As a boater or water sports enthusiast, you may have come across the term “wake boat” quite often. Wake boats are different from regular boats as they are designed to create a specific type of wake, making them ideal for wakeboarding, wakesurfing, and other watersports activities that require a big wake.
So, from other boats? Let’s find out!
1. Purpose-built hulls
One of the key features of wake boats is their purpose-built hulls. These hulls are specifically designed to create a larger wake by displacing more water than ordinary boat hulls. Additionally, these hulls also have a deeper draft and a sharper angle to create a taller and more powerful wake.
2. Ballast systems
Wake boats come equipped with ballast systems that are designed to add weight to the boat, which in turn results in a larger wake. There are different types of ballast systems available, including hard tanks, soft ballast bags, and automated systems that can fill and drain the ballast tanks with the push of a button.
3. Wake shaping devices
Another distinguishing feature of wake boats is the wake shaping devices. These devices are designed to manipulate the shape of the wake by increasing or decreasing its size, shape, and angle. The most common types of wake shaping devices include surf tabs, plates, wedges, and flaps, which can help you craft a more perfect wake for your water sports activities.
4. Tower and racks
Wake boats also come with a tower and racks that are specifically designed to accommodate different types of water sports equipment. These can include wakeboards, wakeskates, kneeboards, wakesurf boards, and more. The tower provides an elevated point to launch from, while the racks keep equipment stored securely and easily accessible.
5. Powerful engines
Finally, wake boats are equipped with powerful engines that are specifically designed to handle the additional weight and drag created by the ballast systems and other water sports equipment. Most wake boats have V-drive or direct-drive inboard engines, which provide the necessary power and torque for creating a formidable wake.
The above-mentioned features distinguish a wake boat from a regular boat. A wake boat is specially designed to serve as a water sports vessel, providing enthusiasts with the ability to create enormous and customized wakes that are ideal for different water sports activities.