How much HP is needed to ski-tube?

[Bunnerrabbit]

I am looking into buying a older 80's sunbird with a blown motor it has a 85hp force on it. I have the ability to get a 70HP Nissan pretty cheap. The boat is a 16ft ski type boat that needs alot of interior work. Would this combo be able to pull much? also any clues on top speed? Could it break 35MPH or is this motor just a little to small? Not sure if I want to just into a project that I will not be happy with.

 

[chaparral442]

Re: How much HP is needed to ski-tube?

tube yes, Ski maybe one person-

 

[Bunnerrabbit]

Re: How much HP is needed to ski-tube?

Sorry I kinda see now that this is in the wrong forum. As far as the skiing goes that prob wont happen but how about a knee board?

 

[wildspeed]

Re: How much HP is needed to ski-tube?

kneeboard will be find and 1 skieur too as long as it's not an anker/anchor

 

[MikDee]

Re: How much HP is needed to ski-tube?

Knowing the design of the Sunbird, I'd say you should get at least 35 out of it, and unless you're over 200lbs, you shouldn't have any problem getting yanked right out of the water on ski's, even heavier it'll do it, just take a maybe 15seconds more. Most of your skiing will be at 25-30mph unless you're experienced a bit.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: How much HP is needed to ski-tube?

When a teen, an 18 rude could pull me up on 2 with one person in the boat.....best I could do then; 13' light boat and water was shallow so we could stand up to get going.....much easier than a deep water start.....and I weighed 120 or so #.

Later with a 16' boat (light boat and mostly flat bottom....easy to plane) and wife and 4 chillins, a 45 could barely get a tube movin (14.5 x 24 tractor tube). Pullin me up was a real chore on a pair and a slalom was a never mind.

Help any?

Bite the bullet. Get something to do the job. Enjoy it and when the payments come do you will pay them gladly cause you are enjoying what you are paying for, not regretting the purchase because it's inadequate..........BTDT.

Mark

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: How much HP is needed to ski-tube?

How big is the Sunbird? 15'/16' or? That will have a lot to do with it.
If the boat is 16' or less and the 70hp is in good condition that will pulll a skier or a tuber. You didn't mention anticipated skier weight or ability?....big guys? or teens and such? Any 200+ lb'ers? Learners? good skiers or?
It may not fly them out of the water but it will get most of them up.
As well the tube should have a bottom to it if possible. Open tubes like tractor tubes are very hard to pull up because of the bottom shape 'drag' element. Newer 'bottomed' tubes specifically designed for boat/recreation use are substantially easier and the way to go.
As for skiing I've seen lots of 150-175lb skiers pulled up no problem on slalom w/ 60-65hp boats and even a few jump starts. A lot has to do with the skier.

 

[jtexas]

Re: How much HP is needed to ski-tube?

35 with a 70? 15 ft fiberglass boat and light load - maybe. 17ft glass boat loaded with babes & beers? Might hit 30. But will it pull a tube, darn right. And a skier with some abilities, maybe. Just my opinion.