If you spend time on the water, you know that having the right gear storage makes a huge difference in your boating experience. When it comes to waterskiing, that means choosing the right waterski rack for your boat. Without one, skis end up scattered across the deck, taking up space and creating tripping hazards. A quality rack keeps your skis organized, protected, and out of the way, while still being easy to access when it’s time to hit the water.
Unlike wakeboard racks, which tend to share similar dimensions, waterski racks are more specialized. They vary in tine spacing, tower compatibility, and features like swivels and quick releases. At OnlyInboards, we answer more questions about waterski racks than any other accessory, so we’ve created this detailed guide to help you make the best choice. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly rack or a premium OEM option, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know.
A waterski rack is more than just storage—it’s an investment in convenience, safety, and protecting your gear. Here are a few reasons boat owners consider racks a must-have:
Not all racks fit every tower. Most mount to round, tube-style towers, but popular factory towers—like the Malibu G3, Axis, or Centurion Maximus—often require adapters or OEM-specific racks. Always double-check before purchasing. A rack that doesn’t fit your tower properly may be unstable or even unusable.
The spacing between tines determines which skis will fit. Narrow racks (16–18”) might work for slalom skis but won’t accommodate combo skis. Wider racks (24–29”) provide versatility for families or groups with multiple ski types. If you have kids’ skis, combo skis, or oversized skis, tine spacing becomes even more important.
Beyond fit, you’ll want to consider the features that make your rack more convenient:
Why We Like It: The Big Air Hydro Rack is one of the best entry-level waterski racks. It’s affordable, ships quickly, and comes in both polished and black powder coat finishes. While it only fits tube-style towers, it’s reliable and sturdy enough for most recreational skiers.
Clamp Options: 1.875”, 2”, 2.25”, 2.5”
Finish Options: Black or Polished
Distance Between Tines: 24”
Swivel Option: Yes, standard or extended swivel arms available
Quick Release: No
This rack is a great choice for boaters who want a simple, budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality.
Why We Like It: With a generous 25” tine spacing, the Monster Waterski Rack accommodates nearly all types of skis. It’s durable, polished in anodized aluminum, and comes with swivel and quick-release features. This makes it one of the most versatile racks under $300.
Clamp Options: 1 7/8” – 2.5” Standard; 2 7/8 – 3” available for extra
Finish Options: Polished Anodized Only
Distance Between Tines: 25”
Swivel Option: Yes
Quick Release: Yes
If you’re looking for an affordable rack that checks most boxes, the Monster Rack is hard to beat.
Why We Like It: The Dominion Rack stands out for its versatility. With mounting options for nearly every tower type—including Malibu, Axis, Centurion, and more—it’s one of the most flexible racks available. It also comes with a quick-release function, making removal easy. The only tradeoff is the narrower 18” tine spacing.
Clamp Options: Any tube size from 1.5 – 3”, Malibu Illusion X & XS, G3, G4, G5 towers, Centurion Evolution, Gladiator, Axis towers and more
Finish Options: Black or Polished
Distance Between Tines: 16”
Swivel Option: Yes, standard or extended swivel arms (polished only)
Quick Release: Yes
This rack is ideal for boat owners with less common tower setups.
Why We Like It: The Samson Talon is precision-engineered in the USA and designed for serious skiers. Its impressive 28” tine spacing accommodates virtually any ski. Instead of using inserts, Samson builds exact clamp sizes for a secure fit.
Clamp Options: ½” to 3” for non swivel; Illusion X, G3, G4, G5, Illusion XS, Gladiator, Axis, Evolution towers for swivel version
Finish Options: Polished Standard (any powder coat color available for extra)
Distance Between Tines: 28”
Swivel Option: Yes
Quick Release: No
This rack is a great long-term investment for skiers who want maximum durability and precision fit.
Why We Like It: Roswell is a trusted OEM supplier, and the Elite Waterski Rack reflects their premium quality. With a segment-leading 29” tine spacing, it fits the widest range of skis on the market. As an OEM rack, it also bolts directly onto many factory swivels for popular brands like Nautique, Supra, and Centurion.
Clamp Options: 1 5/8” – 3” for Tube style towers; 4 bolt hole pattern matches many factory towers or swivels
Finish Options: Polished Anodized Only
Distance Between Tines: 29”
Swivel Option: Yes
Quick Release: No
If you want the best of the best, the Roswell Elite is worth the investment.
Choosing the right waterski rack comes down to your boat’s tower type, the types of skis you use, and which convenience features matter most to you. Budget-friendly racks like the Big Air Hydro are excellent for beginners, while premium racks like the Roswell Elite and Samson Talon provide unbeatable performance and fit.
At OnlyInboards, we carry the largest selection of waterski racks for boats, making it easy to find one that fits your setup and budget. Not sure which rack is right for you? Call us at 309-371-0095 or email support@onlyinboards.com—our team will help you choose the perfect rack so you can spend less time worrying about storage and more time enjoying the water.
What’s the difference between a wakeboard rack and a waterski rack?
Wakeboard racks have narrower spacing (about 10–12”) while waterski racks are wider (16–29”) to accommodate larger skis.
Do all waterski racks fit any tower?
No. Some factory towers require adapters or OEM-specific racks. Always confirm fitment before buying.
How wide should waterski rack tines be?
For versatility, 24” or more is recommended. Narrow racks may limit what types of skis you can store.
What features should I look for in a waterski rack?
Swivel mounts, quick-release systems, and powder-coated finishes are the most popular upgrades.
Are OEM racks better than aftermarket racks?
OEM racks are built specifically for certain boat brands, ensuring perfect fit and integration. Aftermarket racks, however, can be more versatile and cost-effective.
Can I install a waterski rack myself?
Yes. Most racks are designed for DIY installation and come with all necessary hardware. However, OEM racks may require professional installation if they’re designed for specific factory towers.
Will a waterski rack damage my tower?
Not if installed correctly. Always use the proper clamp size and torque specifications. Many racks include rubber inserts to protect your tower’s finish.
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