What to Look for When Buying a Wakesurf Boat
Published on Jul 02, 2025
It’s officially 1,000 degrees outside and, honestly, there’s never been a better time to buy a wake boat. Unlike a lot of other boats, wake boats are an extremely versatile option, as they allow you to spend time waterskiing, relaxing, and (of course) wakeboarding.
Gull Lake Marine has wake boats for every skill level, every activity, and all kinds of passengers.
So, let’s talk about how you can find the perfect boat for your family. What should you look for in a ballast system? What should you expect out of your boat’s performance? And, above all else, what kind of experience will your boat deliver to your friends, family, and riders?

How to Find the Best Wakesurf Boat
Whether you want to speed around the lake, surfing/wakeboarding/skiing, or cruise with your family, a wake boat can deliver. But, before you pull the trigger, you’ll want to be certain you’re choosing a boat that meets your current – and future – needs:
Local Dealer
You’ll want to work with a local boat dealer when buying your wake surf boat. By buying local, you can be confident you’ll be guided toward a boat that will be ideally suited to the local area. On top of that, you get the convenience of having a trustworthy place for all your future education, repairs, winterizing, and storage needs.
Performance
Whether you’re in the market for a wakesurf boat or a ski boat, you want to be sure that the boat you buy meets your needs. Wave height, wave shape, wake shaping, ballast system, and speed will all play a major role in how much enjoyment you get out of your boat. So, before you decide, you’ll want to read up, get to know the jargon, shop around, and talk to a professional with years of experience. There’s much more to learn about wakesurf boats than just color combinations!
Budget
Naturally, your budget is going to affect the brand, model, and build quality of the wake surf boat you choose. At Gull Lake Marine, we offer two major options: Malibu Boats and Axis Boats. With the ability to deliver boats to our clients’ unique budgets and expectations, we are Michigan’s go-to source for wakeboarding boats, watersports, and summer fun.
Key Features of Malibu Boats
Wake Plus Hull
When it comes to creating surfable waves, your boat’s hull is crucial. Malibu’s Wake Plus Hull is precision-engineered to create exciting, ideally shaped waves. With the Wake Plus Hull, you can cater to every skill level, so none of your riders are left out.

Ballast
Malibu allows you to fine-tune your boat’s ballast tanks, which is a surefire way to create exactly the kind of waves you want. Want to launch off of super steep waves? Or need practice on long, gentle waves? Malibu’s got you covered.
Surf Band
With Malibu’s Surf Band technology, surfers are in control of the waves. It’s no longer necessary to shout your preferences up to the boat’s driver. Instead, you can easily adjust the surf, wedge, and speed via a band attached to your wrist.
And, of course, there’s so much more to learn about! Malibu’s Power Wedge, Monsoon Engine, and Command Center are all distinctives that set the brand apart. If you want to learn more, we encourage you to dive into the manufacturer's website to read about the technology, build, and customizations you can request to ensure you purchase the perfect wakesurf boat.
Looking to Buy a New (or Pre-Owned) Wake Surf Boat?
Right now, prices are the lowest they’re going to be, so there’s never been a better time to buy a boat. Whether you’re shopping for a wake surf boat, a pontoon, a center console, or any other style of boat, you can be confident that Gull Lake Marine has a brand for you. So, come visit our expert sales team today to see what’s available!
