Minimal Speed

[commander315]

What is the minimal speed you can waterski with if your running T-260hp Mercrusier 350's (With a heavy boat) ???

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Minimal Speed

Doesn't much matter what the boat is once you are up. 15 mph is fine for combos, slalom requires more like 20-25 just to stay above water.

 

[convergent]

Re: Minimal Speed

I would have said more like 20mph for 2 skies and more like 30 for slalom, but I may be off. The skill of the skier and how heavy they are will affect this. The width of the skis will also play into it... they now make some wider skis that would help.

 

[skibrain]

Re: Minimal Speed

Are you wondering if your boat goes fast enough to pull a skier? or are you asking how slowly it is possible to waterski?

14 mph is pretty slow and maybe a threshold...any slower and you really plow.

 

[commander315]

Re: Minimal Speed

yea i could cruise around 19mph. I should be able to go faster but the boat is so damn heavy.. If i push it i could hit 23..so i should be alright on combos??? the main skier is about 190 and a beginner approaching intermediate

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Minimal Speed

Should be fine on combos at that speed/skier weight. I weigh 185 and don't have any problem staying up on combos at 15mph - holding a kid in front of me on their own skis.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Minimal Speed

Commander, based on your other post about the wake-jumping issue. I would be trying to go faster, not slower. The faster you go, the lower the wake is going to be for the skier. I prefer mid-20's on two skis and 30-32mph even on slolam.

 

[commander315]

Re: Minimal Speed

Commander, based on your other post about the wake-jumping issue. I would be trying to go faster, not slower. The faster you go, the lower the wake is going to be for the skier. I prefer mid-20's on two skis and 30-32mph even on slolam.

Right, I have no desire to go slower, I was just seeing what a good skiing speed is..thanks for the wake tip..but im not gonna have any of these problems anymore btw....Im in the process of purchasing a 2008 35 Wellcraft cc with triple 250 ob's.. (No more waterskiing speed issues..)

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Minimal Speed

Right, I have no desire to go slower, I was just seeing what a good skiing speed is..thanks for the wake tip..but im not gonna have any of these problems anymore btw....Im in the process of purchasing a 2008 35 Wellcraft cc with triple 250 ob's.. (No more waterskiing speed issues..)

LOL - no more speed issues. Can't imagine how horrible the wake must be behind a boat like that though.

 

[skibrain]

Re: Minimal Speed

With the Wellcraft, a 150' ski line sounds about right.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Minimal Speed

I say 20mph for 2 ski's, 25 mph for single.
My 2 cents.