How big of a motor do I need on a boat to water ski?

I would like to buy a used motor boat for some family fun on the water. There are a few boats with a 50HP motor for sale in my price range but I’m skeptical that it’s enough power to water ski with. Is a 50HP motor enough, or should I look for something larger? Thanks
Also… The size of the boat would be a 16 to18 footer. Dad is 200lbs… Mom says she’s 115lbs but she’s really 130, (Don’t tell her I said that), 1 average teen, and 2 little ones ages 5 & 6.

I have to agree with the poster above.

A lot also depends on the hull design and of course the weight / consturction of the boat itself. Some hulls are more efficient at “planing” than others.

A friend of mine owns a Zodiac inflatable and he has a 25hp Mercury on the back and I have been tubing behind it ( I am 6 ft 4 ! ).

However I own a fibreglass ski boat ( twin hull ) and this has an 80hp outboard – more than enough for ski-ing, but thats probably because it’s a twin-hull.

To me 50hp with 5 people and sk-ng sounds a bit on the weak side, imagine how disappointed you ould be to find out you can’t get a skier out of the “hole”?

Save some more money and go for at least a 75, the more the better – remember you don’t have to use all the power all the time but it might be very handy when you need it most.

Good luck and all the best with your new boat.

Used Glastron SSV 235 for Sale in Acworth,GA

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