Damascus 296 Surf wakeboat

Above: The Damascus 296 Surf on the water. Photo courtesy of Paradigm Boats.



Volvo Penta and Paradigm Boats teamed up to create something special for 2024 – the Damascus 296 Surf, a high-performance wakesports deck boat. This sleek vessel boasts a distinctive fiberglass wakesurf deck boat design, complemented by Volvo Penta’s Forward Drive system and a powerful dual V8 400 HP engine package.

Scott Buchanan, Paradigm Boats' CEO and founder, expressed the boat's innovative spirit, stating that it was crafted to challenge industry expectations and redefine the essence of boating. The partnership with Volvo Penta promises top-notch craftsmanship, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone on board.

Paradigm describes the Damascus 296 as a game-changer in wakesurfing, breaking away from conventional norms in the market. Recently showcased at Dealer Week in Tampa, Florida, dealers got a firsthand look at the boat's potential last month. Functionality-wise, the Damascus 296 Surf utilizes its unique design in harmony with Volvo Penta’s Forward Drive system. This combination ensures advanced control, maneuverability, and fuel efficiency, delivering a luxurious wakeboat experience.

Damascus 296 Surf wakeboat by Volvo Penta and Paradigm

Above: The Damascus 296 Surf by Volvo Penta and Paradigm. Photo courtesy of Volvo Penta.



Addressing the challenge of propeller exposure, Volvo Penta's Forward Drive ingeniously tackles the issue by shifting the sterndrive's props to the front, a departure from the traditional rear placement. The Duoprop design, a key element of the system, showcases two forward-facing, counter-rotating props that skillfully pull the boat through the water instead of pushing it. This innovative approach not only ensures optimal boating control but also enhances overall comfort on the water.

The Damascus 296 Surf comes equipped with Volvo Penta’s Watersports Control system, allowing boaters to customize speed and trim. With the ability to create individual profiles for up to 21 riders, switching between settings is a breeze. Volvo Penta’s Forward Drive system tackles the propeller exposure issue by relocating the props to the front, enhancing boating control and comfort.

Additionally, the boat benefits from the Volvo Penta Coastal Series corrosion protection package, offering a seven-year warranty for its gasoline sterndrives and Forward Drives. Both V6 and V8 engines feature all-aluminum blocks and closed-loop freshwater cooling, with added perks like titanium-ceramic coatings, aluminum exhausts, and sensors for saltwater intrusion warnings. It's not just a boat; it's a whole new level of wakesurfing experience.

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Written by: Laila Elise
Laila Elise is a former fashion model, writer, actress and entrepreneur, with an affinity for a life on the water. She has a Masters in Finance and a Bachelor's in Business Education, and has traveled extensively around the world working with top agencies and designers. She writes regularly about her passion for the sea on her blog: www.theboatingbabe.com