Jet vs I/O what's best for skiing??

[767Captain]

Re: Jet vs I/O what's best for skiing??

I would recommend that you go rent one of each and try them. You will know what you like or don't like about each. But I agree, this board tend to slant toward the prop boats. I just wish you guys would ride in one. It will really change your mind!

I've driven jet boats, and inboard tournament ski boats. No way I would buy a jet boat. They're not real ski boats, and they're not real fishing boats. How many inboard tournament boats have you guys driven??? How many real offshore fishing boats?

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Jet vs I/O what's best for skiing??

A typical runabout doesn't do anything remarkably well.

I disagree. My 19 foot Stingray, with a 4.3 V6 is a hell of a ski boat, has a good wake, will pull me barefooting, has a great slalom wake at 30-36 mph, and does it all above average. Its also very comfortable for my family and friends to leisure in.

I will not pull a good skier through a slalom course with it, though. But that is a far cry from it's not doing anything remarkably well.

Yes, I have driven an inboard. I had one of the first Malibu skiers on Lake Allatoona and Lanier back in the day. I could pull any skier through the course and have my times within specs. I regularly boat with a guy with a Malibu response who just put it for sale. He now has a 2-year old and needs another lay out. I think he will end up in a v-drive, though, versus an IO. Some day, if my kids ever take to tournament skiing like I did, I will have another one. Right now, I don't need the ability to run the slalom course with my boat, because I am the only skier in our group that can run it, and I get enough tows through it a year to keep me satisfied.


My advice is the IO over the jet. However, I think you might be able to do better by finding an IO with at least and 4.3 V6. I do think you want to look an an older Mastercraft Tri-Star, Malibu Sunsetter, or Natique Sport. I think those open bow direct drive "tournament ski boats" would be the most flexible for getting into water sports, as well as hold their value better than any IO or jet option.

 

[SoonerDustin]

Re: Jet vs I/O what's best for skiing??

www.yamahajetboaters.com you'll find out all you want to know and more about the current jet boats.