Total Performance Package
The largest sportboat in the line with serious pulling power
By Capt. Rob Smith
The Sea-Doo Wake has classic lines yet uses the latest in modern design and engineering to deliver a sportboat that meets the challenge of today’s high-energy wakeboarding. Speed and precise control is not only important to wakeboarders, it’s critical. The 230 Wake allows as many as eight preset speeds for different conditions, for different boarders to have the perfect wake for the conditions, or for the specific boarder to achieve his or her goal.
Features at the Bow
Starting at the bow, there is an ample anchor locker that has a cradle for the Danforth style anchor, and room for typical rode for a boat this size. Cleats are pull-up stainless steel and bow rails are low-profile and easy to reach. Seating in the bow is tremendous. At least six can comfortably gather up front. Large marine speakers deliver the tunes to the bow and lighted inset drinkholders with mirrors at the back are on both sides. Lift the seats up and you find a neat system for protecting gear stored inside.
A rubberized grass mat system allows any water to drain down to the bottom and away while softening the bumps as you ride along. Under your feet, snap-in carpet softens the floor and makes clean up a snap at the end of the day. Three filler cushions convert the front into a spacious tanning salon.
Stepping on back you find the first major surprise on the 230 Wake; a fold and stow retractable windscreen with door in the walkthrough. This pocket door system simply pulls out of the driver’s side pod. You flip up the window and lock it in place, then lock the entire door in place with a barrel latch. Another great feature about this system is that it is all tempered glass so you have a truly open feeling looking forward while blocking the chilly morning breeze from the main cockpit.
At the Controls
The companion and driver’s seats are comfortable bucket style with swivel and slide adjustments, to keep you in the conversation and give you a clear view ahead. Speakers to the sides of both seats provide loud, crisp sound to the main cockpit. A sturdy stainless grab bar gives the rider more confidence until they get used to the power of the optional 430hp supercharged engine package. The two boxes in the companion station house the stereo head, 12-volt adaptor and tons of room for bottles of tanning lotions, wallets and more.
In the floor between the seats is a huge locker that has a rubber pad to protect the skis and any other long items you need to stow, or to keep the life jacket kit in easy reach.
The helm station is laid out well for easy visibility of all instruments. With the Infinity sound system, you have a great PA system with the mic mounted to the left of the wheel for easy reach of the driver. In the middle of the instruments is the Perfect Pass system with 8 memory set points. Split throttle and shift levers are on the side gunnel with a padded arm rest with drinkholder just below. The controls for the ballast tanks are just below the armrest on the side panel. Our test model had another great option, electric retractable windows to really open up the feel underway. Push a button and the windows come down or go back up just like in your car. Overhead is a great wakeboard tower with tow point, racks and room to mount the Infinity sound system
Cockpit Layout
Moving on back, the aft cockpit offers another huge sitting space with wrap-around seating benches. Under the starboard bench is a handy carry-on Igloo cooler for drinks and beverages. Over on the port side is another padded storage box. The sunpad on the back covers the engine box. A standard pull-up ski post easily pulls out of the back of the stern bench seat for standard skiing. Under the pad, the table is stowed making it easy to find and easy to set up. The stern light stows in clips in the fiberglass tray that lifts out to gain access to the engines.
With the engine cover down, the sunpad makes a great place to hang out at anchor, sit comfortably to put your skis or wakeboard on, or just relax and watch a sunset. Across the back are numerous handholds to get back aboard as well as a concealed telescoping swim ladder. The integrated swim platform also has a padded top to protect your favorite boards while you get set up for fun.
The 230 Wake delivers the type of agility and control you need for boarding tricks. For performance, versatility, and precision this 230 represents a solid overall family package.
