Its easier to wakeboard a direct drive than it is to slalom a V-drive. Plus, smaller wakes for wakeboarding promote better technique for beginners developing skills such as carve to the wake, pop, landing, riding switch, etc without violent crashes from big wakes. I had a 2003 Nautique 206 that crossed over very well. Slalomed in 38 off, and wakeboarded well when sacked up. Footed well too.