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.