Wakeboat propulsion apparatuses are provided that can include: a wakeboat having a hull; an engine mounted to the hull; a hydraulic pump driven by the engine; a hydraulic motor powered by the hydraulic pump; and a propeller powered by the hydraulic motor. Methods for propelling a wakeboat are also provided. The methods can include: engaging a hydraulic pump from a drive of an engine operationally mounted to a hull of the wakeboat; driving a hydraulic motor with hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic pump; and operationally engaging a propeller using the hydraulic motor.