When it comes to water sports like wakeboarding and wakesurfing, one important consideration is the water temperature. Generally, it's recommended to have a water temperature between 65°F and 80°F for wakeboarding and wakesurfing. This temperature range allows for a comfortable experience without the risk of hypothermia.

However, it's important to note that the ideal water temperature can vary based on other factors like air temperature, wind speed, and the amount of sun exposure. For instance, if the air temperature is cooler, you may want to opt for a higher water temperature to avoid feeling too cold. Similarly, if the sun is out and the air temperature is warmer, a lower water temperature may be more comfortable.

Another factor to consider is the experience level of the wakeboarder or wakesurfer. Beginners may want to opt for warmer water temperatures to ensure they stay comfortable and don't get fatigued too quickly. On the other hand, more experienced riders may prefer slightly cooler water temperatures to help keep them alert and focused.

It's also important to note that wet suits can be used to help regulate body temperature and provide additional insulation in cooler water temperatures. Wet suits are available in a range of styles and thicknesses to suit different water temperatures and personal preferences. It's always a good idea to bring a wet suit along with you to the lake early and late in the year, just in case the water temperature is cooler than expected.

In summary, the ideal water temperature for wakeboarding and wakesurfing is generally between 65°F and 80°F, but this can vary based on other factors like air temperature and sun exposure. Beginners may want to opt for warmer water temperatures, while more experienced riders may prefer cooler temperatures. Wet suits can also be used to help regulate body temperature and provide additional insulation in cooler water temperatures. By considering all of these factors, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.

A T-top is a popular boat accessory that has become a common fixture on a wide range of boats, from small fishing boats to larger center console boats. Essentially, a T-top is a metal frame that is mounted on the deck of a boat and is typically covered with a canvas or other type of fabric top. The T-top extends over the center console of the boat and provides shade and protection from the elements for the captain and passengers. But what is the purpose of a T-top for a boat? Let's explore this in more detail.
One of the main functions of a T-top is to provide shade and protection from the sun. Anyone who has spent time on a boat in the heat of summer knows how important it is to have some respite from the sun. A T-top provides this shade by casting a shadow over the center console of the boat, which is where the captain and passengers sit. This shade can be critical for keeping the captain and passengers comfortable, especially during extended periods on the water.
In addition to providing shade, a T-top also provides protection from the rain and other elements. If you've ever been caught in a sudden rainstorm while out on the water, you know how unpleasant it can be. A T-top can help keep you dry during these sudden weather events. It can also protect you from the wind, which can make for a much more comfortable ride.
Another benefit of a T-top is that it provides a secure mounting point for accessories like antennas, lights, and speakers. These accessories can be essential for communication, navigation, and entertainment, and having a secure mounting point for them is critical. A T-top provides this mounting point while also keeping the accessories out of the way of passengers and the boat's equipment.
T-tops also make it easier to store fishing rods and other equipment. Many T-tops come equipped with rod holders, which allow fishermen to store their rods securely and conveniently. This feature can be especially helpful for anglers who are constantly moving from one fishing spot to another.
Lastly, a T-top can improve the overall appearance of a boat. Many boat owners choose T-tops for their sleek and modern appearance, as well as for the added functionality they provide. T-tops come in a variety of styles and designs, and boat owners can often choose custom features to suit their specific needs and preferences.
In conclusion, a T-top is an essential accessory for many boats. Its primary purpose is to provide shade and protection from the elements, but it also serves other important functions, such as providing a secure mounting point for accessories, improving storage, and enhancing the overall appearance of the boat. If you're a boat owner looking to add a T-top to your boat, there are many options available to suit your needs and budget.

Wakeboarding and tubing are two of the most popular water sports activities among water enthusiasts. While wakeboarding requires a wakeboard tower for an optimal experience, many people wonder if it's okay to pull a tube from a wakeboard tower. The short answer is no, it is not okay to pull an inflatable towable tube from a wakeboard tower.
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Wakeboard towers are designed to provide a higher tow point for wakeboarders, enabling them to achieve greater height and airtime. Wakeboard towers are also engineered to handle the stress and load that comes with wakeboarding, including tricks and jumps. However, these towers are not intended for tubing.

The primary reason why it is not recommended to pull an inflatable towable tube from a wakeboard tower is that it can cause damage to your boat. Wakeboard towers are constructed to be strong and durable, but the fiberglass in your boat may not be able to handle the strain of towing a tube. Over time, the continuous strain and pressure of pulling a tube from the tower can cause spider web cracks to develop in the gelcoat of your boat, which can lead to expensive repairs.

Furthermore, wakeboard towers provide a unique benefit to wakeboarding by pulling riders out of the water for more air. This is not needed when pulling a tube. Tubing requires a lower tow point, which can be easily achieved using a traditional tow bar. Using a tow bar also allows for a more stable and safe ride for those on the tube.

In conclusion, it is not okay to pull an inflatable towable tube from a wakeboard tower. Wakeboard towers are engineered for the specific needs of wakeboarding and may cause damage to your boat if used for tubing. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, it's best to use a traditional tow bar and follow the manufacturer's instructions for weight, speed, and number of riders. Remember to always prioritize safety when enjoying water sports activities.

If you're an avid wakeboarder, you know how important a wakeboard tower can be for your riding experience. A wakeboard tower can improve the height and quality of your jumps, as well as make it easier to perform tricks. However, when it comes to installing a wakeboard tower onto your boat, you may be faced with the question of whether to install it yourself or let a professional handle the installation. In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of both options to help you make an informed decision.
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Installing a Wakeboard Tower Yourself

Pros:

1. Cost: One of the biggest benefits of installing a wakeboard tower yourself is the cost savings. You'll avoid the labor costs of hiring a professional installer, which can be quite expensive.  We have seen installations offered as low as $300 to as high as $1,000 depending on the complexity of the boat.
2. Satisfaction: Installing a wakeboard tower yourself can be a satisfying project, especially if you enjoy working on your boat. It can give you a sense of accomplishment and pride to see the finished product and know that you did it yourself.
3. Flexibility: When you install a wakeboard tower yourself, you have more flexibility in terms of when you do it and how you do it. You can work at your own pace and take breaks as needed, which can be beneficial if you have other obligations or commitments.

Cons:

1. Time: Installing a wakeboard tower yourself can be a time-consuming process, especially if you're not experienced with boat modifications. It may take several hours or even days to complete the installation, which can be a disadvantage if you have a busy schedule.
2. Complexity: Installing a wakeboard tower yourself can be a complex process, especially if you're not familiar with the specific type of tower you're installing. If you're not confident in your ability to handle the installation, it may be better to let a professional take care of it.
3. Risk of Damage: There's also a risk of damaging your boat if you don't install the wakeboard tower correctly. If you don't have experience with boat modifications or don't follow the instructions carefully, you could end up causing damage to your boat or the tower.
4. Tooling: If you do not have the tooling to install the wakeboard tower, you will have to borrow it or buy it.  The tools include a drill, drill bit set, sockets, wrenches (open-end and box-end), allen wrenches, measuring tape, and masking tape. (FYI if you do not own most of these tools already, we probably recommend a professional installation).

Letting a Professional Install a Wakeboard Tower
Pros:

1. Experience and Expertise: A professional installer will have the experience and expertise needed to install the wakeboard tower correctly. They'll know how to handle any challenges that come up during the installation process, which can give you peace of mind.
2. Time: Hiring a professional to install your wakeboard tower can save you a lot of time. They'll be able to complete the installation quickly and efficiently, which can be beneficial if you have a busy schedule.
3. Warranty: Many professional installers offer a warranty on their work, which can protect you in case anything goes wrong with the installation. This can be a valuable benefit if you want to avoid any potential repair costs down the line.

Cons:

1. Cost: The biggest disadvantage of hiring a professional to install your wakeboard tower is the cost. You'll need to pay for their labor, which can be quite expensive depending on the installer you choose.
2. Limited Flexibility: When you hire a professional installer, you'll need to work around their schedule. You may need to wait a few days or even weeks before they can come out to install the tower, which can be a disadvantage if you're eager to start using it.
3. Trust: When you hire a professional installer, you'll need to trust that they'll do a good job. If you choose an inexperienced or unreliable installer, you could end up with a poorly installed tower that doesn't work as intended.

Center console fishing boats have been selling at an unprecedented rate, and with this surge in popularity, there's an increase in demand for boat accessories. One of the most popular upgrades for center console boats is adding a T-Top. In the past, having a T-Top installed on your boat meant spending thousands of dollars on a custom-made product, but today, you can purchase high-quality T-Tops at an affordable price that are universal and easy to install.
Here are the five benefits of adding a T-Top to your center console fishing boat:

1. Shade: T-Tops provide ample shade, which is crucial in sunny weather. OEM Biminis are useful, but they don't provide enough room to stand and must be removed when traveling at high speeds or when trailering. T-Tops, on the other hand, offer limitless shade that you can stand under without ducking, and they don't have to be removed when traveling or trailering. T-Tops also offer a safe place to stand when it starts to rain.
2. Aesthetics: A well-made T-Top can significantly enhance the look of your boat. Some aftermarket T-Tops are designed to look like OEM products, or even better, and they come in a variety of styles and colors to match your boat's appearance.
3. Mounting equipment: T-Tops provide ample space to mount fishing equipment, such as antennas, rod holders, lights, and speakers. The extra rod holders allow you to get more rods in the water, while an LED light bar mounted on the front of the T-Top makes night fishing easier. Speakers mounted on the T-Top direct music towards the driver. You can also choose to mount a navigation light on the T-Top, so you don't have to worry about putting up a pole light in the back.
4. Storage: Boat storage is essential, especially if you have a large crew. T-Tops offer ample space to store fishing equipment, coolers, life jackets, bait, and other essential items. Fiberglass electronics boxes and life jacket storage are popular options that connect to the T-Top and keep your items safe and dry.
5. Resale value: T-Tops add significant value to a boat, and the demand for center console boats with T-Tops is high. The cost of T-Tops is at an all-time low, making it an excellent time to invest in one for your boat. Our T-Tops come with step-by-step instructions, and the adjustable design means that they can fit a variety of boats and console sizes.

In conclusion, adding a T-Top to your center console fishing boat provides ample shade, enhances the look of your boat, provides ample space to mount equipment, offers ample storage, and adds significant value to your boat. Don't miss this opportunity to upgrade your center console boat and enjoy the many benefits that a T-Top has to offer.

​Upgrade the look of your boat today with a Wakeboard Tower from Make A Wake Marine. Our towers are easy to install yourself, collapsable for storage, and come with an industry leading 5 year warranty. Order yours today! #wakeboarding #baylinerboats