How Fast

[buckorama01]

What speed range does it take to get out of the water and ski. for a 200lb beginner. I dont have a ski boat, but do have a pontoon boat and I'm going to bump up to a 115hp. Some have told me I would be able to ski and others advised no. I have a friend with a 24' pontoon with a 120hp and he can ski behind his boat if he doesn't have many passengers. What do you think?

 

[Devious]

Re: How Fast

can you get up to 25-30 mph?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: How Fast

200 is not really too much on two skis as long as they are not baby skis.--I get out of the water on a slalom and I weigh 180. But that is a 21 foot cuddy with a 140 and only 2 people inside it. Put 4 people inside it and it becomes a struggle to get out.

115 may be marginal because it is not the top speed --within reason--that counts, it is the acceleration. If the boat accelerates too slowly, there will be too much strain on you. It will beat you up just getting up. Then you will be too tired to maintain your balance.

And toons are not known to be great accelerating boats. If you have a pair of old skis with lots of area, you may indeed be able to get up. To ski on wide long skis, 18 MPH will do it, but it won't be much fun- faster is better.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: How Fast

As said top speed is not the most important factor. Getting you out of the water and onto the skis is the important part. 25mph is the ideal speed in my opinion but over 20mph will usually work. A dock start would maybe be better with that set up.