June 28, 2006

Budget Wake Boat Breakdown Chart, V1.1!

Everyone likes a chart and a graph every now and then right? I agree. And since one of the most common topics I read about is "what boat can I afford with x-dollars", I decided to chart it. Please keep in mind that this is not a fully comprehensive listing of everything under the sun (Supra alone had my head spinning - they offered several large bowrider during the 80's - each of which would serve as a great budget-concious wake boat; Saltaire, Mariah, Conbria, Santera and Sunsport) but it does cover the set of boats that have been around for a long time, and for which there is a lot of data to support the assertion that they are excellent choices for individuals who are interested in buying a boat that will be used exclusively for wakeboarding.

The chart shows what are generally considered to be the best used boats that perform exceptionally well for wakeboarding-specific use. In many cases, these models evolved to become high-end wakeboarding boats. The individual boats' locations, left to right on the chart, show the estimated price range one should expect. The prices are estimated - you may find prices lower and you will find prices higher. This is meant to give you a general idea of what they cost, and how that cost compares to other boats in this small category. Newer branded & wakeboard specific boats were left out on purpose.

I hope this is useful to anyone looking to buy a wakeboard boat, and can not - or will not, buy brand new. I non-scientifically consider "budget" to be approximately half of what the average high-end wake boat costs right now. That figure is reflected in the chart, but that 1/2 figure is the far upper end of the price scale, so don't worry.

Click on the thumbnail to view the full version or download/view the chart directly here.

Posted by erik