How To Choose The Best Inboard Model For You
When shopping for a boat, there’s a lot to consider. Where will you store it? How will you use it? And, perhaps most importantly, what will you name it? Before you think up your finest boating pun and plan your maiden voyage, you need to decide which model is going to be best for you…
If your daydreams involve wake, speed, and watersports, a towable, or inboard model, is right for you. Choosing the right inboard brand and model doesn’t have to be hard.
What Is An Inboard Boat, Anyway?
If you’ve been scouring the internet for the perfect watersport boat, you’ve likely discovered that boats are made with three types of engines: inboard, outboard, and stern drive or I/O (inboard-outboard). And each type of engine is used for different types of boats.
The primary difference between the three is where the engine is placed in the boat. You’ll likely see an outboard engine on a pontoon or fishing boat, whereas inboard motors are ideal for speedboats. While there are exceptions to these rules, you’ll find that specific boat models utilize one type of engine or the other.
Inboard engines are ideal for watersports, but not all inboard models are equal.
How To Buy An Inboard Boat
For most people, a boat is a huge investment, so it’s important to think carefully and make the right choice for your needs and situation.
Most towable boats are built for specific activities, so the type of inboard model you choose will depend heavily on how you plan to use it. Let’s break this down by activity:
- Waterskiing: can be done behind any boat, but a smooth wake is preferred
- Wakeboarding: can be done with specially designed inboard, sterndrive, and jet boats
- Tubing: can be done with most types of boats including pontoon and PWCs
- Wakesurfing: can be done with an inboard, jet, or specific sterndrive boats
Now that you have a clear idea of what features you’re looking for, it’s time to start thinking about the buying process. Our most important tip when it comes to buying a boat of any type is to work with your local marina.
Buy Local
Nobody knows our area’s waterways and market better than the pros at Main Channel. Not only can the sales staff help you find the perfect boat for your needs, budget, and situation, but as a full-service marina, you’ll have the help of the skilled service team and access to the amenities of the area’s largest marina.
- Service: If your boat needs service, you’re a quick call and trip away from a team that knows you and is trained in working with the brand.
- Peace Of Mind: Whether you’re buying new or used, you can rest assured that trained, experienced pros can help you get the best value for your money.
- Ease Of Process: Marine professionals can take the hassle out of the buying process. They’ll help you with the registration process, warranties, delivery, storage, service, regular maintenance, etc…
Which Inboard Brand Is Right For You?
There are a handful of manufacturers that specialize in watersport models, namely Malibu and Axis. At Main Channel, these are our preferred brands for customers looking to get out and make wake on our local waterways.
Did you know that our area’s inland lakes are ideal for watersports? Our local fresh waterways offer smooth, glassy surfaces creating better conditions and allowing for the appropriate amount of wake. Freshwater is also gentler on your equipment.
Malibu Boats
Malibu is known for crafting the best wakesurfing, wakeboarding, and waterskiing towboats. Their advanced technology, robust engine power, and sleek designs offer world-class performance on the water with the comfort and amenities of high-end luxury brands.
- Malibu’s patented “Surf Gate” technology allows you to control and customize the wake at the touch of a button creating unmatched experience for watersport enthusiasts.
- In-house engine production delivers fuel efficiency, performance, and reliability with less noise.
- The easy Malibu Operating System is a winner for new and experienced boat owners.
Ready to check out some Malibu models? Main Channel is proud to be the largest Malibu dealer in our area with new and used inventory in stock.
Axis Boats
Axis boats are the best surf boats on the market. They’re designed and crafted by the makers of Malibu boats delivering the quality and performance features Malibu is known for. If wakesurfing or wakeboarding are your kind of fun, Axis boats should be on your radar.
Beyond great value and style, Axis boats offer:
- The cleanest, quietest engines on the market using Malibu Monsoon technology.
- Customize your wake at the touch of a button.
- Create endless sets of perfect waves via the Surf Gate and even control the wave’s shape from your wrist with their Surf Band
The new Axis models offer you a completely customizable surf experience every time you’re on the water. Check out our selection of new and pre-owned Axis models today and make wake tomorrow.
Buy Today, Be On The Water Tomorrow
Like many markets in recent years, the recreational boat industry is seeing the ripple effects of the pandemic making both new and used inventory tighter. While that may mean long wait times or more time spent searching for some dealers, the Main Channel team is working to quickly deliver the hottest brands and models our customers are dreaming of.
If you’re ready to stop dreaming and start boating, the Main Channel team is here to help with:
- Two area locations in serving Northwest Indiana
- New and used inventory
- Unparalleled Sales, Service, Financing and Parts teams
- Authorized Dealer of Malibu, Axis and more
- Full-service marina
Contact us today to get on the water tomorrow!
