Skiing...

[SealineF43]

What is the smallest RIB/engine you could ski an average sized adult behind?

[PeterM]

4m & 50hp pulls my fat fourteen & half stone arse out & have seen it done on less with better technique !

[Polwart]

Originally Posted by SealineF43

What is the smallest RIB/engine you could ski an average sized adult behind?

I was told when I bought mine (pretty light weight 4m with 20HP engine) that I should be able to with the right prop. Not tried it though.

[SealineF43]

So what is more important, the engine or the weight of the boat?

[LURCHER]

I agree with Blackroady my first skiing lesson was in Osbourne Bay in 1976 behind a Broom 13' with a Johnson Skitwin 35HP all three items are still going though Im not sure which is in better condition !

The bigger the engine the easier it will be but just take it smoothly on the power.

[SeaSkills]

Is there a reason for looking for the smallest possible option? Sounds like you're trying to make things hard for yourself. You'll get away with towing with a small boat/engine combo, but much easier with even a slightly bigger setup. A Sealine 43 may be a bit on the big side, though!

Polwart is right too - make sure you have the right prop, 4 blades are likely to give you better performance "out of the hole", and stainless if you can rather than aluminium

[Jono]

..a chap with an big inboard powered Glastron couldn't pull me out of the water.... but I'm a) slightly above average size/weight and b) a Numpty on skis...on the other hand a lightweight (fecka!) and talented (double fecka!!) friend of mine could ski behind a 12' Inflatable with a knackered 20 horse on it... Hope this helps

[Cookee]

Originally Posted by SealineF43

So what is more important, the engine or the weight of the boat?

It's the combination of the two! I know this might sound a bit basic, but it really does depend on a number of factors, as you can see by the replies it varies a lot. The factors to consider are what is the heaviest and least skilled of the people you are likely to try and pull, and what limitations do you have with regard to choice? More power makes it easier, and the smaller the boat makes it cramped with people skis etc. That said we used to have a great time and pulled most people up with a 14' Fletcher and a 70hp Suzuki - at least it said that on the engine cover!

[IBWET]

Originally Posted by SealineF43

What is the smallest RIB/engine you could ski an average sized adult behind?

Are you thinking about your tender? I know someone who had issues with a 3.1 quicksilver and 15 horse yam making his F37 sit with a list while the rib was on the davits?

my understanding is 28 hp on a very small rib will get a skier out,but it will be hard work and with only the driver in the rib.

We used a 4mtr searider with a 60 merc, at 15st it could just get me out on two with a 15" prop,to get out on one, we always needed to change to a 13".

[SealineF43]

The reason I was asking is because I want one small/light enough to fit on the davits but big/powerful enough to pull a skier.