A wake boat, also known as a wakeboard boat, surfboat, or tow boat, is a specialized watercraft designed to create large, well-shaped wakes for water sports such as wakeboarding and wake surfing

. Unlike traditional boats that aim to minimize wakes, wake boats are engineered to displace more water, producing bigger and better-shaped waves that riders use to perform aerial tricks and surf-style maneuvers

. Key features of a wake boat include:

• Hull Design: Typically a deep V-shaped or modified-V hull that helps displace more water to create large wakes

• Ballast Systems: Tanks or bags that can be filled with water to add weight, increasing displacement and thus enlarging the wake. Some boats can hold around 3,000 pounds of water ballast

• Wake Shapers and Plates: Adjustable devices that fine-tune the size and shape of the wake to suit different activities like wakeboarding or wake surfing

• Powerful Inboard Engines: Usually placed aft (rear) to add weight at the stern, enhancing wake size and providing the torque needed to tow riders

• Towers and Racks: Towers provide a high tow point for riders to get more air and perform tricks, and racks store boards and equipment

• Hydrofoil Technology: Some wake boats use hydrofoils to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency by lifting the hull partially out of the water at speed

Wake boats are generally larger than ski boats, around 18 to 25 feet long, and are optimized for creating big, steep wakes rather than the flatter wakes preferred for water skiing

. They are the preferred choice for wakeboarding and wake surfing because their design and technology produce wakes that serve as launching ramps for jumps and tricks

. In summary, a wake boat is a purpose-built boat designed specifically to create large, customizable wakes ideal for towable water sports, featuring specialized hulls, ballast systems, and powerful engines to enhance the wake size and shape