Engine size and HP needed for pulling skiers

[rusreus2]

I know this is a bit of a loaded question, but here it goes.
I have been around boats for most of my life and have a pretty good idea of what I want and think I need. However, I would like to get some opinions from you all. Please.

I am looking at a few slightly different boats and configurations and am trying to determine what will be best for my money, resale, and least amount of up keep hassle.

The brands I have been looking at are Sea Ray, Chaparral, Cobalt and Crownline.
2000 to 2006 depending on the MFG, condition and cost.

I am trying to find the acceptable purchase price for what I am getting and what I really need. That being said, I have been looking at boats in the $11,000 to 25,000 price range.

The typical boat length I am looking at is ranging from 19 to 23 foot plus the swim platform. All of the boats I am looking at are Bow Riders/ open bow.

One of my biggest concerns is around the engine size and HP along with the drive unit and prop (duo prop or not).

My buddies and I are larger guys and would like to be able to water ski, knee board, tube, wave board without a major fight.

Do you think a 5.0 260 HP engine with an alpha one drive will get us out of the water siffuciently? I know I can do some stainless 5 blade prop adjustments...
or
Should I be standing hard and fast on a 5.7 300HP + unit
Would you suggest the Bravo 3 lower with a Duao prop?

I just don't want to get stuck with a boat that I am not going to be happy with.

Do you have any thoughts on the the mfg's I am considering?

Thank you,

Darwin

 

[hostage]

Re: Engine size and HP needed for pulling skiers

People ski with 3L engines at 135hp, I am 190lbs and was able to get up on skiis on my 19ft cuddy 4.3L @ 190hp. How big is big?

I do notice it takes a couple of seconds longer to get up on a plain when I have 4 or 5 people compared to my normal 2.

-Hostage

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Engine size and HP needed for pulling skiers

The truth: it depends. The 260HP engine is fine in my opinion for the 19-22 ft models. However, that 22-23ft range and above is really going to benefit from a 5.7 or larger engine. I would find one with a bravo outdrive if I were you.

You don't usually *need* a larger engine in this situation, but you should always get the largest engine you can if watersports is your goal.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Engine size and HP needed for pulling skiers

19-21 foot is good for skiing but in my opinion, a 23 footer is a bit cumbersome.

Put three dinosaurs (Dinosaur--250 and up. Minimum number needed for skiing) in a 19 footer and she will have a problem pulling you up with smaller engines. You sound like a go-fast type guy. Buy the largest engine option you can find or you just won't be happy.

Too much horsepower is never enough!

 

[2ndtry]

Re: Engine size and HP needed for pulling skiers

All good advice so far

the 260 should be fine for a 19-21 footer, and has been said this size is better for skiing anyway. The only possible issue might be trying to snatch a 250 lb beginner out of the water on a slalom ski. Two skis, kneeboard, wakeboard, tubes, no problem at all. Even an experienced slalomer should have no problem.

I have less experience with the bigger boats, but you might expect they would need a bigger motor, but they also throw bigger wakes (bad for skiing, good boarding).

 

[commander315]

Re: Engine size and HP needed for pulling skiers

5.0 is plenty, but i agree, Bravo is always better