Minimum HP for Skiing?

A

Alan Calfer

Cadet
Joined
May 21, 2013
Messages
20
Is there a minimum horsepower outboard motor or towing a skiier? I know it probably depends on the size of the boat, etc, but let's just say it's a 14' runabout for example..

Or are there some KINDS of outboards that are better for skiing? less/more?

Thanks
 
J

jcfitzgerald

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Dec 17, 2012
Messages
44
Re: Minimum HP for Skiing?

On a light 14 foot runabout, a 35 hp will pull one medium size adult skier ok, with the correct propeller. Been there, done that, and very well. Btw, when I was a 75 pound kid, we skied behind a small Jon boat with a 5 hp Mercury, piloted by my cousin who was about the same size. Back about 1964.
 
B

Bamaman1

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
May 15, 2011
Messages
1,895
Re: Minimum HP for Skiing?

We learned on 35 hp 2 strokes on 14' boats in the early 60's. Later moved to larger engines and hulls.

I don't think I've even ridden in any small engine boat or boat less than 16' in the last 40 years.

If I was wanting a boat to pull a skier, I'd want one that'd be more seaworthy. A 17' bowrider boat with 115 hp outboard would be a good medium size, medium fast boat for family watersports.
 
skibrain

skibrain

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 17, 2004
Messages
766
Re: Minimum HP for Skiing?

It would help if you provided more info in your original post. Many of us have stories of minimal hp skiing.

Are you looking to buy a boat for skiing?

Do you have a 14' boat wondering if it is capable of towing if you get a different motor?

Is this a theoretical discussion about weight and prop pitch vs skier size and ski size?

Maximum allowable hp for a given hull is best. Minimal crew/passenger weight is best. Smaller skier with bigger skis is easier. Skilled driver and experienced skier is likely more successful... Lots of variables.
 
L

LudwigO

Cadet
Joined
Jun 3, 2013
Messages
17
Re: Minimum HP for Skiing?

I have skied behind a Terhi micro fun with a 9,9hp, but we couldn't start from the water. Otherwise we did most of our skiing with a 20hp Suzuki and an open 5m boat.

Later on we moved to 60hp.
 
jimmbo

jimmbo

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
12,961
Re: Minimum HP for Skiing?

Learned to do deep water Slalom starts behind a 14ft with 40hp. Then my dad got a 16ft with a 90, Later we skied behing a 14 ft car top with a 35hp. Width of the transom is very important as to how well the boat will pull a skier, the wider the better.
 
K

kahuna123

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 2, 2011
Messages
703
Re: Minimum HP for Skiing?

If you are in Florida you should just look around at what people are pulling skiers with. I learned at a very young age behind a wooden boat with a 35hp Johnson. At 12 I learned to barefoot behind a 15ft Cobia with a 65 merc. My last skiboat was Carlson Glastron CVX 16 with a hot 200Hp Johnson. We could deepwater start two 200lb barefooters no problem.
Point I am trying to make is 15-35hp is gonna cut it unless you have a very light child on two skis and not much boat.
 
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