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.
 

In order to create the perfect wake for your wakesurfing experience, you must first recognize how to produce wake. Since wake is created when the boat moves through the water, it is important to properly weight, depending on what type of wake you desire. For example, when there is more weight in the front of the boat, the shorter the wake is in height, and vice versa when the wake is placed in the back of the boat.

For ideal wakesurfing conditions, you must increase the size of the wake on the side of the boat depending on which side you will be wakesurfing. With this being said, you must increase the weight on the side of the boat you plan to wakesurf on.
 
Here are tips on how you can properly weight your boat for wakesurfing:
 
Factory Ballasts
Typically, wakeboarding specific boats come with factory ballast systems already installed on your inboard. While some of these ballast systems will required the use of more weight in addition to the system, it is critical to check with your boat’s manufacturer to ensure you are not exceeding the recommended weight limits.
 
Ballast Bags
By adding ballast bags to your boat, you will allow for your boat to sit lower in the water. You can also distribute these bags to one particular side, providing a bigger wake. Before you decide to invest in ballast bags, it is important to how much additional ballast you will need where you will need it on your boat. For optimal wakesurfing wake with the assistance of ballast bags, it is ideal to include the majority of the ballast weight in the back corner of the boat, with smaller amounts of ballast distributed towards the front, which will create a lengthier and smoother wake.
 
Passengers
It is always a good idea to consider the amount of passengers you will have on your boat before adding any additional weight, keeping in mind that extra weight means less ballast. Ensure that all your passengers are properly seated, depending on the type of boat you have, and are situated in a safe and comfortable place.
 
Not all boats are created equal. It may take time, as well as trial and error, to figure out what works best for you and your passengers.
 
OnlyInboards is a leader in providing inboard specific resources, as well as the Internet’s largest used inboard boat marketplace. Visit us to view our selection of top-of-the-line accessories, as well as helpful resources, or simply if you are in the market for a used boat.

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.

Over the past few years, water sports have gained in its popularity. A good example of these popular and newer evolved water sports is wakesurfing, which is the use of a unique combination of wakeboarding and surfing in which the surfer rides the waves created by a wakeboard boat, all the while attached to the boat.

Since wakesurfing is considered an easier water sport for the rider than wakeboarding, people of all ages are picking up this recreational sport. Like with any new recreational activity you try, it is always best to understand the tips for a safe wakesurfing experience before hitting the waves:
 
Have the appropriate equipment. In order to enjoy the full wakesurfing experience, it is best to ensure you have all the right equipment on hand. This requires things such as a wakesurf board, a towrope, and an inboard specific boat.
 
Decide which way you want to surf. By understanding which way you wish to surf, you will have a much better experience and will most likely not fall off your board right away. If you are unsure of which way you should stand on the board, then take a moment to notice which way feels more comfortable and will have more control for you before getting on the water.
 
Let the boat do all the work. Just like in wakeboarding, let the boat do the work for you when it comes to getting up and going.
 
Use the rope. Since wakesurfing is meant to be enjoyed just like you are surfing the ocean, it is best to only use the rope as your guide, or when in the event that you going to fall or lose a wave.
 
Ride big waves. By ensuring that all the people, objects, as well as the ballast are all located on the same side of the boat that your are surfing on. This will work to create those big waves for your ride.
 
It is imperative to always remember to only wakesurf while on an inboard boat. Other types of boats are not designed for this particular water sport and can cause major safety issues.
 
OnlyInboards is the Internet’s largest inboard specific used boat and boating accessories marketplace. Whether you are in the market for a used inboard boat, or are simply looking to enhance your boating experience, visit us today.

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.

Buying a boat can be a fun and exciting experience, however, it is important to consider all of the pros and cons, as well as what your budget is when making this big decision. Prevent buyer’s remorse by avoiding these common buying mistakes.

Failing to understand your needs. It is imperative to decide first and foremost what you will be using your boat for. Whether you are looking for a boat for water sports, fishing, or both, you must consider how many people will it need to hold, and what types of activities it will be used for.
 
Buying too quickly. It is important to not make your decision too quickly. It is imperative to shop around and explore your options. By jumping into the first boat you see, you may not only be losing out on saving money by finding a better deal, but also missing out on a boat that mat better fit your needs or wants.
 
Buying from the wrong place. With all the available options out there, it is important to but a used boat from a reputable source, like OnlyInboards. Not only will they be able to help you ensure you are getting the best deal, but they are professionals in the industry and can be a great resource tool for your buying needs.
 
Not doing your research. When you have made a decision or are narrowing down your search, it is essential to perform a thorough check into your “potential” boat. Make yourself knowledgeable about it’s history, including any repairs and service history, as well as the owner history or accident reports. A detailed history can easily be done by simply obtaining the Hull Identification Number (HIN), which is typically found on the insurance paperwork or the title and registration and run it through a background check database. By doing this before you purchase your boat can save you time, money, and potential problems in the future.
 
As always, it is also important to know the rules and regulations in regards to boating in your state, especially when it comes to licensing and safety requirements.
 
Contact OnlyInboards, the Internet’s largest inboard specific website, to view our additional boating resources and tools, and to view our selection of used boats and accessories.

When it comes to protecting your property and the people around you, it is important to know the right questions to ask. This especially rings true when it comes to the safety of yourself and the passengers on your boat. As it is when buying insurance for any type of asset, it is difficult to gauge what kind of insurance to buy. Here are some questions you should ask before making that decision.
 
Do they offer salvage assistance? Unfortunately, this situation can happen to almost anyone. Whether your boat ends up underwater or in someone else’s yard, most often due to unforeseeable events by Mother Nature, it is important to know who will be covering the costs to retrieve your boat. Since this type of coverage usually requires an additional premium, not everyone sees the necessity in salvage assistance, so it is up to you to determine if this is something you must have.
 
Does my insurance cover liability claims? Most policies do include liability coverage, but it is essential to know for sure. Since liability insurance covers events such as property damage, injury to others, lawsuits, and other unfortunate incidents like fuel spills, this will protect you from potential legal issues. You should also be sure to make sure this type of coverage includes water sports liability, in which any bodily injury or property damage will be covered in the event of an accident while water skiing, wakeboarding, or tubing.
 
Does my policy include consequential damage coverage? According to the Boat Owners Association of the United States, a good boating insurance carrier will provide “consequential damage” in your coverage. This type of coverage will protect you from catastrophic events like fire, sinking, explosion, collision, or stranding.
 
Are my personal possessions covered? Since recreational boaters are likely to have items like water skis, wetsuits, or fishing equipment onboard, it is important to have personal property coverage to these items in the event they are damaged or lost.
 
It is always beneficial to shop around and ask other boaters what insurance carriers they suggest. By looking into several options, you can prevent potential hassles in the future.
 
OnlyInboards is the Internet’s top source for wakeboard boats, ski boats, and inboard boats. Visit us to browse our large selection of boats and accessories for all of your boating needs.

1. It's easy to find someone to teach you

Just like when a skier or snowboarder buys the lift ticket and lesson pass to hit the mountain for the first time, there are plenty of people who are great at teaching wakeboarding around the world.  More likely than not, there is someone in your city who coaches the sport so you can learn without picking up any bad habits or bad experiences.

2. You can choose to use a boat

Even if you can't find anyone who owns a boat, you can check out a Cable Park to get started.  Cable Parks are set on small lakes and involve 2-5 towers posted around the lake with around six carrier systems pulling people in circles around the lake.  There are generally ramps and rails in the water that people use for tricks, just like in snowboarding and skateboarding.  Once you fall off, you take a short swim to the shore and line up for another turn.

3. It's a social sport

You get to know your friends well by spending countless hours in the boat with.  These friendships transfer to a large network of people who love boating.  Even better, wherever you are in the world, there is usually someone stoked to take you wakeboarding in their hometown.  It's one really big community.

Where to start

Only Inboards is the web's number one source for wakeboards, wakeboard boats,

ski boats, inboard boats with wakeboard towers,wakeboard racks and wakeboard towers. Start your wakeboarding with Only Inboards!