More Newbie ???'s

[Codedog]

Okay, thanks for the help so far everyone. A question was posed as to pulling a skier. Given a 16 to 17 foot hull - how much HP do I need to pull a skier/boarder/tuber with driver & observer and maybe a lab or two? <br /><br />I guess I'm still deciding if I want a family-type boat or strictly hunt/fish boat. I will be using it on some small and some sort-of large water.

 

[Baldguy]

Re: More Newbie ???'s

IMHO at least 130 hp to pull an adult male on a single ski. Even then, the skier is not going to pop out of the water right away. <br /><br />Anything with less hp. and you're going to drag the skier at least a 1/4 mile before they're able to pull themselves up on a single. (I know, I have a 90hp and was dragged at least that distance)<br /><br />The tuber, you can do with less hp. <br /><br />Hope this helps.

 

[WSUDERMAN]

Re: More Newbie ???'s

Finally a topic I know a little about!...<br />As for the HP and Skiing, A GENERAL rule of thumb is if the boat will do 35 mph, then it will pull a skier. If that skier is 200 lbs. then he/she will need to work VERY hard to get out of the water. The skier will need to hang on for a long time while the boat gets up-to speed or on plane. <br />As for Tubing, just about anything will pull a tube...<br /><br />Here is more detail...<br />Oh so many variables....<br />1. I would say the biggest one would be Outboard, Inboard, or I/O.<br />This has more to do with weight that anything. Outboards have a great power to weight ratio! Inboards have the weight located in the center of the boat Thus it gets on plane quick! Great for skiing.<br /><br />2. Size (lbs. and height) of the skier(s).<br />Larger = more HP and or More Work.<br /><br />3. Type of skiing/boarding.<br />When slalom skiing with a boat that is low on hp you will be able to "pull" the Boat as you "cut". This can be annoying.<br /><br />Wake boards have a large plane surface so they are easier to pull out of the water.<br /><br />4. Hull design, Deep V, Flat, etc...<br />This dictates how "efficient" the boat is at planing. Deep V’s plan slower that a shallow v or a flat bottom. And again Inboards plane very quick! Great for skiing. (Expensive though) HP can overcome a “not so efficient” hull.<br /><br />So, here is my ski boat experience...<br />15' Dorsett, deep v w/50hp Johnson OB - tough to get up slalom.<br /><br />16' SeaSwirl deep v, w/50hp Johnson OB - Also tough to get up slalom.<br /><br />22’ Custom Inboard Day cruiser, w/440 and 2 speed trans. 450HP? - Easy to slalom behind!<br /><br />25’ Eliminator w/350 & Mercruser I/O, 300HP? - Easy to slalom behind, but hard to drive for a skier<br /><br />19’ Four Winns w/305 & OMC I/O 220HP – Easy to slalom behind.<br />Hope this helps...

 

[skier]

Re: More Newbie ???'s

My experience is Get the biggest motor you can on what ever boat you get. It doesn't matter if you will use it to ski or not. You might not think you will ever need that much HP until the time you do need it and it's not there.<br /><br />There are new (Shaped) water skis now that are wider and do require less power and less speed to ski. These skis are designed to ski between 25 and 28 MPH and much easier on the skiers arms (About half of the work for the skier. I got my boat and motor before these skis hit the market so I wanted enough power to "Pop up" up just about anyone I wanted to on a single ski, and I can.<br /><br />Do yourself a favor and MAX out the HP.<br /><br />Craig

 

[DaveM]

Re: More Newbie ???'s

Just as Mr. FourWinns stated, there are oh so many variables. I also agree that when it comes to HP, more is better. And as in so many things in life it all comes down to $$$. Namely, how many bucks do you want to spend.<br /><br />Anecdotes and examples? I've got 'em...<br />- Dad has 16' aluminum fishing boat with an 80 hp Merc. It will work, but just barely.<br />- Brother refuses to ski behind anything less than a pro ski boat (typically powered by at least a 5.7L V8).<br />- Brother-in-law has a 20' aluminum fish/ski combo w/ 150 hp outboard which does 50+ mph across the water--that'll do.<br />- Friend has a 17' bow rider with 120 hp I/O with just enough power to pull a skier.<br />- Me, I have a 20' cuddy with a 160 hp I/O that works quite nicely for my type of skiing.<br /><br />And what is the point to all my rambling you may ask. It really comes down to what you want to do. Are you going to use the boat exclusively for skiing? Do you want to fish as well? Are you towing the boat for long distances?<br /><br />Does this help? I didn't think so. Personally, my next one will be some sort of combined fishing and skiing boat. I just have to convince my loverly bride that we need a new boat.<br /><br />Good luck with your choices!