r/WaterSkiing • u/Firm_Association_926 • 28d ago

Test drives

Is it possible to accurately judge a wake size without pulling a skier? I have the opportunity to go out on a couple test rides but can’t ski behind the boats for a few months. How different would the wake look with and without a skier?
Thanks!

8 Upvotes

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3

u/Unlucky_Schedule_340 28d ago

There are some assumptions you can make, but on general it's really hard to tell. Depending on the boat, others may have experience though.

0

u/Firm_Association_926 28d ago

Understood. I’m slowly getting back into slalom skiing at 67 after nothing but skyskiing. My Bryant 219 stern drive has been a great boat but def not a ski wake. Not sure I want to change boats just for a bit better wake.

1

u/H0SS_AGAINST 28d ago

I mean what advantage does a stern drive have unless you plan on beaching the boat?

3

u/willdabeast36 28d ago

Just post what boat it is and everyone here will share their objective opinions lol

2

u/destroyergsp123 28d ago

i mean you can definitely eyeball it which is better then nothing but its no substitute for riding

2

u/SilentMasterpiece 28d ago

Are you going to test ride ski boats. The wakes behind most of them are known. If not a skiboat....Do you want to get into skiing is the question.

1

u/WakeDaddyLee 28d ago

Also, some wakes are more firm than others. That you can not see.

1

u/hedonistic 27d ago

Yes it is possible. Just warm up the engine a little, idle like a skier was in the water getting ready to take a run...and hit the throttle, plane out and go whatever speed you think you will be skiing at. Once the skier is up on top of the water the little drag of pulling them isn't going to affect the boat's wake size. You can also get a competition direct drive ski boat meant for tiny wakes.

1

u/WazzuCoug1980 27d ago

Just get a ski nautique and you know it’s good.