. In any case, most people slalom ski around 26-30mph depending on several factors like skier weight, ski length, and general comfort. I prefer closer to 30mph, professional slalom skiers run the course up to 36mph. So, in short, I'd think 28-30mph ought to be a good starting speed and you can slow down/speed up as you feel necessary once up. Now, an 80HP engine isn't going to be the easiest to do a deep water start on, but the GT-150 is a pretty light boat, so it's not ideal, but definitely doable. I was at 205-210lbs and got up behind a 17' bass boat with a Merc 115, so it should be somewhat equivalent to your shorter boat with less HP and lower weight.
What he said. The small boat will be squirmy when pulling a good slalom skier. A good skier likes it fast and pulls really hard. The faster you go the lighter the boat is in the water compounding the problem. With that said, myself or a lot of guys on this forum would have no problem pulling you all day in the small boat because we know what to expect. The problem will be when you throw the keys to a new driver, girlfriend or buddy that had two beers because you want to ski. You will have fun either way but having a good driver in a smaller boat that understands pulling you straight and safe as you yank the boat around will be criticle. Not trusting a driver in your boat while your swinging back and forth is a buzz kill in a small boat because good drivers are harder to find. If you have good consistent drivers then go for it but if it's going to be a revolving door of buddy's then get the bigger boat.
