Ski Boat Horsepower

[jajones24]

I've got my eye on 2 ski boats but have a question about engines. The two boats are a Four Winns Freedom 180 w/a 4.3 engine with 190 HP and the Four Winns Horizon with a 4.3 engine with 225 HP.<br /><br />I will typically have around 6 people in the boat and wonder if 190 HP is sufficient to pull a grown man on a wakeboard or skis, or if there is a world of difference between 190 HP and 225 HP. I've done a lot of skiing in the past, but never paid much attention to the HP that is required to easily pull a skier with a full boatload.<br /><br />Your help is appreciated as always!

 

[jajones24]

Re: Ski Boat Horsepower

Also, forgot to add this....this is a Volvo engine...don't know much about them, so anything you can add about the manufacturer is appreciated.

 

[DJ]

Re: Ski Boat Horsepower

jajones,<br /><br />If you can afford it, get the 225. The resale value will be better. I believe the 225 is EFI. If it is, it offers: quick fiddle free starts and slightly better fuel economy.<br /><br />The engine is basic General Motors. There is very little difference in base engine between MerCruiser and Volvo.

 

[brent suzkui wyble j16]

Re: Ski Boat Horsepower

bigger is almost always better!

 

[ajp]

Re: Ski Boat Horsepower

Depends on the weight of the boat, you may get the same response with either motor. The EFI is preferrable.<br /><br />You don't need a large engine pull to get a wakeboarder up. I can get up behind my 4.3 ltr 190hp at almost idle speed, with a boatload of folks. I am 44 yrs old and 6' and 175 lbs.<br /><br />If it takes a strong pull to get the wakeboarder up, the boarder has an incorrect technique. <br /><br />Let me reemphasize that I can get up at idle speed. It takes almost no arm pull. <br /><br />I have had people push water till the rope would pull out of their hands and hit the boat. Poor technique. After I showed them how to get up, they were amazed at the ease and lack of a hard pull to get out of the water. <br /><br />Deep water slalom skiing is a different story. V6 is the minimum. <br /><br />Of course, after you wakeboard, why ski. What is the point? I was a slalom skier for over 30 years and have not skied once in 3 years. Wakeboarding is much easier to learn, easier on my body, unlimited tricks, and alot more fun. Watersport companies are selling 10 wakeboards to 1 set of skis. <br /><br />My 6 and 7 yr old girls wakeboarded within a couple of trys and they have never skied.

 

[jajones24]

Re: Ski Boat Horsepower

ajp,<br /><br />I've only tried wakeboarding once, and did enjoy it. I hope to do more real soon...i wasn't aware that wakeboards were that much easier to pull (on an engine) than a slalom skiier. As much as I would like the 225 HP, it would be a bit of a stretch on my budget right now...but would get it if it made all the difference in the world. But for knee boarding, tubing and wakeboarding, it sounds like I'd be ok w/a 190 HP????<br /><br />Still something for me to think about, but this helps alot...thanks to all!

 

[JasonB]

Re: Ski Boat Horsepower

I have actually pulled up a (very talented) 180lb slalom skier up with 4 people in the boat. The fun of that is, the boat is a 16' Tri-Hull with an 85hp V4 Johnson. Skier almost drowned getting up..... <br /><br />On the other hand, I also have a 19' very deep V boat with a fresh 220+hp V8 that will pull just about anyone on anything in a recreational setting.<br /><br />More power is always great, but you can still have fun either way. I would think the 190 would be fine if that fits the budget and gets you on the water. You may sometimes wanta bit more power, but I highly doubt you'll be dissappointed with the 190.

 

[ajp]

Re: Ski Boat Horsepower

The wakeboard is easier because of the surface area of the board. You do, however, have to get the board almost level. If you keep it vertical, you will push the water and make it a very difficult pull. The surface area works against you. <br /><br />As for slalom skiing, when I was a kid we slalomed behind a 35 hp boat. Then a 70hp Johnson. The secret to getting up is to leave the rear leg trailing and try to get the ski level. <br /><br />I'd opt for the one that uses less gas.

 

[speedrcr]

Re: Ski Boat Horsepower

Have you considered an inboard, such as Malibu, or MasterCraft. You can get one a few years old for a good price and the pull and tracking and control is FAR better than any IB/OB or OB for watersports.

 

[jajones2051]

Re: Ski Boat Horsepower

Well, after much consideration, I decided to spring for the Four Winns 180 Horizon with 225 HP. I had to dig a bit deeper, but couldn't pass up the extra power (Hrrr Hrr Hrr!)<br /><br />Thanks to all for the advice..hopefully this will prove to be a fun summer!

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Ski Boat Horsepower

yuo would have no problem with the 190hp, but you'll be really happy with the 220. that's a bunch of power for that size boat. enjoy-