[ck1]

I am in the market to get a boat. I am 37 yrs old and we have 2 young boys (4 and 5 yrs old) and would like to get a boat to head out on the weekends and during the summer to Koocanusa, Inveremere and Kelowna. I can water ski quite well but have yet to try wake boarding or wake surfing. I'm very active in all sports and figure it shouldn't be too hard to learn. For some reason I have my mind set on getting a wake board boat as they seem quite nice and have all the bells and whistles. I love the idea of getting on the water, pumping the tunes, swimming/skiing etc... I have found some decent boats for sale out of the US. New MB Sports or Centurion's are going for around $45-50k in the US, whereas they are around $60-70k here. Used ones are in the $30-40k range.

Just looking for some feedback on what would be a good family boat to get considering the following:
- can make a decent wake for wake boarding and wake surfing
- has all the bells and whistles (stereo w subs/tower and speakers/cooler/heaters/seating for 10 or more for groups of friends)
- reliable motor
- decent warranty
- can be serviced in Calgary area
-stable in choppy waters
- 300hp or greater
- 20-24ft
- how many hrs is too many?

I've been in a nice Larson and Chapparall, they seem like good family boats, just not sure if the wake will be sufficient enough as I anticipate my family will be getting into the board sports. I've heard nightmare stories about wake boarding boats getting swamped in choppy waters, I don't know much about that topic at all.

Anyone have good feedback on what brand to consider for wake boarding boats? Pro's and con's? I'd like to stick in the $30-40k range if I could.

Brands that I think are affordable that I'm considering:
- MB Sports
- Centurion
- Ski Supreme
- Axis
- Malibu

I love the Mastercraft but to get a used one in the $30-40k range, you are looking at a 2004-2006, older than other brands for the same money.

Much appreciated.
Cheers.