Ski boat for a small inland lake?

[mreid]

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/915247-boating-season-2.html

This thread got me thinking. We just purchased land on a small motorboat lake in NY. Looking for a ski boat to tow the extended family around when they visit, that I can also use to access some prime fishing spots. Any suggestions?

[onewhippedpuppy]

How many people, and what size of people? What sorts of water sports are you looking to do? Do you want to do hardcore fishing or just float around with your line in the water? What is your top priority for the boat? Lots of variables at play here.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

I have two friends with mastercrafts for skiing on small lakes and rivers. They have been as perfect as one could ask for the small lakes. Shallow draft, lots of power to get skiers up, a simple layout with an engine attached to a driveshaft and straight prop (less stuff to fail), and the nose is open for ample seating. This layout obeys the Keep it simple rule, and would work well for fishing too probably.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Direct drive boats like the Mastercraft are superior for water sports. They also have no steerable reverse, the prop hangs lower than a jet or I/O and is most seceptable to damage, and the shallow draft sucks in windy conditions. Every boat involves compromise it's all about what best meets your needs.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Direct drive boats like the Mastercraft are superior for water sports. They also have no steerable reverse, the prop hangs lower than a jet or I/O and is most seceptable to damage, and the shallow draft sucks in windy conditions. Every boat involves compromise it's all about what best meets your needs.

Ha! And I have to add one of them did have to repair the prop bottoming out on some sand barges/ debri a while back The guy driving it wasn't familiar with the depth and was showboatin'. Overall, I am thinking compared to some of their larger cruising boats with complex inboard mechanisms which constantly gave hassle.. edit- both of my post are only sharing fwiw- I'm sure others will have better ideas.

[gprsh924]

About a thousand questions to answer to start to narrow down the answer, but Matt brought up most of them. What's the top of the budget?

[Cajundaddy]

Best bang for the buck? Keep it simple and keep it small 16-20'. Ski mostly with just 2 aboard and haul it out any time the weather turns ugly.

I still have the ski boat we bought new in 1976 and it has served us well. Ranger 17' I/O open bow, original Volvo 6cyl with 750 hours. It is not perfect for everyone but came pretty close for us with hundreds of hours playing ski-fish-scuba. Master Craft is a nice precision boat for experienced skiers/boaters. A modern Yamaha is nearly bulletproof. Sea Doo is another "big fun" boat. Boston Whaler 17 is all business with no foo-foo but delivers the goods. Pick out a nice one and go waterskiing!

[pavulon]

Used Mastercraft if the lake is deep (pricing out a new one is a religious experience). If it's shallow, get a jet but don't run any sand or soil through it.

[lendaddy]

Keeping it in the water all season=pon/tri-toon with big-ass outboard to tow skiers and tubers. Shallow water weekender=Seadoo/Yamaha jetboat. Impress your friends or have serious ski/wake aspirations=Mastercraft.

I have a Seadoo Challenger 1800 with twin 110HP 2 strokes and it's cheap reliable fun for inland lake use. I dump it in the lake a few times a year and it just works.

[rusnak]

Tri-hull with an in-board out-board? Trolling motor?

[Tobra]

Pontoon/party barge is the answer