Our boat came with the house. I would have bought a 29'+ boat for that lake.
We enjoy our little 24' deckboat, but we know our limitations on LOTO. (Times, days of the week, locations...etc)
We have a house on LOTO. I think I understand the mixed requirements of the OP.
While you want something that is "skiable", you also want something for the conditions of the lake.
One that is do-able for both will definitely be a compromise of both.
We have a 24' deckboat there which does okay for basic watersports, but I wouldn't do any serious slalom behind it.
The Starcraft is also on the small side and the wrong hull for the lake which gets very rough on the weekends.
The OP needs to better define what is the more important for them on LOTO.
Skiing? Go Master Craft and know your waters and limitations.
Size? Go 27-29' V-Hull (I like Fountain) and know that tubing may be the extent of your real water sports.
Our 24' Deckboat (it came with the house) compromises both.
We went from a 21' deckboat to our 27 footer and the ride difference is amazing, especially when the lake gets rough. As far as power goes, the bravo 3 with the 350 mag does just fine without burning the gas a 496 would.
When I grow up Thats the boat I want...there is one that hangs out at the local sand bar with us--they said they got thier's in an estate sale or something for $33,000. It is MINT!
If I had the budget, I would add a 30ish Fountain to the mix.
Lil' Ray for water sports.
Starcraft bigger groups and coving.
Fountain for a little speed on the choppy lake.
