holding the kneeboard. After that, you are all set to grab the tow-rope handle with both hands.
 
Slightly bend the elbows. In order to maintain control, it is best to ensure that when you hold the tow-rope handle, you aren’t letting it pull yours arms straight out. When you bend your arms, you are better able to control your kneeboard.
 
Know your balance. As you pick up speed, you will be more likely to bounce more. By edging forward on your board, you are maintaining balance and evenly distributing your weight on the board. Keep in mind, however, that you do not want to edge too much forward, as this will cause an overbalance, flipping you and your board over.
 
Go the right speed. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned kneeboarder, it is important to know what speed you can handle. Keep in mind, in order to experience the best ride, it is not necessary to go more than 10-18 miles per hour.
 
Use your board’s fins. Since kneeboards have fins that serve different purposes, it is best to test them out and see how they can help your kneeboarding experience.
 
OnlyInboards is the Internet’s largest resource for inboard boats, accessories, as well as resourceful information for boating enthusiasts. Visit us to see what we can offer you and your ultimate boating experience.

In observation of Earth Day this week, here are some tips on how you can help the environment by going “green” during your boating activities:

Prevent oil and fuel leaks. By keeping your engine well tuned and in good condition, you can ensure that you are preventing any current or potential oil or fuel leaks from occurring. One good practice is to place an oil absorbent pad under your engine in case of drips. Be sure to check these frequently, disposing of them as hazardous waste.
 
Prevent oil spills. When changing your boat’s oil, it is always best to use an oil pump to transfer your oil. Be sure to use a spill-proof container for the oil you are transferring, as well as wrap a plastic bag around the oil filter. This will prevent any oil from spilling into the bilge.
 
Prevent fuel spills. By slowly, as well as avoiding doing any topping off of your gas tank while refueling, you can eliminate any chances of potential fuel spills.
 
Never use soap for cleanups. When cleaning an oil or fuel spill, using soap is not only harmful to the environment, but it is also against the law.
 
Save your maintenance projects for the boatyard. By performing boat maintenance projects and repairs in the water, you are increasing the risk of potential waste being deposited into the water. Using things like tarps and vacuum sanders will help to contain the waste, and will allow for proper disposal.
 
Properly dispose of your waste. It is highly imperative that things such as batteries, oil and oil filters, antifreeze, and cleaning products be disposed of in a proper manner, and at a hazardous waste facility.
 
By ensuring that we are doing our part for the environment, we can prevent the deterioration and allow for the conservation of recreational lakes and waterways, allowing for the continued enjoyment that boating bring us.
 
OnlyInboards is a proud supporter of the boating world, and recreational watersports. Visit us to view the Internet’s largest inboard specific marketplace, or to check out our boating accessories.

When deciding to purchase an inboard boat, it is always best to fully understand if this is the right type of boat for your needs. While inboard boats are usually the top choice when looking for a boat for water sports, here are some things to consider when deciding if an inboard boat is right for you.

What Is An Inboard Boat?
 
Inboard boat’s engines are inside the boat, usually located in the middle or near the rear. Inboard motors are powered by a transmission that is connected to a driveshaft, which runs through the bottom of the boat, connecting to the propeller on the outside of the boat. With this type of engine, the horsepower for the inboard boat can range from 90 to over 1,000 HP, allowing for ideal speeds for performing water sports.
 
Benefits Of An Inboard Boat
 
Inboard boats are typically the best choice for water sports and recreational use for several reasons. Not only are they designed for taking those sharp turns, but are easier to accelerate than outboard boats. In addition to these features, inboard boats are ideal for water-skiers and wake boarders because of the ability for the propeller to be moved, allowing for safer access on the boat. Inboard boats are also easy and ideal for your passengers to get on and off the boat as well. Inboard boats do perform best when used in freshwater versus saltwater due to the difficulty steering and navigating at low speeds or in reverse.
 
Whether you are looking to simply relax or perform recreational water sports on your boat, inboard boats are one of the best decisions and investments you can make. It is important to consider your needs, as well as the locations in which you will use your boat in order to make the most educated decision for you.
 
Visit OnlyInboards to view our large selection of used inboard boats on the Internet’s largest inboard boat specific marketplace.

Buying a boat is more than just a purchase; it is a long-term investment that some boat owners are not prepared for. Before making this big decision, it is best to do your research and understand the costs related to boat ownership.

Insurance
 
Just like with any other vehicle, boat insurance is a must. It is a good idea to shop around before making your purchase in order to get an idea of how much your insurance policy may cost. In most cases when you are financing your boat, you will be required to obtain insurance before you are approved.
 
Gas Costs
 
Not only does your boat require gas, but so does your tow vehicle as well. In addition, keep in mind that upgraded engine options will burn more gas, in turn costing you more when it comes to gas. With gas prices constantly on the rise, this can be one of the more costly expenses to owning a boat.
 
Storage
 
During those harsh winter months, many boat owners may require the use of a storage unit. These can be pretty pricey, all depending on your location and the type of unit you wish to rent. These costs can be cut by storing your boat in your garage or on your property, but may not always be the best option.
 
Maintenance And Service
 
Proper maintenance should never be overlooked. With this being said, there are several expenses related to doing so properly. Not only do you need to maintain the exterior and interior of your boat, but you will also need to winterize your boat at the end of each season. Most importantly, proper engine maintenance is critical, especially due to the constant wear and tear associated with the starting and stopping while pulling skiers and wakeboarders.
 
Accessories
 
Whether you are looking to add a wakeboard tower, ballast system, or a wakeboard rack, who doesn’t want the best accessories for their inboard boat? Since watersports can be expensive hobbies, it is imperative to consider what types of accessories and features you desire for use on your boat before investing in your a boat.
 
Buying a boat is a big deal. Many times boat owners can reduce these costs by purchasing a used boat, instead of a new one.

Visit OnlyInboards to see our used inboard boat marketplace, as well as our large selection on inboard specific accessories.