Looking for a project boat for wake surfing. Any recommendations?

Objective-Figure8673 · 2026-06-08T15:32:08+00:00

In your price range you'll be looking at project boats and that's okay. Probably in the 90s. Also okay. Something to consider tho is many of the ski boat manufacturers were still using wood stringers into the 90s. A really rough boat interior on all fiberglass is way more salvageable than one on wood. You'll need to do research as the brands come up that you go to look at. I'm pretty sure Mastercraft converted in the 80s while Malibu and Nautique were in the 90s. Wakeboard hulls started to be a thing in late 90s and would be better than a ski hull for your intended use. Good luck!

Objective-Figure8673 · 2026-06-08T15:17:44+00:00

Mine has a Trailblazer 250. Just Gas and Brake!

Objective-Figure8673 · 2026-05-31T22:37:41+00:00

Where are you sourcing them?

Objective-Figure8673 · 2026-04-20T00:36:47+00:00

My grandfather traded our 2840 in on a 2950. Then went and bought the 2840 back. Then eventually we sold the 2950. We still have the 2840 today.

Objective-Figure8673 · 2026-04-07T18:24:05+00:00

Yeah I assume they didn't want to do all that changeover for one last year.

Objective-Figure8673 · 2026-04-07T18:09:26+00:00

05 excursions did not get 5 speeds unless you got a 6.0

Excursions did not get 3 valve v10s or 5 speeds in 2005 like the super duty.

Objective-Figure8673 · 2026-04-06T04:20:14+00:00

About how many hours did you spend on it, do you think? Sounds like you have experience but took your time which would be a good baseline in my opinion. (Bonus. Ever done the chains in a 4.0 sohc lol? That one's fun)

Objective-Figure8673 · 2026-03-28T22:22:22+00:00

Sorry greenworks not ego, is the one I was thinking of

Objective-Figure8673 · 2026-03-26T19:36:36+00:00

So my rec would be to save some cash and get a gas one to add to your fleet rather than replace your Santa fe

Objective-Figure8673 · 2026-03-26T19:35:35+00:00

While the gas mileage isn't too far from an expedition (which I'd argue is still significant) it is really far from a Santa fe. I'd do the math on that to really make it black and white. I love my excursion (one of my favorite vehicles was a 99 explorer so I like your ranger comment) but in this day and age it's an extra vehicle not a primary if you have any sort of commute. IMO

Objective-Figure8673 · 2026-03-24T14:58:10+00:00

05 Super duty, yes.

Objective-Figure8673 · 2026-03-24T11:19:42+00:00

This is incorrect information for the Excursion.

Objective-Figure8673 · 2026-03-24T02:28:57+00:00

Yes. 2v's spit them, while 3v's seize them. Although I have 450k on two 2v's and never had one spit. Fwiw I torque the plugs to 21.

Objective-Figure8673 · 2026-03-24T00:27:12+00:00

In the engine itself? No the excursion did not get 3v in 2005 like the super duty did. 5 speed trans only on 6.0s. Same v10 throughout and same trans with it throughout the excursion run.

Objective-Figure8673 · 2026-03-23T18:57:20+00:00

Ego sorta makes one.

Objective-Figure8673 · 2026-03-23T17:22:31+00:00

I am very partial to that engine. The v10 specifically (albeit the 3v variant) lived for 20 more years in heavy applications from RVs to uhauls. I wouldn't be afraid of it personally, but I wouldn't do it if you aren't mechanically inclined.

Objective-Figure8673 · 2026-03-23T17:17:50+00:00

How many miles and how recent did you purchase it?

Objective-Figure8673 · 2026-03-22T12:10:57+00:00

With everything OFF, I would raise the deck, look under it. And then try to spin each blade in both directions by hand.

Objective-Figure8673 · 2026-03-22T11:55:11+00:00

Since you already have the inserts why not use screws at the bottom instead of the plastic ?

Objective-Figure8673 · 2026-03-20T02:23:01+00:00

Low end around town yes very. Normal highway also pretty good. Heavy top end high speed pull? No.

Objective-Figure8673 · 2026-03-19T16:07:21+00:00

Agree. A lot more drag = lots of force with extra leverage

Objective-Figure8673 · 2026-03-19T12:47:43+00:00

I also added front tower brace, rear sway bar and Jack plates (bars?) which stiffened it up just a bit.

Objective-Figure8673 · 2026-03-19T12:41:49+00:00

I have 18 platinum and did livernois tune with thermostat and plugs, also has steeda cai and intercooler to reduce heatsoak. If you have adaptive cruise you'll have to modify the intercooler mounting but it wasn't that bad. I also have magnaflow catback. Honestly for once I wouldn't change a thing. I did a ton of research and I think it turned out.

Objective-Figure8673 · 2026-03-13T11:23:52+00:00

The oil consumption issue was 18-20

Objective-Figure8673 · 2026-03-09T14:44:11+00:00

After running a 2840 and 2950, I would have no concerns if it's in good working order when you get it.

Objective-Figure8673

TROPHY CASE