Wakeboarding is an exciting sport for everyone onboard. The surfer gets to dominate the powerful wakes in your vessel’s tow, and you get to zip along the water to increase the thrill at every turn. Wakeboarding is anything but a passive activity, which means it tires everyone out. The last thing a crew of wakeboarders wants to do is spend their boat time sitting on rigid seats, walking on hard, slippery flooring, and not having any creature comforts around.
Well, it’s completely within your power to make your wakeboard boat more comfortable and fun for those long days on the water! Consider the following top upgrades and see what would make a great fit for your vessel.
1. Upgrade Your Seating for Maximum Comfort
As the boat driver, you absolutely need a comfortable, supportive seat. You’ll be racing along the water, feeling the dips, turns, and jolts more strongly than the person you’re towing. Therefore, if your seats aren’t up to par, your back and neck might suffer the consequences.
Likewise, wakeboarders need relaxing seats they can sink into and enjoy while they wait for their turn on the water. To make sure your vessel’s seating is the best it can be, focus on upholstery, cushioning, adjustability, and suspension.
High-Quality Marine Upholstery
Consider investing in premium-grade, waterproof marine upholstery. These materials are designed to withstand water and UV exposure while providing plush support for you and your passengers.
Reclining or Adjustable Seating
Upgrading to seats with reclining or adjustable options can really enhance relaxation. For example, swivel captain’s chairs give you flexibility to shift your position, allowing you to follow the action on the water or socialize more easily.
Bolstered Seat Cushions
A great budget-friendly addition is to invest in bolstered seat cushions. These provide extra padding and raise the seating height slightly, giving passengers a better line of sight over the water.
Seat Suspension for Shock Absorption
Finally, it matters what your seats rest on. If they’re currently on a fixed pedestal, that won’t provide much shock absorption. As a result, all the vibrations and jolts from the boat’s traveling will transfer into your body, leading to fatigue after a long day. You can avoid this scenario by investing in a hydraulic boat pedestal, such as the acclaimed Smooth Moves Ultra. This device adapts to your boat’s movement, preventing you from bouncing around on your seat with every wake you hit and stopping energy transfer from affecting your spine.
2. Install Foam Decking for Comfort Underfoot
Say goodbye to slippery, hard fiberglass flooring. Foam decking is the way to go for wakeboard boats. This flooring provides better grip, improving safety for everyone onboard. Better yet, it’s comfortable for bare feet, even under the hot sun.
Plus, you can get this foam decking in cool colors to elevate your boat’s style and make it a more entertaining, exciting place to enjoy water sports. With self-adhesive backing, foam flooring has a straightforward installation and is a practical upgrade that adds value to your boat.
3. Add Shade With a Wakeboard Tower and Bimini Top
The sun is great, but your wakeboarders are getting enough of it on the water. For safety and comfort, they need a bit of reprieve, which is why an onboard shade solution is so important. A wakeboard tower with an integrated Bimini top offers both sun protection and functionality.
You can quickly deploy a Bimini top for shade and fold it away just as easily when you don’t need it. This feature keeps the deck cool and provides relief during midday heat. Plus, many wakeboard towers also include attachments for mounting lights, wakeboard racks, or additional accessories. This upgrade is both practical and stylish, enhancing your boat’s profile while keeping everyone comfortable.
4. Invest in an Upgraded Stereo System
Everyone loves to listen to their favorite hype songs while they ride the wake! And as the driver, you can appreciate the entertainment value of a great playlist. That’s why an upgraded stereo system adds another comfort dimension to your boating experience.
Replace your standard boat speakers with high-quality marine-grade speakers. A subwoofer is a fantastic addition to create a rich, full sound that keeps the vibe alive, even as wind whips through the vessel.
5. Install Built-In Coolers or Upgrade Your Ice Chest
What’s a day on the lake without cold drinks and snacks? A built-in cooler or an upgraded portable ice chest will keep your refreshments chilled and easily accessible.
Some wakeboard boats come pre-fitted with a cooler compartment under the seating. If yours doesn’t, consider adding one to save space on the deck. But if you prefer a portable option, invest in a high-quality cooler that will keep things chilled all day long.
6. Add USB Ports or a Charging Station
We all rely on our devices, even on the water. Having a fully charged phone, speaker, or GoPro is key for communicating with people on land, taking photos, supplying entertainment, handling navigation, and more. If your wakeboard boat doesn’t already have charging ports, this is a great upgrade to make.
7. Upgrade Your Lighting Setup
Lighting sets the mood and promotes safety, both of which are important for an epic water sports adventure. Your boat can benefit from the following lighting upgrades:
- underwater LEDs for a glowing effect around your boat
- ambient deck lighting to set the mood for evening cruises
- spotlights or floodlights for better visibility during night-time docking
8. Improve Climate Control With a Boat Heater or Misting System
Stay comfortable no matter the weather with climate control upgrades.
Boat Heaters
A marine-specific heater is great for crisp mornings or evening rides. Compact systems use the engine’s coolant to provide warm air without adding much weight or taking up space.
Misting Systems
For hot summer days, a misting system installed on your wakeboard tower can keep you cool and refreshed. These systems are easy to install and use very little water.
9. Add Custom Storage Solutions
Keeping your boat organized not only looks great but also makes every outing smoother. For instance, we highly recommend installing wakeboard racks. Premium racks designed for wakeboards or skis give you more room on deck and keep gear secure. Though, as we mentioned, many wakeboard towers come with built-in storage for this purpose.
You can also add custom inserts or bins under the seats to store small essentials like sunscreen, towels, or fishing gear.
Upgrade Your Wakeboard Boat Today!
With these top upgrades, you can make your wakeboard boat more comfortable, which contributes to creating an unforgettable experience for everyone onboard. Shop around to find the best products to elevate your vessel, but if you’re interested in seat suspension, you’re already in the right place. Smooth Moves is here to make all your wakeboarding outings as comfortable and supportive as possible. Browse our website for more information, and get in touch if you have questions!
