Power needed to wakeboard

S

SeaDave

Well-Known Member
Joined
18 Jun 2007
Messages
198
Location
Surrey
Visit site
Hello

What sort of power is needed to pull a wakeboarder? I've only ever been dragged behind a small wakeboard boat on a lake and they are obviously quite nippy in terms of acceleration.

My sea ray 225 has a 2.8l mercruiser (from memory approx 180bhp) which is good for 32 knots on a good day.

Would it be any good and also bear in mind there's no tower but there is a ski rope fixing.

Thanks
 
It's not speed that you need for wakeboarding, it's acceleration. One way to find out for sure - find a wakeboarder and drag him behind you. He'll quickly tell you whether or not it's any use
 
[ QUOTE ]
It's not speed that you need for wakeboarding, it's acceleration. One way to find out for sure - find a wakeboarder and drag him behind you. He'll quickly tell you whether or not it's any use

[/ QUOTE ]

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif that had occurred to me /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif I thought it might be a little less effort asking first though haha
 
Like alt says, it's the person that counts. Personally, the acceleration of an Exocet still wouldn't get me up on a wakeboard (I've tried behind competition skiboats and I still can't do it). My missus gets up no problem behind our 3m tender with a whopping 15hp on tap. She even got up once behind a 2.7m airdeck with only 8hp, though she did complain it was a very slow pull-out.
 
You'll be fine, we used to manage behind a 22ft Monterey with a 120hp diesel!!

Never boarded with a tower either, ski hook did the job though!
 
Change the prop, on my Sea Ray a 16 inch gives loads of low down grunt but cuts the top end while a 19 inch gives better cruising speed but takes a little longer to get up.
 
'salright, unless the wakeboarder is at extremely basic level.
Mind, a good wakeboarder would be able to stay attached till the speed builds up no matter what, even behind a ferry.
It's only the slalom monoski that really requires acceleration (and speed: your 32kts wot is just about what's required for a slalom course - and surely you couldn't keep that while pulling a skier).
 
cheers guys - I don't want to change the prop as it's only going to be used for this occasionally and I need the top end.

Sounds like a goer and I'm pleased with Wiggo and Chas' experiences.

I shall do this imminently.
 
you also need some wake! So a slower speed and a larger deadrise will help, but I think Searay is ok. Regals are very good.
You can try pushing the leg out a bit too. Without a tower just bear in mind the boarder is being pulled downwards, not upwards, so full thong removing somersaults might be off the repertoire.
 
[ QUOTE ]

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif that had occurred to me /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif I thought it might be a little less effort asking first though haha

[/ QUOTE ]

If you want a willing volunteer either me or the Mrs would be very happy to oblige, Have wakeboard + all the gear as well if you don't! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top