Expert: Michael Bouchard - 4/12/2006

Question
hi
Could you waterski off a new V-floor inflatable (weighs 55kg) using a 20hp outboard?

Thanks

Dave

Answer
It would be very difficult to utilize a 20HP boat for skiing.  It really depends on the skier, boat weight, and motor.  For instance - professional ski boats usually are 20' long, weight 2100 lbs, and have 315 to 375 HP engines.  

I've seen 20' pontoon boats pull a skier with a 75HP engine.  

The less horsepower the more drag (and the harder it will be) on the skier.  So a really good skier could probably get up with a small motor but it would not be doing them any favors.

With the realization that anything is possible - the answer to this question is really a no.

Hope that helps,
Michael