Buying a used ski boat...

[hibbert6]

I'm giving my 15' trihull to my newly married son and buying a late-model 18 footer, probably with an outboard. I found one with a 90hp Merc, the NADA weight is only 1675lbs. That should be plenty for waterskiing, but as my younger son gets bigger and brings a few friends - let's say 900 lbs of people, plus a cooler full of drinks - will the 90hp be adequate?

I've seen most outboards are 135-150 even 175hp. Gosh, when I saw my first 115, (30 years ago) I was in awe! I just want to buy ONE boat in the next 10 years, so any advice would be welcome!

Thanks,

Dave

 

[skibrain]

Re: Buying a used ski boat...

90 hp on a 18' boat is borderline power for skiing, especially if you want to have a boat load along for the ride. My neighbor bought a 18' SeaRay with a 90 Merc and he's found it really underpowered. If you know the boat model you are interested in buying, find out the max. engine the hull is rated for. Get that maximum size outboard.

Most 18' will be rated for something like a 135 or 150 outboard.

For comparison, what hp is on the 15' trihull and do you know what that weighs?

 

[75TowerOfPower]

Re: Buying a used ski boat...

Yeha I have a 115 HP on my smaller tri hull and it's tough to ski with 3 other people in the boat. So if you want a "ski" boat I would suggest 150hp + on the 18'.

I am looking for a 22'+ with atleast 220 hp.

 

[skibrain]

Re: Buying a used ski boat...

I'll add that I'm typically a fan of smaller, lighter rigs. However I've usually had the option of leaving extra people on the dock and keeping the crew to driver and spotter. Weight is the enemy of performance, and it typically creates bigger wakes (not what a skier is looking for )

 

[hibbert6]

Re: Buying a used ski boat...

Thank you! I'll be looking, then, for something with a bigger engine.

Dave

 

[BoomerSooner]

Re: Buying a used ski boat...

As you can see in my pic, I have a 17.5 ft Carlson (Glastron) with a Merc 150 EFI. Couldn't be happier. I put a 4 blade prop on it and it pulls about like a direct drive. Total weight is 1750# boat and motor. Go with at least a 135. That way you get the torque of the V6.

 

[BigBoatinOkie]

Re: Buying a used ski boat...

I'm confused. Guys are usually asking how BIG of a motor they can put on their boat. Don't short yourself on power. An experienced skier that dosn't weigh much can get up behind just about anything, but heavier folks, especially inexperienced heavier folks, will need a pretty strong pull. If everybody in your crew are is light weight you may not have a problem.

 

[75TowerOfPower]

Re: Buying a used ski boat...

Remember your young son will probably get bigger as will his freinds. I personally liek having the extra power to avoid things, stupid boaters. PLus worrying about things is never good for me, like will we have enough power to get the big guy up or to get you up on one ski, because there are plenty of other things you are worrying about while boating. I know I liked being able to get on plane and popping up new skiers. We taught about 7 people this past summer how to ski. The extra power helps them out too.