Can you wakeboard from a RIB? The Best Rigid Inflatable Boat for Wakeboarding & Waterskiing

In this handy guide, we break down the top four RIBs for wakeboarding, helping you to find the best rigid inflatable boat for wakeboarding.

Wakeboarding is an incredibly popular water sport that, along with waterskiing and inflatable towing sports, is best performed behind a boat with specific characteristics and qualities. These qualities empower wakeboarders to turn, move and do tricks from the wake behind a boat, whilst also providing a comfortable and safe experience for passengers onboard the boat.

While there are many brands who specialize in hard boats designed specifically for wakeboarding – including brands such as Supra and Moomba – here at Grand we offer rigid inflatable wakeboarding boats that combine ergonomic design, incredible handling and luxury features to deliver the ultimate water sports craft for wakeboarding fun.

To help you navigate our range of rigid inflatable boats for wakeboarding, we’re breaking down the best wakeboard boats and what wakeboarding boat is best for you.

What makes a good wakeboarding boat?

A good wakeboarding boat provides a large and constant wake, and is highly manoeuvrable, allowing the wakeboarder to move freely around the wake and perform quick turns, agile moves and tricks. Having a high performance engine and the right hull impact these wake conditions are so it’s important that they are optimised for wakeboarding. 

A good wakeboarding boat will also have lots of safety considerations; for instance the driver will need to have clear visibility of the wakeboarder behind them, while other passengers onboard the boat should be able to sit safely and comfortably within the boat as it travels and turns quickly and frequently.

What is the best hull for wakeboarding?

The best hull design for wakeboarding is v-shaped – in particular ‘deep V’ shaped hulls – and are often fiberglass. Hulls of this design cut through the water, allowing for a smoother, faster ride with less drag, which also makes them more fuel efficient.

Having a hull that sits deeper in the water also allows for the boat to create a bigger wake, further improving the conditions for a wakeboarder to ride behind.

Can you wakeboard from a RIB?

Yes, rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) make excellent wake boats thanks to their deep-v hulls and high power engine options that empower them to create large, consistent wakes optimal for wakeboarding and waterskiing. 

All of our rigid inflatable boats here at Grand are designed with fibreglass deep-v hulls that cut through all water conditions effectively and leave an ideal wake behind them. Our boats can also be fitted with ski poles or ski towers, as well as wake tower speakers by Fusion and lights to further enhance the fun, while throughout the boat ample storage means that wakeboards and ropes can easily be stored away. 

So, what is the best rigid inflatable boat for wakeboarding?

The best rigid inflatable boat for wakeboarding will ultimately come down to how many passengers you’d like to have, your budget, and the features and style you’d like your boat to have.

Grand D600: Best Overall Boat for Wakeboarding

SPECIFICATIONS

Length: 6.12m

Width: 2.5m

Max Power: 150 HP 

Passengers: 12

The Grand D600 is a worldwide bestselling performance-orientated RIB. Inspired by the love of speed and dynamics, this boat combines thrill and leisure to create a perfect boat for wakeboarding.

Factors that make the Grand D600 a great RIB boat for wakeboarding:

• Deep-V hull creates a large and consistent wake
• Open deck plan means that it’s easy to move in and around the boat, especially when carrying boards and wakeboarding equipment
• Large storage capacity under the deck and seating ensures that there is ample room to store away ropes, boards and wetsuits
• The optional t-top not only provides sunshade for drivers at the helm, but also creates space for boards to be securely stored up and out of the way.
• The option of sports jockey seats ensures an even more comfortable ride for passengers onboard
• At the stern, large swim platforms allow easy access in and out of the water – as does the retractable swim ladder
• Enhance your ride with the option of Fusion music entertainment speakers throughout the boat – these can also be attached to the wake tower for music while wakeboarding

Grand G750: Best Luxury Wakeboarding Boat

SPECIFICATIONS

Length: 7.3m

Width: 2.85cm

Max Power: 250HP

Passengers: 13

For luxury on the water, there is no better wakeboarding option than the Grand G750. A highly functional layout combines with modern comforts and a high-performance design to deliver an ultimate wakeboard ride that provides also the perfect base to relax and unwind on. 

Factors that make the Grand G750 a good wakeboarding boat: 

• The deep-v fibreglass hull cuts through water conditions efficiently, creating a beautiful wake
• Keep boards up and out of the way whilst on the move by racking them on the wake tower at the stern or the fibreglass t-top
• Move easily throughout the deck space – even while carrying your wakeboarding equipment – with the spacious, open internal layout
• Enhance the experience for your wakeboarders and passengers with a Fusion Entertainment speaker system throughout the boat and on the wake tower
• Large stern platforms and retractable ladder make getting in and out of the water easy and safe
• After a long day of wakeboarding fun, wash down with an onboard shower before unwinding at the stern where you’ll find u-shape seating around an entertainment table, as well as a tap and sink and in-built fridge-freezer. 

Grand G420: Best Small Wakeboarding Boat

SPECIFICATIONS

Length: 4.2m

Width: 1.98cm

Max Power: 60HP

Passengers: 6

Compact but mighty, the Grand G420 is a smaller RIB boat packed with power, and serves easily as an agile ski or wakeboarding RIB. It’s a popular tender choice for yacht owners looking for a boat that enables them to enjoy water sports too. 

Factors that make the Grand G420 a great RIB boat for wakeboarding :

• The deep-v fibreglass hull creates a powerful, consistent wake behind this smaller boat
• The G420 has high power engine options, further enhancing the performance of this RIB
• Storage beneath the seating allows you to easily stow away ropes, jackets and wakeboarding equipment
• Comfortable seating at the helm and additional space at the bow means passengers can sit safely and comfortable onboard while the boat moves quickly
• The maximised use of space ensures 6 passengers can fit safely on board, even while towing.

Grand S470: Most Economic Wakeboarding Boat

SPECIFICATIONS

Length: 4.7m

Width: 2.05m

Max Power: 70HP

Passengers: 8

Practical, spacious and lightweight, the S470 has high power engine options which, combined with the V-shaped hull, make for a small but effective wakeboarding boat.

Factors that make the Grand S470 a great RIB boat for wakeboarding :

• The open plan deck space means moving in and around the RIB easy, even when carrying boards and equipment.
• The ski arch not only makes for safe and effective wakeboarding, but also enables you to attach and store away boards whilst on the move. 
• The S470 also has the option to be configured in a Sports layout, with the ability to incorporate a jockey console and seating for more comfortable fast-paced journeys.

Conclusion: Using RIB boats for wakeboarding

Rigid inflatable boats empower excellent wakeboarding and waterskiing experiences – both for the riders and other passengers on board. 

Here at Grand, our RIBs are specifically designed with deep v-shape fibreglass hulls, wake towers, digital entertainment and navigation systems, ample storage and high power engine options, making them really great boats to consider when thinking about the best wakeboarding boat for you.

Take a look over our wide range of wakeboarding boats to find the one that suits your needs, or get in touch with our team to learn more.