Gliding across the water on a wakeboard or water skis is exhilarating, and it takes the right boat to get the most from the experience. If you’re purchasing a new boat, you’ll want to pay attention to a few factors to determine if it’s right for water sports. Here are some features to consider.

How to Choose a Boat for Water Sports

1. Size

Over- and under-sized boats will negatively impact the riding experience. Small boats with weak engines won’t be able to maintain towing speeds to keep skiers afloat, while boats that are near or over 27 feet won’t be able to accelerate quickly enough to tow someone.

Choose a middle-of-the-road boat with a powerful engine that can accelerate quickly. Around 20 feet is preferred, and you’ll have plenty of space to hold other passengers while they wait for their turn.

2. Horsepower

Horsepower measures how much power the engine can produce in relation to weight. Generally, you’ll need an engine with at least 60 hp to tow one skier. You’ll need to increase this amount depending on how many people will be on the boat, the size of the boat, and if you’ll be towing more than one person. A weak engine simply won’t get the job done, so dedicate a large portion of your budget to horsepower.

3. Wake Features

A large wake is a must for wakeboarders and skiers who want to do tricks and jumps. Look for a new boat with wake features, including wake tabs and towers. Tabs are plates that create a smooth, even wake behind the boat, and towers elevate the tow point to achieve similar results.

Are you ready to purchase a new boat? Silver Lake Marine serves Silver Springs, NY, and the surrounding areas and has provided quality options for over 40 years. They offer 100% customer satisfaction and carry boat parts, speed boats, and fishing boats. They also provide boat repairs, which you can learn about on their website. Call (585) 237-5185 to speak with a sales associate.