Articles
Promote Your Boat on our Social Media Channels
Increase the number of potential buyers that see your boat for sale by signing up for a social media promotion. We have several options you can choose from. We will post your boat to our OnlyInboards Facebook Page, Instagram Page and Twitter Feed. If you choose a boosted post, then we will also create an ad that will run on Facebook and Twitter for your boat specifically. This will be a Facebook and Instagram Promoted post featuring ONLY your boat. You will see the options below. The $20.00 base option will get you a social media post on all of our OnlyInboards.com social media pages. If you select the higher boost, for example the $35.00 option, then we will post to all of our social media pages as before, but we will also create a separate promoted post on Facebook and Instagram and spend $20.00 in advertising promoting just your boat. So if you chose the $85 option we would spend $70.00 promoting your post. Please see and choose from the options below. Ad view are approximate depending on time of year, etc. Ad views refer to the number of times your promoted post on social media will be viewed on social media. No Boost - $20.00 - Post to OnlyInboards Social Media Accounts only Boost $35.00 - Approximatedly 10,000 views on Promoted PostBoost $45.00 - Approximatedly 20,000 views on Promoted PostBoost $55.00 - Approximatedly 30,000 views on Promoted PostBoost $65.00 - Approximatedly 40,000 views on Promoted PostBoost $85.00 - Approximatedly 60,000 views on Promoted Post
Learn moreGet Your Boat Ready for Summer with this Checklist
As the new boating season approaches, wakesurf and wakeboard enthusiasts eagerly anticipate hitting the water and carving through epic waves. Proper preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and thrilling wake experience. Whether you're a seasoned wake boat owner or new to the sport, this article will provide you with essential tips and reminders to help you get ready for the new boating season. Perform a Thorough Boat Inspection: Start by thoroughly inspecting your wake boat to ensure it's in optimal condition. Check the hull for any signs of damage, including cracks, scratches, or gelcoat issues. Examine the propeller, rudder, and other underwater components, ensuring they are free from damage or debris. Inspect the tower, racks, and ballast system, ensuring everything is securely fastened and functioning properly. Identifying and addressing any issues beforehand will help prevent problems on the water. Maintenance and Service: Schedule a maintenance service for your boat to ensure all systems are in proper working order. This includes checking the engine, electrical system, fuel system, and steering mechanisms. Change the oil and filters as recommended by the manufacturer, and inspect belts, hoses, and clamps for wear or damage. Proper maintenance ensures reliability and performance throughout the season. Test and Calibrate Electronics: Check all electronics on your boat, including navigation systems, GPS, depth finders, and stereo equipment. Test them to ensure they are functioning correctly and properly calibrated. Verify that the speakers are working and that all connections are secure. Clean and Detail: A clean boat not only looks great but also performs better on the water. Thoroughly clean the exterior of your boat, removing any dirt, grime, or residue. Use boat-specific cleaners to protect the gelcoat and other surfaces. Pay attention to the interior, cleaning upholstery, carpets, and storage compartments. Consider applying a protective wax or coating to keep your boat looking its best throughout the season. Prepare Your Gear: Inspect your gear, including the board, bindings, and tow rope. Check for any damage, such as cracks or loose fins, and replace or repair as necessary. Ensure the tow rope is in good condition, without frays or weak spots. It's also a good idea to inspect and inflate any floatation devices, such as tubes or buoys, ensuring they are ready for use. Having your gear in top shape guarantees a safe and enjoyable experience. Review Safety Measures: Safety should always be a priority when boating. Review and refresh your knowledge of safety measures, including boating regulations, navigation rules, and emergency procedures. Ensure you have enough properly fitting life jackets for all passengers on board, and that they are easily accessible. Check your fire extinguisher and first aid kit, ensuring they are fully functional and stocked with the necessary supplies. Review hand signals and communication methods to enhance safety while on the water.
Learn moreYour Personal Boat Advisor Service: Guiding You to the Perfect Vessel
Navigating Your Boat Options Navigating the vast sea of boat options can be as complex as sailing through stormy waters. That's why we've introduced our exclusive Boat Advisor Service, designed to guide you to the perfect vessel that fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget.Meet your personal Boat Advisor, an expert with years of experience in the boating industry. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a first-time buyer, our advisor is here to make your boat buying experience smooth and enjoyable. Contact Your Boat Advisor Today Ready to set sail on this exciting journey? Your Boat Advisor is just a text or email away.Text: Simply send a message to (309) 306-2880 and we'll get back to you in a flash. Why Choose Our Boat Advisor Service? Personalized Guidance Your Boat Advisor will take the time to understand your unique needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly cruiser, a sporty speedboat, or a luxurious yacht, we'll find the perfect match for you. Expert Knowledge With an in-depth understanding of various boat types, brands, and features, our advisor can provide insights that are tailored to your specific requirements. We'll help you navigate through the technical jargon and make an informed decision. Exclusive Connections Our Boat Advisor has access to a wide network of reputable sellers and exclusive deals. We'll connect you with the right seller, ensuring a seamless and trustworthy buying process. Time-Saving Convenience Finding the right boat can be time-consuming. Let us do the heavy lifting for you. Your Boat Advisor will shortlist options, schedule viewings, and even negotiate on your behalf, saving you valuable time and effort. Complimentary Service Yes, you read that right! Our Boat Advisor Service is available to you at no additional cost. We're committed to helping you find the perfect boat without any hidden fees or charges. How to Contact Your Boat Advisor? Ready to set sail on this exciting journey? Your Boat Advisor is just a text or email away.Text: Simply send a message to Advisor's Phone Number (309) 306-2880 and we'll get back to you in a flash.
Learn moreTop 5 Most Iconic Wakeboard Towers in Wake History
First off, this is an opinion piece. So if you think we are wrong or missed something please write us and let us know. If we agree we will add your tower to the list. The first company to ever put a wakeboard tower on their boats from the factory was Correct Craft in 1996. Since then, there have been hundreds, if not thousands, of different tower designs and innovations from aftermarket and OEM manufacturers alike. Some have been excellent and some not so much. Here is our list of top 5 most iconic and industry changing towers in wake boat history. Number 5 - The Roswell Telescoping Tower on the Nautique Paragon Series Boats. https://youtu.be/nZdg7o4J3BE This is the first tower that you can raise and lower while still using the boat and also the first tower you can tow down the highway without having to fold up the bimini top. You can also pull riders no matter what position the tower is in, creating a truly versitile tower and one of the biggest innovations we've seen in tower design in quite some time. 4. Centurion Maximus Tower Now, we know this one may be a bit controversial but when this tower came out I was pretty blown away. The biggest innovation that this tower brought to market was the ability to color match your boat and tower directly from the factory. With the fiberglass inserts bolted on to the tower, you could be sure your tower and boat gel coats matched perfectly. The majority of the tower itself still only was available in black or white standard, but with the addition of the fiberglass inserts, you had way more options to make your boat pop. 3. Mastercraft ZFT Tower - 2007 - 2011 Probably not the best image but if you were wakeboarding in the mid 2000's you could see this tower from far away and know it was a Mastercraft. Built in swivel and clamping racks were what really set this tower apart. No one did that in 2007. Mastercraft had the patent on their design and didn't see any real competition in swivel clamping racks until the mid 2010s, for about 15 years!! Plus the "blade" style rear sides were something that had not been done on any tower yet. Okay... in retrospect we know that this tower wasn't actually all that great. It needed reinforcents to keep it from rattling and shaking, the swivel racks were hard to replace and if you have one of these towers currently, good luck finding any racks or a bimini that fits. But, you cannot argue that this tower is one that you will always know. 2. Malibu Illusion X Tower This is the tower that changed everything. Malibu came out with the Titan Illusion tower before this which was a tube style forward arching tower that didn't really catch on. But once they had Metcraft redesign this using cast aluminum an icon was born. This was the first widely accepted forward arching tower and it came out in 2004 on the Malibu 23 LSV. Within a few years, pretty much every manufacturer had changed their designs to capitalize on the forward arching cast aluminum design trend. To this day we still see this exact design being used on runabouts other boats. This was one of the first boats to have rack specific mounts vs traditional racks that clamped onto tower tubing. 1. Nautique Flight Control Tower 2 Most people don't realize this but the tower pictured above is actually version 2 of the iconic Flight Control tower and was used on their Super Air Boats until 2008 and on their Air Nautique boats even longer. In my opinoin this is the OG wakeboard tower that really started it all. With the FCT 2 Nautique decided to put some more styling into the tower design vs just the step ladder look that you had on the original Flight Control towers and Mastercrat Zero Flex towers. The result was a tower that was sturdy (for the time), relatively easy to fold and that allowed a wide assortment of accessories. There are a few honorable mentions here: Titan III tower - Still one of the best looking tube style towers ever built and incredibly sturdyTige Alpha Z tower - Beautiful continuation of the Malibu Illusion X design and offered in many additional colors to match your boat.Monster MTK tower - This not an OEM tower but it deserves recognition as the best looking forward arching universal aftermarket tower (that is also affordable) on the market. 'Pavati Tower - All aluminum design that really flows with the boat and includes built in speakers. Again, if you have others that you think deserve to be on this list let us know by using the contact us form!
Learn moreOwning an Inboard Boat
Owning A Boat Owning a ski or wakeboard boat is an incredible experience. Hitting the lake with friends and family on warm summer days, teaching your kids to get up on skis or a wakeboard for the first time, getting in good slalom runs and landing your first wake to wake jump are all incredible experiences that you can share with others by owning a wakeboard or ski boat. However, before you decide to buy a ski boat or buy a wakeboard boat, there are a few things you should consider. You might have heard the sayings that boats are "holes in the water, into which you throw money" or "the happiest day of a boat owner's life is the day they buy the boat and the day they sell it." These sayings certainly are on the negative side of boat ownership, but what you should realize from these quotes is that boat ownership can be expensive. There are many expenses that you will need to consider before purchasing your boat such as depreciation, maintenance, storage, gas, insurance, towing, registration, taxes, launch fees and accessories. All of these can certainly add up and take a big hit out of your wallet. The good news is, it's all worth it! As the owner of two inboard boats, I can honestly say that owning a wakeboard or ski boat is a blast and an enjoyable day on the lake makes all of the other things seem miniscule. But, again... before buying, you need to understand what is involved. Maintenance - Maintaining a ski boat is not as difficult as say maintaining a sailboat. Proper maintenance of your inboard boat should not be overlooked. In fact, one good fundamental of owning a ski boat or owning a wakeboard boat is to do whatever you can to reduce the amount of depreciation of your boat, you should maintain your boat in pristine condition. A boat in great overall condition (interior and exterior) will always command a much higher price on the used boat market and it meticulous care of your boat will always show to any potential buyer helping to put them at ease when making an offer for your boat. That being said, there are a few important elements to proper maintenance. Engine Maintenance - it's pretty simple really. Always make sure your motor has plenty of oil and have the oil and filter changed every 50 hours or 120 days of use, whichever comes first. If you don't use your boat for 50 hours a season, I'd recommend making sure you have the oil changed every year at least. You also need to make sure that all of your other fluids are always full. Pulling up skiers and wakeboarders means consistent stopping and starting which can be tough on the engine. That is why making sure you properly maintain your engine is very critical to ski and wakeboard boat ownership. Winterizing - You will also need to make sure that your boat is properly winterized at the end of each season. Not properly winterizing your boat can be very damaging, especially if it is stored in temperatures that reach freezing. Below is a checklist on how to properly winterize your boat. This information is designed to provide a basic summary of what needs to be done in order to properly winterize an inboard engine. If you don't understand any of these instructions, it is recommended that you contact your local dealer for clarification or let them service your boat. -Add stabil to your gasoline -Run engine up to operating temperature and make sure all gauges are functioning properly while attached to a garden hose or fake-a-lake -Shut engine down after it reaches operating temp (140-160) -Drain manifolds, the block, trans cooler, v-drive (if applicable) and any other areas that receive cooling water -Reinstall plugs and run the engine to add non toxic antifreeze and fogging oil -Check all plugs for antifreeze -Tighten plugs and reattach any unattached hoses -Spray fogging oil on any moving parts (shift cable, throttle cable, etc) and on the battery terminals after the battery is disconnected -Remove water from Speedo lines and drain ballast tanks (if applicable) These instructions are only for winterizing the engine and don't include heaters and showers. As stated before, if you are unsure of what you are doing, contact your dealer for further assistance. Interior Maintenance - replacing the interior of a ski or wakeboard boat can be very expensive. Small tears and split seams can easily turn into bigger issues if left unchecked. This is why it's always best to maintain proper care of your boat's interior. There are a few ways you can do this. The first, and generally most important is to keep it out of the sun! Obviously when the boat is in use, it will be getting a lot of sun. But when you are storing it, you want to make sure that the boat is covered, and preferably, stored indoors. If you are unable to store indoors, try to store it under a carport or similar structure. You should also clean the interior of your wakeboard or ski boat regularly and use UV protectant. This will help minimize the fading caused by UV rays when you are in the sun. After each use, make sure to wipe down the boat completely and don't cover the boat up until the carpet is dry, otherwise you will get mildew and an unpleasant smell. Exterior Maintenance - At the beginning, halfway, and end of your season, we recommend waxing your boat. A good application of boat wax will help protect the gelcoat on your wakeboard boat or ski boat for many years. If Wiping down the exterior of your boat after each use is also highly recommended. Proper exterior maintenance can keep your ski boat or wakeboard boat looking new for many many years. Storage - You need to consider storage space when buying a boat. Where will you keep it in the off season? Where will you keep it between uses? If you are considering buying a lift, that is another added expense. There are several types of off season boat storage options available for your ski boat or wakeboard boat. If you have room, you can store it in your own garage or yard. There are storage units available in most areas, or warehouses for boat and RV storage. Many marinas offer winter storage as well in boat racks or in their boat yard. Whatever you do for the winter, make sure that 1) your boat is properly winterized and 2) that it is protected from the elements. This means that if you are storing it outside, the boat is shrink wrapped. We strongly discourage storing any inboard wake or ski boat outside during the winter months at all, but if it must be done, make sure that it is at least shrink wrapped for protection. All of these things can add up in cost. A typical indoor non climate controlled (the most typical) storage will run about $1.50 per foot per month (at least in our area). Shrink wrapping can cost as much as $400. So make sure you understand these costs when your purchase your boat and have a plan ready. Other costs of owning a boat - As soon as you buy your new wakeboard boat or ski boat, you are going to be hit up with some immediate expenses like boat insurance, taxes and registration fees. Not only that, but you are going to need a vehicle to tow the boat. Other costs will include gas, not only for your boat but for your tow vehicle as well. Boat accessories will be a factor. Many new wakeboard boats come with accessories such as wakeboard towers, wakeboard racks, ballast, perfect pass, etc. But on some older models, you might be forced to purchase these products yourself, thus adding additional expense. Not only that, but wakeboarding equipment such as wakeboards, wakeskates, wake surf boards, wakeboard bindings, wakeboard ropes, water skis, water ski ropes, fat sacks... all of these cost money... and generally they aren't cheap! We're not trying to scare you away from buying a used wakeboard boat, new wakeboard boat, used ski boat or new ski boat. Quite the contrary! We know that owning an inboard boat can be an incredible experience and for those of us that are lucky enough to have the financial ability to own a boat, I would highly recommend it! Just be ready for what lays ahead so you aren't hit with surprises!
Learn moreSelling a Ski or Wakeboard Boat
There are several things you should keep in mind as you prepare to sell a boat. First, make sure that your boat is in tip-top shape before you advertise its availability. This is key as potential buyers in the market for a used boat will always gravitate towards boats in good shape verses one that looks bad. Become familiar with all of your obligations as a seller. When it is time to make the sale official, do it properly, and get it in writing. Most importantly, remember how you want others to do business with you. Be courteous, and respectful. Dealing with your potential buyers in an open and honest manner will prevent any misunderstandings, and will ensure an agreement which benefits both parties. Once you are sure that you want to sell a boat, take the time to make sure it's clean. A neat and tidy wakeboard or ski boat is a thousand times more appealing to a prospective buyer than a boat that is messy and filled with trash. Obviously, at some point you are going to need to take pictures of your boat. It is wise to make the boat spotless. All cosmetic work that is necessary should be done, and all repairs ought to be finished by the time you are ready to start advertising your wakeboard boat or ski boat for sale. Also, keep in mind as you are taking your pictures that people who are looking at boats to buy do not care to see additional people or objects in the picture such as tubes, skis, wakeboards, etc unless they are included in the sale. If only the boat is for sale, then make sure that your boat is the only thing included in the photo. This is known to be the most professional and effective means by which people can show the condition of their boat. When you are putting together your boat listing, you may want to look into boat reviews as well for information about your model. There might be some good reviews about your boat that could help sell your boat. The next step in selling your boat is getting the word out. There are several ways in which you can do this. If you want to do it on a local level, you will have access to the boat classifieds listings in your local newspaper. You can also use brochures and flyers, as well as a 'For Sale' sign on your boat. If you would like to advertise to a national audience, you can try to place your ad in a national boating publication. One example which would be a good venue for advertising is Boat U.S. Magazine, a marine publication which is read by thousands of boaters who are looking for used boats and boats for sale. Obviously one of the best sites to advertise on is a featured listings on OnlyInboards.com. Other avenues you can take are marina bulletin. Good old-fashioned word of mouth has also been known to sell many a boat, as you never know who might know someone who is looking to buy a boat. After you have gotten the word out about your used boat, be prepared for responses. Have a complete list of the accessories that go with the boat readily accessible. If you’re selling a wakeboard boat, prospective buyers are going to want information about wakeboard towers, ballast, wakeboard racks and any other wakeboarding accessories that might come with the boat. Some potential buyers even request a picture of the wake itself. People who are looking into buying a boat will have many questions, and it is always wise to be overly prepared when they ask. There are a few documents that any informed buyer would want to see. Be ready to show them your original bill of sale and your certificate of documentation or state title. Many buyers will first ask to look at the boat's maintenance and repair records. They are obviously concerned about the shape that the boat is in, and these records will go a long way towards reassuring them that your boat is in fine condition. In addition, buyers may want to know how much insurance you have typically spent on the boat, so that they may budget properly. It is vitally important that you are available for buyers as they try to contact you. You risk losing the sale of your boat if you are hard to contact, or if you do not respond immediately to phone messages or emails. Nothing beats doing business with an actual person, so it always increases your chance of sealing a deal if you are able to make direct contact with the potential buyer. Keep track of who contacts you, and the discussions you have with them. Remember that as a seller of a used ski boat or used wakeboard boat, you are obligated to do certain things. A potential buyer might request to have your boat inspected by a marine surveyor. Generally, if you are dealing with surplus boats this is not necessary. They may also want the engine looked at by a marine mechanic. This will usually involve haul-outs and sea trials. The good part is that these expenses are paid by the buyer. A buyer's willingness to pay these expenses will usually show a commitment to your boat. People looking for used boats for sale are going to have a lot of questions as well. Remember that although you are not required to volunteer information to the buyer, you are also not allowed to conceal information that may lead to an unsafe boat. You would be wise to alert the buyer to any major problems with the boat. If an accident were to occur after the buyer has bought your boat, you may be haunted by previous repair records or complaints to the manufacturer. Again, if you follow a policy of openness and honesty when trying to sell your boat, you and the buyer will always be better off. While it is probably very appealing to enter into a gentlemen's agreement, never agree to the sale of your ski or wakeboard boat based on a handshake, or something that is less formal than a contract. Write a sales agreement in which you outline the terms of the sale and the obligations of both the buyer and seller. Cover yourself by asking the buyer for cashier’s or certified checks for both the deposit and the final payment. Settle on a closing date that works well for both of you. Make it clear which personal items you wish to remove from the boat, so that there is no confusion once the ownership of the boat is handed over. Selling a boat should be a very easy, carefree matter. With the increasing popularity of water sports like wakeboarding, wake surfing, and jet skiing, thousands of people are now looking to find the tools necessary to enjoy themselves on the water. If you are wise with how and where you advertise your boat, you will no doubt soon find a buyer.
Learn moreBuying a Ski or Wakeboard Boat
Buying a Wakeboarding or Ski Boat If you are planning on buying a boat for wakeboarding or skiing, there are several things you should think about before you begin the purchasing process. Making sure that you think about the important aspects of buying a boat before you begin shopping will prevent any confusion or stress. First, you need to have a very good idea of what type of boat you are looking for. When it comes to wakeboarding, there are several boats which will get the job done. Next, you will need to decide who you should buy from. Finding the right dealership, and then the right sales person, is crucial in making yourself the proud owner of your ideal boat. You will also need to figure out the prices you are interested in. Boat pricing is an important part of the equation. Finally, you should consider the likelihood that you may end up needing to buy a used ski boat or used wakeboard boat. There are several ways to make sure that buying a used boat is a wise decision. If you are not fortunate enough to make it to a boat show, then you will need to visit boat dealerships in your area. Be open and willing to consider all brands that may offer what you are looking for. You can also visit online boat classified sites like OnlyInboards.com if you want to buy a boat. The great thing about OnlyInboards is you can search through a bunch of great used ski boats and compare prices. Of course, taking the time to research all of the different brands of boats is essential to making a wise decision. This will end up being a big purchase, so it is vital that you are confident in what you are doing. Confidence only comes after gaining knowledge on the subject. Know your ski and wakeboard boats. Know which brands make certain boats. Because you are looking for a boat that will best serve your wakeboarding and skiing needs, there are certain brands with which you will need to become familiar. As you shop for a wakeboard or ski boat, you will encounter three categories of boats. They vDrive, Direct Drive, and Crossover boats. You will need to become familiar with what distinguishes each type of boat from the other. Before you can choose what type of boat you are looking for, you need to figure out what type of Watersports you will use the boat for. If you mainly water ski, then a direct drive boat will be for you. If you are a serious wakeboarder, then you’ll want to look into a vDrive boat. If you are going to be doing a lot of different activities, a crossover boat would be a wise choice. When you start looking for a boat, keep in mind that you will be approached by many sales people who need to sell you the boat you have been looking for - or even the boat that you have not been looking for! Beware of excessively smooth talkers, and people who are overly aggressive. Remember that you are the one who is in control. You are informed, and fully aware of what you need and what you don't need. Try to find a dealership who already has a solid reputation. Keep in mind that you will most likely be working with this person (and his or her company) for as long as you have your boat. Not only do you want the boats to be clean and attractive, but it is also important that the store that you are visiting is kept in good condition. You also need to make sure that the people who work there understand where you are coming from. Be sure to find out whether or not they will be able to repair your boat, and if they will be able to do it in a timely manner. Most important, though, is to find a dealership which staffs people who are sincerely interested and passionate about boating and, ideally, water sports as well. Find out as much as you can about them. If you can, try to find someone who is also a fan of wakeboarding, waterskiing, or whatever water sport you are interested in using the boat for. This will immediately make you feel more comfortable in your conversation and the salesperson will more than likely be able to provide some insider information on the performance of the boat in those areas. It will also make them excited about showing you what they believe might be the boat for you. Expect them to tell you how a certain boat will most benefit you on the water. Then find out all that you need to know about the boat they have decided to show you. Because you are buying a new boat, you will have fewer issues to concern yourself with than if you were buying a used boat. The condition of the boat, both on the interior and the exterior, should be nearly perfect. The boat should have a new engine. As mentioned, it will be particularly beneficial to you if the dealership from whom you are buying your boat is able to do engine maintenance. If you are not ready to buy a new boat yet, you should consider buying a used boat as pricing is always better. Most dealerships have a good number of used boats in their shops. Make sure that you pay attention to the service records of a used boat. These will give you a good idea of how the boat has been treated. If you can, find out a little bit of something about the previous owner. Did they treat the boat well? Did they keep it on a regular schedule of maintenance and checkups? Trust your instincts when it comes to buying a used ski boat or used wakeboard boat. Perform an impromptu inspection on the boat, even if you do not consider yourself an expert on the subject. Look carefully at the upholstery and the carpet. Check for signs of extremely heavy wear. It's generally believed that if the upholstery is in rough shape, the rest of the boat is probably not in good shape. It is very important to search the floor for soft spots, as these are indicators of rotting stringers. Find out if the stringers are fiberglass or wood - if the boat is older, it probably has wood stringers, and it may be beyond repair. Try to find a boat that has fiberglass stringers. Also, check the hour meter, as this should give you a good idea of how much wear and tear the boat has received. If you are about to buy a ski boat or buy a wakeboard boat, remember, it should be a fun experience. It should also be a thoughtful, patient process. Once you have found the perfect boat for you and your budget, you will be able to enjoy all of your favorite water sports. Have fun and go buy a boat from OnlyInboards.com
Learn moreSki Boat Lifts
Those of you who are lucky enough to own waterfront property will want to seriously consider getting a boat lift for your ski boat or wakeboard boat. In fact, if you own a waterfront property, I'm going to go out on a limb here and say you should and can afford to get a boat lift. Please don't leave your ski boat or wakeboard boat left in the water all season! You have several options when considering a boat lift for your ski boat or wakeboard boat. There is a stationary or in ground lift and a floating lift. The in ground lift is for shallower water that doesn't fluctuate in water levels that much whereas the floating lift is much more equipped for deeper waters that tend to fluctuate in water levels throughout the season. You will also have options on the hoist itself. You can have a manual or hydraulic hoist. A manual hoist is just that, you have to manually crank the boat out of the water. It's not as difficult as it sounds due to the physics of leverage applied to the crank but it can be tough on some people. The hydraulic hoist uses electricity to automatically crank the boat in and out of the water. Obviously this is the most expensive option. You will also have other options such as lift covers or maybe you are even considering building a boat house for your inboard boat. Whatever type of lift you are looking for, below is a list of some of the most popular boat lift manufacturers. ShoreStation Boat Lifts - Since 1959, Shorestation has been manufacturing lakefront boat lift and marine hoist systems and are considered one of the top manufacturers in this industry. Hewitt Boat Lifts - We are more than confident that you will find the service, quality, workmanship, and design of all HEWITT products to be the marine industry's finest. For over 30 years, boat and watercraft owners have trusted the safety and longevity of their investments to HEWITT lifts, docks, and canopies.
Learn moreTypes of Inboard Boats
Direct Drive Boats vs. vDrive Boats (wakeboard boat vs ski boat) What type of inboard boat is right for you? There is no one perfect answer to this question as every boat owner has unique needs and engages in different activities. But generally speaking, if you water ski, get a direct drive inboard boat, if you wakeboard, get a vDrive inboard boat. But for most of us it's not that simple. My guess is that 90% of the inboard wake and ski boat buyers out there do some sort of combination of wakeboarding, skiing, and other sports. So, where does that leave you, the one considering a new or used inboard boat? Hopefully, these articles can help. vDrive Boats - vDrive boats came on the scene as wakeboarding and similar sports created the need for larger wakes that the direct drive boat was not suited for. Because the motor is located in the rear of the boat, vDrive naturally produce larger wakes than their direct drive counter part. vDrives are generally considered the best type of wakeboard boat. Direct Drive Boats - Direct Drive boats are the traditional inboard boat. Originally built for competition water skiing, they are designed to create the smallest wake possible in most cases. However, with the recent explosion of wakeboarding, that currently does not always hold true. There are many models of direct drive boat that will get the job done for wakeboarding as well as water skiing. Direct Drive boats are generally considered the best type of water ski boat.
Learn more