Hey Ron,
Thanks for the compliment - I would guess I have a ton of BOARD and contest specific knowledge not so much boats or ballasting. In the interest of appropriate disclosure, I organize contests and I solicit board and product donations from anyone with a heartbeat
None of the large 3 manufacturers have ever given contests I organize so much as the time of day.
With that - I REALLY like the Hyperlite Broadcast 5'6" as a first choice board for folks in that 180+ range. There is a phnomenon when you are first learning that you typically need a board that is LONGER during the first year, than you will ever need again. Using myself as an example, I currently ride a board that is in the 4'6" range, but during my first year, I literally couldn't ride a board less than 5'10".
The bigger broadcast offers a number of benefits for newbies. Literally they are everywhere, Hyperlite has incredible distribution channels. They are exceptionally affordable...I've seen them online for less than $300. They are built like a wakeboard - needless to say they are heavy, but the robust construction lends itself well to first timers. No presure dents and it will sit a bit lower in the water making mastering getting up somewhat easier for certain folks. It has a good FULL EVA traction that's pretty easy on the feet. As you master the board, it does have some limited fin adjustments...so you can remove the trailing fin to loosen up the feel. It should fit in a standard wakeboard rack and because it has some longevity it can be sold the following year. Personally I think it's a good value. I'd also look into a used one.
There are certainly other boards from other manufacturers. You'll want to aim for that 5'6" range for folks in that 180 pound newbie category.
The 60 - 100 pound category may be a bit tougher. Are we talking kids? My lovely wife Judy is very petite...standing 4'11" and around 100 pounds. Boards longer than 4'6" are just more than she needs. I've found that for youngsters one of the biggest problems for them is getting up. They struggle a bit with flipping the board up. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the old wooden Trick Boardz for this. They were heavy and became almost neutrally bouyant in the water. Making it very easy for the kids to flip them up. I have seen some smaller kids specific boards from Billy over at Austin Surf Company, but I have yet to teach anyone on them. What I like to use for newbie kids is the smallest heaviest skim style board, if the Trick Boardz isn't available. Mostly I like the weight factor. It allows them to sink the trailing rail upon starting and the extra weight tends to cause the board to remain "stationary" as they learn to get up and stay with the pocket.
Phase 5 Icon, if you can find an older wooden Trick boardz snatch that, and I have had some luck with 5'0" or less molded boards from the Big Manufacturers for folks in the 100 pound range.
My rule of thumb is smaller/heavier for the kids and you can get by with the larger molded boards like the broadcast I mentioned above for lightweight/petite adults. Again, that first year of riding, bigger is a better choice than smaller. Then once you have some mileage under your belt, you'll be able to step down.
Hope that helps - keep us posted, please!