What they are able to do with this Cobalt R33 Surf boat is basically offer a two-in-one situation: The family that wants to use a traditional runabout so they can do everything they normally do, plus it’s able to surf, which has been really favorable. 

The key feature of Volvo Penta’s Twin Forward Drive system is that the props are mounted on the forward side of the drive rather than facing aft on the traditional stern drive. So it pulls the boat through the water, rather than pushing it. 

An added benefit of the props facing forward is that they’re working in clean water, which adds to their efficiency and even top-end speed when you’re working with the surf package. When you trim the forward drives up they actually direct thrust down, dropping the stern of the boat further into the water, increasing the displacement and helping to produce a larger wave to surf on. 

In fact, with the Twin Forward Drive system on a boat as big as the Cobalt R33 surf, you don’t even need a ballast system. With Volvo Penta’s Duoprop system that means it has counter-rotating propellers, which help when you are handling at the dock, or trying to load the boat on the trailer, making it that much more maneuverable. 

Volvo Penta’s Joystick Surfing system is a fantastic feature to have on the boat. It really helps with closed-quarter handling around the docks or in the marina and now the operator can use this to control the boat with one hand while in Surf Mode.

Volvo Penta also includes autopilot so you can set your Waypoint and follow a route just by pressing a button. In their partnership with Volvo Penta, Cobalt optimized the R33 Surf to create a clean and adjustable wig that’s ideal for surfers of all levels. Cobalt has long been one of the gold standard companies for building day boats. 

The beauty of having the surf package in the day boat is you get all the benefits and cruising comfort of having a boat of this style. You can overnight on it and you can bring your whole family aboard, plus you can surf from it.

Learn More:

• Volvo Penta Unveils Joystick Surfing
• Find Your Next Cobalt R33 at River Valley Marine

The post Discover Unmatched Versatility: Cruise in Comfort and Surf in Style With the Cobalt R33 Surf Powered by Volvo Penta appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

The Regal 38 Surf is unique in the boating world—a model unlike anything else on the water. So versatile is the 38 Surf that not even the title of world’s largest wakesurf boat does it full justice. It also entertains, hosts overnights and fishes. Read on to learn how.

Engines

The magic in much of the 38 Surf stems from the integration of twin Volvo Penta ­forward drives. Working closely with Volvo Penta, Regal designed the 38 Surf to make it easy to use. In surf mode, the drives work in tandem to offset each other and create a wave on either side of the 38 Surf. Simply push a button, and this boat is ready for endless-wave fun without having to worry about ever adjusting ballast tanks (there aren’t any) or micro-plate-position shifting. By adjusting the trim of the drive units, the shape and size of the wave can be customized to suit different riding styles and preferences. The pictures tell the story: This boat creates great waves. A rear-facing camera in the 38 Surf’s hardtop gives the captain a view of the action on the helm display, so monitoring when a rider falls is easy. (Still assign a spotter though!) Just note, because the 38 Surf is so much bigger than other surf boats, its waves are longer, and a normal-length wakesurf rope often isn’t long enough. ­Lengthening your rope will make it easier for riders to get into the pocket of the wave.

Interior and Accessories

With its center-helm design, the 38 Surf features steps leading to the bow area on the starboard side. Eliminating a true center-console’s walk-through on that side makes for more cabin space below. Here we found a well-appointed air-conditioned cabin with a full head and walk-in shower. Both the forward and midberth areas quickly convert from settees into a queen-size berths, providing comfortable room for four adults. There’s a skylight, and the trim and finishes are top-notch, making this Regal a more-than-comfortable overnight-capable vessel. 

Back up at the helm, the captain is treated to dual 22-inch Volvo Watersport Garmin displays. Every system is controlled from here, including the wakesurfing functions, thanks to Volvo Penta’s integrated software. Dual throttles and joystick piloting, bow thruster, trim-tab controls and a wireless phone cradle round out the dash. Helm seating takes the form of four-across captain’s chairs. This proved comfortable, and the two outside seats swivel 180 degrees to allow viewing the on-water action. Plus, all four seatbacks fold down, turning the area into extra tabletop serving space.

Aft of the helm, you’ll find the aptly dubbed “­refreshment island,” complete with all the amenities to keep everybody on board well-fed and entertained. Above the sink and grill is a separate MFD, giving the grill ­master control of nearly any system, including ­audio, lighting, the powered lounge and swim ­platform, and more.

For even more lounging and entertainment, head aft. Unlike an outboard-powered boat, Volvo Penta’s forward drive allows for a wide-open transom to swim, fish or do anything else. The large lounge bench can face forward, face aft, and convert to a sun pad. Plus, with the push of a button, it slides out over the swim platform to extend cockpit space. Can you say dance party?

Speaking of party, the lounge is also equipped with four optional JL Audio ­speakers and two JL Audio “wake subs,” which bring up the entertainment factor of the 38 Surf’s transom even more. Need shade? A PowerShade is integrated into the hardtop. And those who like to fish can opt for ­Regal’s unique rocket launchers, which also ­feature tow points for the wakesurf rope. Dual dive doors make boarding the 38 Surf easy, and ­giant insulated storage lockers to both the port and starboard add to the versatility. These can be used for general storage or as coolers. 

Captaining the 38 Surf isn’t just ­comfortable, but it’s also a lot of fun. It rides solid and handles responsively, with plenty of power. Even for captains accustomed to much-smaller wakesurf-specific V-drives, the 38 Surf is nimble in tighter spaces thanks to joystick control of the forward-drive units and the independent bow thruster. Sightlines are clear through the large windshield, and the added sunroof in the hardtop is a nice touch. 

You can’t really comparison-shop ­Regal’s 38 Surf. There isn’t anything like it on the market. Aviara’s AV28S ($298,625 with a single 430 hp MerCruiser Bravo 4S) offers ­luxury, performance and wakesurfing, but that single-engine boat won’t fish or handle overnights, and it’s 10 feet shorter. Or you might consider a center-console, such as ­Formula’s 387 Sport  ($1.22 million with ­triple 300 Mercury outboards), which can fish, entertain a crowd in luxury, and weekend a couple in comfort. But it won’t wakesurf. 

If I had to choose one word to describe the 38 Surf, it might be “unbelievable,” because if you look at all the capabilities on paper, it seems hard to believe. So, “versatile” seems to be the most apt descriptor, because this special boat is just that. You can cruise on it, fish on it, entertain on it, wakesurf behind it and, when the day is done, sleep on it. For ­big-water boaters who want to easily and comfortably do all those things, the 38 Surf is a must-see.

Read Next: Regal LS9 Surf

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin 380 hp Volvo Penta forward drives
• Drive/Prop: Forward drive/K4 stainless-steel propset
• Gear Ratio: 2.3:2 Fuel Load: 231 gal. Crew Weight: 360 lb.

High Points

• This innovative boat offers luxury, fishing, wakesurfing, diving and overnighting.
• The world’s largest wakesurf boat delivers waves that live up to that name, and does so without ballast or complex systems.
• Power platform below the swim platform extends, providing a convenient board step or underwater lounge seat.

Low Point

• Some wakesurfers might have reservations at wakesurfing at higher speeds (12 to 12.5 mph) due to the 38 Surf’s size, but after a set or two, you can easily adjust.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2024 Regal 38 Surf appeared first on Boating Mag.

While I have logged thousands of hours in inboard towboats, I recently experienced a boat powered by Mercury’s Bravo Four S. This sterndrive features the propeller on the front side of the lower unit, like the Volvo Penta Forward Drive.

This forward-facing drive provides builders of family boats with the capability to design models tailored for wakesurfing. As a lifelong tow-sports enthusiast and competitive athlete, I’m excited to see advancements like the Bravo Four S and Forward Drive. Such innovation benefits the person behind the boat and improves the driver’s experience, bringing the ­enjoyment of wakesurfing and other tow sports to a broader audience.

By positioning the propeller under the hull, facing away from the rider, the Bravo Four S and Forward Drive ensure a safer wakesurfing experience. My experience testing the Bravo Four S sterndrive on a Sea Ray demonstrated that this innovation goes beyond f­­orward-facing propellers to ­accommodate wakesurfing.

For tow-sports enthusiasts, the size and shape of the wake play a pivotal role in maximizing the enjoyment of each specific tow sport. Each sport has its optimal wake characteristics. The hull design, the amount of transom deadrise, and the weight of the boat all ­impact a wake’s size and shape. Features such as surf tabs, located at the transom, further refine the size and shape of the wake for wakesurfing. While the Bravo Four S created a very nice wave, it does not rank with the tournament-­level waves that can be created with a ­V-drive-powered towboat featuring a hull design optimized for wake creation. That said, a boat powered by a forward-facing sterndrive will be faster for the same power, perhaps more efficient, and easier to ­maneuver at the dock or ramp.

Utilizing the sterndrive for tow sports offers an additional advantage: The driver can further adjust the wake’s shape and size by trimming the outdrive. For instance, trimming out (aka up) the drive places the hull’s stern deeper into the water, creating a larger wake suitable for wakesurfing and ­wakeboarding. Conversely, trimming in (aka down) the outdrive levels the hull to produce a smaller wake, better for water skiing, ­slalom ­skiing and barefooting.

Additionally, trimming down helps get the boat on plane quicker, especially for a boat that’s ballasted or is pulling up a heavier adult on a slalom ski or wakeboard. The trimming feature of the sterndrive provides another tool to give the tow-sports enthusiast an optimal wake and tow experience.

The contra-rotating propeller design also helps for better control at idle speeds, which makes returning to someone in the water at idle more precise. In addition, I observed that the contra-rotating propellers allowed for tighter turns at speed, which allows the driver to return to a fallen surfer, rider or skier quickly.

Read Next: MerCruiser Bravo Four S Forward-Facing Drive

Combining the ­contra-rotating propellers with Digital Throttle and Shift—standard in the Bravo Four S drive—and ­power-assisted hydraulic steering elevates the ­tow-sports driving experience, enhancing driver pleasure and enabling more-precise throttle and steering control.

The helm of the Sea Ray has an array of electronic features familiar to wakesports enthusiasts, including a Simrad touchscreen display and Mercury Smart Tow, enabling the driver to set rider profiles from the dash. A computer then manages speed and wake shaping for each tow sport. The driver can fine-tune these settings manually while underway, tailoring the speed and wake to each individual’s preference. These features elevate the family boat’s tow-sports experience and actively engage the driver.

The post Using a Forward-Facing Sterndrive for Tow Sports appeared first on Boating Mag.

Few things in recreational boating lit up social media the way images of Volvo Penta’s Forward Drive did when it was first introduced five years ago. (Actually, images of Forward Drive still draw loads of comments.) Forward-facing propsets are like the Kardashians of recreational boating, garnering commentary from far and wide.

“What happens when you hit the bottom?” “Oh, that will be in the shop a lot!” “What’s the point?”

Of course, five years later, we know that Forward Drive has proven itself reliable. Thousands of units have been installed, and more than 50 models of boats currently offer with this innovative system. What the internet pundits got right was to question the reason for the creation of such a unique marine propulsion system in the first place. So, just what was the impetus for the creation of Volvo Penta’s Forward Drive?

“Forward Drive started as napkin scratches. We noted the clear trend in popularity of wakesurfing boats and wanted to participate,” says Jens Bering, vice president of marine sales for Volvo Penta of the Americas.

For those who may not know, wakesurfing has exploded in popularity. It is an easy-to-do, low-impact watersport that both young and old, and athletic and nonathletic crew can enjoy. It also happens just 6 or 8 feet off the transom, so guests aboard can gab with whoever is surfing, making it more social than skiing or wakeboarding. But that proximity means any boat with exposed propellers—i.e., an outboard or sterndrive—is potentially dangerous to surf behind, which relegated wakesurfing to inboard-powered boats. At least, it did until Volvo Penta capitalized on a gap in the marketplace using its own engineering expertise and legacy.

“We wanted to put our own spin on wakesurfing,” said Bering during an episode of Boating Roundtable, on Boating’s YouTube channel. “Using technology we are really good at—Duoprop and IPS (Volvo Penta’s forward-facing, dual-prop inboard propulsion system)—that’s where our minds went in creating a more versatile solution.” By turning the drive forward like its IPS drives, Volvo Penta eliminated the safety objection to surfing behind a sterndrive-powered boat and opened up the world of wakesurfing to bowrider boats—and thus, a wider variety of boaters.

Inboard watersports boats are good at what they do. If one is looking for competition-level wakesurfing waves of the largest size that pack the absolute most power, and looking for the most control over the shape of those waves, then an inboard tow boat is the way to go. But for boaters who like to wakesurf but also need a boat with other qualities, Forward Drive can prove more versatile. For instance, a bowrider with Forward Drive and a ballast system can create and shape waves that are fine for many boaters; though, again, perhaps not to the specs of true experts. But the runabout-boat type typically offers a softer-riding, deeper-V hull; higher speed and efficiency for the same power; and a drive that kicks up if it strikes something, or that can be trimmed up for better efficiency or to reduce draft. Also, a bowrider’s deeper hull allows fitting an enclosed head that can make long days on larger bodies of water more comfortable. Forward Drive allows boaters of a more generalist bent than hardcore watersports enthusiasts to enjoy wakesurfing as one part of an overall boating program. Forward Drive is not so much for wakesurfers as much as it’s for boaters who want to wakesurf.

Many thousands of boaters running more than 50 models of boats seem to agree. Happy fifth anniversary, Forward Drive!

The post Five Years of Volvo Penta’s Forward Drive appeared first on Boating Mag.

Volvo Penta, long a marine propulsion leader and innovator, burst onto the wakesurfing scene five years ago with Forward Drive. In this video, Editor-in-Chief, Kevin Falvey and Watersports Editor, Garrett Cortese, get the scoop about Forward Drive’s conception and innovation, from Vice President of Marine Sales, Jens Bering, and Director of Marine Sales, Dave Brown. Watch and you’ll learn why Forward Drive was invented and how it changed the watersports landscape. You’ll get a hint of what the future holds for Volvo Penta. Click, “play,” now!

To explore the Forward Drive in more depth, visit: Volvo Penta Forward Drive: 360 Degrees of Fun.

The post Volvo Penta Forward Drive: Q&A Interview appeared first on Boating Mag.

By turning the traditional drive design around 180 degrees, we created an opening for 360 degrees of fun. Discover what thousands of families already know – the power, the reliability, the maneuverability, and the fun of Volvo Penta Forward Drive.

The post Volvo Penta Forward Drive – 360 Degrees of Fun appeared first on Boating Mag.

Like its ocean-borne counterpart, wakesurfing is huge fun, but the majority of the population never gets invited. With the real deal, that’s a result of simple geography. To paraphrase the Beach Boys, not everybody has an ocean. With wakesurfing, however, the limiting factor has always been the location of the boat’s propeller. In a sport that places the rider in close proximity to the boat’s transom, the average sterndrive, with its rear-mounted prop, is deemed too risky for wakesurfing. As a result, this genre of wakesports has become a members-only club, with inboard and V-drive owners the only ones to make it beyond the velvet rope.

In 2015, Volvo Penta changed the rules. With an eye on the burgeoning surf crowd, the longtime maker of inboards and sterndrives took a cue from its successful IPS pod drive and put the prop in front of a sterndrive’s lower unit. The aptly named Forward Drive quickly caught the attention of builders of sterndrive-powered boats missing out on the surf craze and opened the doors of wakesurfing to an eager and wider new audience of boaters.

But can a Forward Drive-equipped runabout compare to the gold standard of a V-drive-powered towsports boat? And can a V-drive compare to a sterndrive’s versatility apart from generating surf? To find out, we put together two flagship models from each category, called in a pair of expert surf riders, and put each type of propulsion through its paces.

Vive la Difference
The V-drive was represented by the 25-foot Malibu Wakesetter 25 LSV. Powered by an Indmar 6.2L Monsoon 450 HO engine, it features the classic V-drive layout, with the engine spun 180 degrees and pushed to the rear to maximize cockpit space and, in the case of wakesports, take advantage of weight at the stern. The drive shaft extends forward to a gear box, where it is then redirected aft and out through the hull. Abaft the propeller, a movable rudder influences direction. Our Forward Drive candidate, Cobalt’s 25-foot-8-inch R5 WSS Surf, likewise positions the engine in classic sterndrive fashion under a stern lounge. The drive linkage then exits out through the transom, where it is redirected downward through the outdrive, then forward to the propeller. Like a conventional sterndrive, steering is the result of vectored thrust. The drive and propeller pivot in unison in relation to the driver’s input at the helm. Both systems position the prop well under the hull and out of reach of riders playing in the wake.

Prop location, however, has little to do with building the perfect wake. For both manufacturers, this portion of the equation starts with ballast, plumbed to be easily filled and drained at the touch of a button. Malibu features four rigid tanks built into the hull, spread between the bow and stern and capable of adding 1,475 pounds to the boat’s load. In addition, our test boat also utilized Malibu’s optional Power Wedge II hydrofoil. While most foils offer lifting-only action, this pulls the stern downward, mimicking an additional 1,500 pounds of ballast when lowered, and the plug-and-play ballast can add still another 1,500 pounds of wave-creating weight.

Cobalt features three internal ballast tanks located port, starboard and center capable of adding 2,100 pounds to the boat’s load. The drive can also be trimmed, or it can be raised to effectively force the stern deeper into the water and further enhance wake size.

The true magic, however, happens thanks to each boat’s wake-shaping hardware. Malibu’s Surf Gate system features two vertical, hinged tabs at each corner of the hull adjacent to the swim platform. Extending one of these tabs outward disrupts the convergence point of the water coming off the hull sides, causing the boat to heel over to one side, greatly increasing both the size and shape of the wake.

Like the majority of Forward Drive manufacturers, Cobalt opts for surf tabs: oversize, extended trim tabs that can be pivoted downward on the desired side to likewise enhance wake size and shape. Unlike most of its competitors, Cobalt relies upon a larger tab size and a unique, curved shape.

Surf’s Up
With ballast filled to capacity and a comparable passenger load, we ran numerous passes with the author at the wheel and both professional wakeboarder Jeff House and Wakeboarding magazine’s contributing editor Craig Kotilinek surfing the wake to judge each’s characteristics.

In terms of sheer wave height, Malibu held the advantage, producing a clean wake that ran between 3¼ to 3½ feet on average. That wake felt larger and stronger to both riders, with a steeper face that offered more forward push. The workable area of the wake extended as much as 20 feet behind the transom of the boat and seemed to wrap around the rider in a gentle arc. Even the trailing curl and whitewash offered some degree of forward push.

The Cobalt wake averaged between 2¾ to 3¼ feet in height, with a more ramplike shape that pushed the rider out and away from the wake and featured slightly more turbulence. The workable area of the wake extended to about 15 feet off the transom but fell away rapidly beyond that point. Kotilinek noted that the Cobalt’s pocket was larger than most Forward Drive models but didn’t offer quite as much forward push. He also observed that a Forward Drive’s prop wash can be more disruptive for beginning riders when starting; an easy solution is to have the driver angle slightly away from the rider until they’re on top of the water. Because the Forward Drive features counter-rotating props, prop torque is not an issue.

Driver controls proved simple for both models. Malibu provides complete customization of the wake via touchscreen control of ballast load, Power Wedge angle, Surf Gate and speed. An optional analog control knob is also available. Cobalt opts for physical buttons to fill and empty ballast, set the GPS-based Zero Off cruise control, and deploy tabs to the surfer’s preferred side. Once preset, both systems allow you to simply throttle up; control takes over once you reach the desired speed. As the left or right surf orientation is gate- or tab-based, both allowed drivers to switch the wake’s focus on the fly, transitioning between the left and right sides in roughly three seconds for the Malibu and four for the Cobalt. From the driver’s perspective, while both boats ran bow high at boarding speeds (10 to 12 mph), the Malibu ran at a shallower angle, making it easier to see forward. Cobalt offers a Performance Mode that deploys the tabs to get on plane even with a full ballast load. With the Malibu, you can adjust the angle of the optional Power Wedge for similar results.

Power Struggle
Away from the wakesports with minimal load and no ballast or surf enhancement, each model displayed characteristics inherent to its category. Thanks in part to its ability to trim and reduce the hull’s wetted surface, the Forward Drive-powered Cobalt held a notable advantage in top speed, powering to 46.6 mph despite the Malibu’s additional 20 hp. With a shallower deadrise, downward prop-shaft angle and less underwater hardware to overcome, however, the Malibu jumped onto plane more quickly (4.7 seconds versus 6.2) and posted a superior from-0-to-30 mph time (7.4 seconds versus 10.5). At surf speeds of 11 mph, fuel consumption was comparable for each boat, averaging in the neighborhood of 7 gph. The sterndrive Cobalt burned approximately 9 gph at a 26 mph cruising speed, the V-drive Malibu just over 11.

With its vectored thrust, the Forward Drive held an advantage in low-speed handling, able to be turned nimbly to both port and starboard in reverse. In fact, reverse is superior to a conventional sterndrive, as the props are deep in the water and away from the effects of the exhaust. With no directional thrust and without water passing over the rudder in reverse, the V-drive was subject to prop torque and the rotation of its propeller. It backed predictably to port but lacked the same level of control to starboard.

Other considerations? Forward Drive’s ability to trim is handy in shallow situations, but the forward position of the dual props means a Forward Drive does not trim as high as a conventional sterndrive; it leaves the drive exposed by about a foot below the hull even when fully trimmed. That exposure, as well as the V-drive’s prop, shaft and rudder, mean both boats need to sit higher than outboards, jets or other sterndrives on dedicated trailers to avoid damage when towing. V-drive hardware is fixed; the Forward Drive features both breakaway couplings between vertical shafts and a “kick-up” release to lessen damage from an underwater strike. Both types of propulsion provide exceptional handling at speed, with the Forward Drive surpassing its conventional sterndrive counterpart thanks to the forward position of the prop. The typical Forward Drive hull’s deeper V and ability to trim, however, give it an advantage in rough water. The V-drive is slightly less complex than the Forward Drive. Stainless shafts and Nibral (nickel, bronze and aluminum) props also hold a corrosion advantage over the Forward Drive’s painted aluminum housing and stainless-steel props.

Finally, the Forward Drive proved much quieter at speed. Credit it in part to the drive’s exhaust outlet below the waterline.

Let’s Go Surfing Now
So who’s the winner? That depends on the buyer and what they want.

In terms of pure wakesurfing nirvana, it’s a V-drive. Wake size, shape and characteristics are simply superior. But by eliminating the safety concerns of an exposed propeller, the Forward Drive has opened up the sport to a much larger audience. The wakes, and the ease of controlling them, are within the ballpark of those produced by a V-drive. The ability to trim, better top speed, and superior low-speed and reverse handling also all favor the Forward Drive.

In short, with the option of both V-drive and Forward Drive propulsion, everybody wins … and everybody surfs.

While V-drive and Forward Drive might currently have more of the spotlight, a third type of propulsion — jet drive — is also making its case for surf supremacy. With only an enclosed impeller tucked within the hull confines, jets certainly boast the necessary safety advantage. Several manufacturers have also gotten into the game of shaping wakes. Chaparral’s 243 Vortex VRX offers 1,350 pounds of ballast along with the Aerial Surf Platform, an extension integrated into the existing swim platform that is contoured below to shape the wake for surfing. Yamaha’s 242X E-Series features 1,400 pounds of ballast in bags tucked inside storage compartments and plumbed to easily fill and empty via dash controls. How’s the jet wake? Definitely surfable, although we have not found it yet up to the standards of either the V-drive or Forward Drive. The wake itself it not as clean, as the jet tends to create more turbulence. The pocket also tends to be smaller. But additional ballast, or just more friends in the boat, improves the wake significantly.

The post V-Drive Versus Forward Drive appeared first on Boating Mag.

Regal 2300 RX Surf
The Regal 2300 RX Surf was the best of the lot in terms of both the wave’s drive and shape. The transfer system, while slow, allows you to go from side to side while surfing. The wave face is perfectly clean, with an ideal shape that could work equally well for skim-style riders looking to do spins as it would for surf-style riders learning airs. The standard 1,500 pounds of ballast could be augmented with a full complement of observers, and the wave would stay clean.

Other Cool Features
*Wave presets make creating a wave on either side mercifully easy.
*Transfers from side to side are within reach of the average surfer.
*Touchscreen simplifies the entire helm experience.

Wipeouts
*Touchscreen’s presets aren’t adjustable, so the only latitude in tailoring your wave is by trimming the Forward Drive.

Length: 24’0″
Beam: 8’6″
Weight: 4,280 lb.
Price: $93,510
Engine/Gear Ratio: VP V-8 300/2.14:1
Ballast: 1,500 lb.

More Information: regalboats.com

Four Winns TS242
The Four Winns TS242 generates a lot of wave for its relatively small ballast capacity. A slightly splashed face creates a surprising amount of push with just enough vert to keep things interesting without spilling over into a pity wave, which can be difficult for beginners. The right lip at the end of the substantial pocket is just right and catches you when you drift back on tricks, but it won’t completely swallow your ankles.

Other Cool Features
*Rear walk-through provides easy access to your next set.
*Large bow creates a separate social zone.

Wipeouts
*Tabs aren’t intuitively labeled, which makes creating a wave more difficult than it should be. The throttle has an “all-or-nothing” point that can yank surfers out of position on starts.

Length: 24’5″
Beam: 8’6″
Weight: 4,660 lb.
Price: $104,615
Engine/Gear Ratio: VP V-8 350/2.14:1
Ballast: 1,300 lb.

More Information: fourwinns.com

Monterey 238SS Roswell Edition
The wave was smooth and unaffected by prop wash throughout, but you have to like a steep wave to enjoy the Monterey 238 SS. Try airs and lip tricks with a short board, and you’ll have a blast. The pocket was medium-size and had a pronounced lip at the end that could grab your ankles if you drop back too far, but it also let you know exactly where your boundaries were.

Other Cool Features
*Butter-smooth throttle gives first-time surfers a perfect pull out of the water.
*Roswell extras complete the whole surf-boat experience.

Wipeouts
*Surf tab labels don’t correspond well with creating a surf wave, which can be confusing for the driver.

Length: 23’0″
Beam: 8’6″
Weight: 3,950 lb.
Price: $83,961
Engine/Gear Ratio: VP 300 5.7/2.14:1
Ballast: 1,810 lb.

More Information: montereyboats.com

Cobalt R5 WSS Surf
While an aesthetically perfect wave, the Cobalt R5 WSS Surf’s wake shape lacked drive and had a sharp falloff at the end of the pocket, which made it more difficult to save tricks. However, the pocket is bigger than one made by some competitive models, and the wave is ultimately clean, with a face that will appeal to almost any type of rider. Adding more weight might put more drive into the wave.

Other Cool Features
*Surf presets make creating a wave intuitive, even for novice surf drivers.
*Aesthetics are second to none.

Wipeouts
*Grab handles and cleats have a tendency to snag the surf rope just about every time you pick up the rider.

Length: 25’8″
Beam: 8’6″
Weight: 4,880 lb.
Price: $132,915
Engine/Gear Ratio: V-8 380/2.32:1
Ballast: 2,100 lb.

More Information: cobaltboats.com

Starcraft SCX 231
The Starcraft SCX 231’s wave might look a little rough, but it delivered in terms of forward push, which is arguably the most important point of any surf wave. Look for a more vertical wave face suited to lip tricks and surf-style riders with shorter boards. The trough is deeper than most boats this length, which means the pocket is only medium-size. The wave’s push can make up for what’s lacking in the pocket and face splash.

Other Cool Features
*Unique seating configuration gives the boat an open feel.
*Swim platform is smooth and won’t snag the surf rope.

Wipeouts
*While the interior design is unique, the boat’s handling is a bit squirrelly.

Length: 25’4″
Beam: 8’6″
Weight: 3,300 lb.
Price: $84,600
Engine/Gear Ratio: VP V-8 300/2.32:1
Ballast: 1,050 lb.

More Information: starcraftmarine.com

Wave Theory
Inboard-powered wakesurf boats create waves with more volume and, thus, more power. Water ballast systems allow the boats to take on hundreds of gallons of water, creating a deeper hole behind the boat. The nearly flat bottoms of these boats also result in waves better suited to surfing. Also, these boats are often fitted with an array of trim systems that allow the captain to adjust and refine the shape of the wake. Forward Drive-powered wakesurf boats rely on drive trim and trim tabs to create surfable waves. However, when surfing is over, the deep-V hull, combined with the low drag of a sterndrive drivetrain, allows for fast, smooth transport across choppy waters.

Summary
Inboard watersports boats produce wake waves that let pro surfers shred. These Forward Drive surf boats are well on their way to claiming a piece of the inboard surf pie by creating great waves for recreational wakesurfing. The Forward Drive system touts impressive fuel economy (particularly at cruising speeds) and high top-end speed compared to inboards, but every sterndrive we tested created turbulence that ranged from noticeable to powerful enough to take the board out from under surfers on submerged starts. To avoid this, initially turn the drive away from the surfer when starting out.

The post Forward Drive Wakesurfing Comparison appeared first on Boating Mag.

They have partnered up with Roswell, a leader in the wake industry, and designed a new series for the crew that wants to experience it all; featuring new technology that enhances the performance and versatility of the wakeboarding and wake-surfing experience, as well as satisfying the desires of our boating enthusiasts.

We’ve combined the best attributes of the Roswell wake technologies with the luxury style and performance of the Monterey Super Sport series to launch the perfect luxury performance surf boat, delivering world-class wakes with responsive handling, while still maintaining the same high end performance and quality that Monterey is known for.

Our new Roswell Surf Package option is available on both the Monterey 218SS and 238SS Super Sports; this all-new option starts with an innovative helm design featuring one touch Zero Off GPS speed control, a high volume ballast system, collapsible wakeboard tower with cam assist, wakeboard/surfboard racks and surf tabs. Factor in the newly designed Roswell graphics, metal flake gel coat options, and specialized Roswell audio package and you have got a design that creates a perfect wake-surfing and wakeboarding experience.

We’ve equipped the Roswell Surf Edition with the new Volvo Penta Forward Drive forward facing drive, giving you better performance than ever before. Quick to plane and more fuel efficient than ever before, Volvo’s new forward drive propulsion offers more than enough power to meet your performance needs. Equipped with forward facing Duo-Prop counter-rotating propellers, the Volvo forward drive offers a unique and industry first symmetrical wakeboarding wake and equally shaped surfing wave on your side of choice. Horizontal thrust allows you to handle tight turns with ease, maneuver safely and more intuitively, and a through-the-drive exhaust leads fumes away and reduces noise.

Monterey Boats is continuing to meet the demand of boating enthusiasts worldwide, leading the way in state-of-the-art boat designs and production, and we’re doing it all over the globe. Worldwide, our company raises the industry standard by pioneering new innovations, offering a superior product, backed by dependable customer service, and an unmatched warranty program. Known and respected all over the world, Monterey Boats is the choice for most discerning boating enthusiasts.

Monterey Boats, a leading independent boat manufacturer, has specialized in building premier quality sport boats, super sports, cruisers and sport yachts. Monterey’s current line features 26 models ranging from 18′ to 41′, including our exciting new outboard models. Monterey has a growing worldwide dealer/partner network, a dedicated staff of more than 500 skilled boat builders, and is an industry leader in designing and building superior stern-drive pleasure boats. In 31 years, Monterey has produced well over 35,000 boats and generated over one billion dollars in sales. Every Monterey boat is also NMMA certified and backed by its exclusive MVP Lifetime Limited Warranty to assure the ultimate in customer confidence and satisfaction.

For more information on Monterey Boats, visit www.montereyboats.com

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Let’s go surfin’ now.
Everybody’s learning how.
Come on and safari with me. … “Surfin’ Safari,” The Beach Boys, 1962

You know the tune. Now try singing it like a sea chantey because marine engine maker Volvo Penta is about to head out on a surfin’ safari. And thanks to an invite by Bryant Boats, Boating got to throw a board in the woody, come along, and share the news with you.

The Green Room
We were granted official clout, so we didn’t have to scale the razor wire surrounding the top-secret Volvo Penta Test Center on Chesapeake Bay to see a prototype of the Forward Drive, a new forward-facing dual-prop drive designed expressly for wakesurfing. The pulling, or “tractor,” props of the Forward Drive are tucked under the boat and about 27 inches farther forward than the props of a Duoprop sterndrive, and thus 27 inches farther away from a wakesurfer riding the curl. Suddenly wakesurfing, previously the privilege of those with the significant scratch to throw down for an inboard tow boat, may be an option for the bourgeoisie boating family in a new generation of surf-ready runabouts powered by the patented Forward Drive. Surf’s up!

The Forward Drive was developed with the input of boatbuilders like Bryant Boats, which invited us to demo the prototype on its 233X model at the Volvo Penta facility. According to Volvo Penta, boatbuilders Regal, Cobalt, Four Winns, Monterey and Chaparral have also participated in Forward Drive testing and may offer it on new or modified boat models this year. Now, just as bolting a tower to the gunwales of a bowrider doesn’t exactly make it a pro-tour wakeboard boat, the Forward Drive and some ballast may not turn that same boat into a primo surf sled. But I bet it could be good enough for the weekend duffer and his kids to have a blast learning to surf — without blowing the college fund.

Check out what boatbuilder’s using Forward Drive have to say!

Wake’s Up!
Over the years, the wakesurf premise has stayed the same — get up on the board while holding a short ski line, find the sweet spot in the wake, and toss the line back into the boat. At the right boat speed, the wake has enough energy to keep board and rider moving forward. Fresh interest in wakesurfing started eight or 10 years ago, enabled by the development of the wakeboarding tow boat, an inboard with water ballast designed to make a very large wake. Slow that boat down to 10 or 12 mph, and a wake with surfable energy is created right off the transom. With hints of a recession looming and wakeboarding perhaps peaking in popularity, the tow-sports industry threw product and marketing energy behind wakesurfing, hoping it could be The Next Big Thing. Dedicated wakesurfing boards were developed, and boatbuilders started adding trim tabs and other details to tow boats to enhance the shape of the wake at surf speed. A dialed-in wakesurfer can ride the wave until the boat runs out of gas, and surfing doesn’t hurt when you fall off, knee ligaments stay intact, and a buddy can film you from the boat.

See Boating’s Test Data of the Bryant 223X Surf Edition

Looks like big fun if you have an inboard tow boat with the prop located well under the hull. Surfing 3 feet behind a boat powered by a sterndrive or an outboard, however, invites catastrophe, some say, because of the close proximity of whirling propeller to surf-rider appendages. And so the inboard/outboard crowd has been dissuaded from the surf party. The Forward Drive allows builders to create a runabout that’s not just a dedicated wakesurfer.

The Forward Drive addresses the prop location issue. It has a lower-unit design that evolves from the forward-facing Volvo Penta IPS inboard drive, a system that just celebrated its 10th anniversary. It’s a little smaller than the IPS 1, and it’s cast in aluminum rather than bronze.

For wakesurfers, the Forward Drive offers two key benefits. The props are moved under the boat to a position close to the location of an inboard prop, at a respectable distance from the surfer just behind the boat. The new drive also dumps all of its exhaust underwater, unlike most inboards and even the Duoprop, which vents some exhaust at surface level through the anti-ventilation plate. This eliminates exhaust fumes from the surfer’s environment directly behind the boat.

Check Out The Special Forward Drive Website

Unlike an inboard, the Forward Drive is trimmable and turnable and provides directional thrust for steering, performance and efficiency, but here’s where we “bump” into a limitation of this design — the Forward Drive cannot be trimmed above the boat bottom. In fact, at max trim the drive is about 12 inches below the bottom of the boat. It incorporates two proven sterndrive features to protect against damage due to an underwater collision — hydraulic kick-up and a “drive saver,” but a boat equipped with Forward Drive is always going to draw more water than a sterndrive. Like many inboard-powered boats, it will likely require a trailer that carries the boat higher above the ground.

Volvo intends to offer the Forward Drive with gasoline engines from 200 to 430 hp but expects the prime application will be from 300 to 430 hp. Specific props have been designed for the drive, to be designated the K Series propsets. Volvo said the Forward Drive will cost about 10 percent more than a traditional sterndrive costs.

No Replacement for Displacement
As mentioned, the Forward Drive I got to sample was very much a prototype. We started our demo in surf mode, with the Bryant 233X laden with 1,700 pounds of water ballast plus some lead and six people. Ben Dorton, the 25-year-old Bryant brand manager, was our designated surfer. Dorton grew up during the wakeboard boom, when his dad, John, was the president of MasterCraft. John Dorton acquired controlling interest in Bryant in 2012, and Ben is a partner in the venture. Ben won a national championship with the University of Tennessee wakeboard team in 2013, and when he picked me up at the airport, the back seat of his F-150 held a wakeboard, a surfboard and a knee brace, a typical collection of gear for a wake-sports athlete. I asked Dorton what defined a good surf wake.

“At surf speed the boat is not on plane, and rather than creating a wake that dissipates as it spreads outward, the wake swells and rolls over itself, just like a wave on the ocean,” Dorton said. “The dual props of the Forward Drive eliminate the list caused by prop torque in an inboard, so the wake is symmetrical, and you can ride either side without ballast or tab adjustment.”

A big wake is all about displacement, and with 19 degrees of deadrise at the transom, the Bryant starts out making a bigger hole in the water than a flat-bottom inboard tow boat’s. While the angle of the inboard prop shaft is always lifting that hull, the Forward Drive can be trimmed to press the stern deeper into the water.

“I think with Forward Drive we can ultimately make a surf wake that’s as good as the smaller inboard boats’,” Dorton said. “The goal is to offer a boat that you can surf behind confidently, with a reliable wake that’s lots of fun.”

To gauge its performance, we ditched the ballast and drove the Bryant like the runabout it is. Volvo said the Forward Drive will offer speed and economy comparable to a Duoprop sterndrive’s, with other advantages. Because the props are deep and away from exhaust, reverse thrust is outstanding, and it’s impossible to blow out in a turn. In fact, the Bryant was able to cut hard 180-degree turns like an inboard does.

To enhance the surf wake of the 233X, Bryant has already modified the strakes and the trailing edge of the hull. The boat we ran was equipped with standard trim tabs, but Bryant will soon have new tabs formed to further enhance wake shape. The 233X is priced at $75,000 to $85,000, the premium end of the sterndrive market. The surfin’ safari could just be starting.

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