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.

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.