engine power

[Sue]

I am considering buying a rib (first time buyer)and I would like to know what is the minimum size engine I would need to pull a skier. I believe it to be 60hp - is this right? Also do you know of any manufacturer who produces a boat that can be partially deflated for storage which can take a motor this size?

[John Kennett]

Sue

It will depend on the size and weight of the boat. It's perfectly possible to ski behind a small inflatable with a 25 hp outboard, but it's not ideal as the skier tends to pull the boat around rather a lot.

Do you know what size boat you want? A small RIB, say 4.5m (15 ft) would be fine for skiing with a 60 hp outboard (in fact a 50 would probably be OK), but a bigger boat would need a bigger engine . . .

Any RIB can have the tubes deflated for storage, saving a foot or two of width, so that won't limit your choice.

There are details of manufacturers in the RIBnet directory. Just a few you might want to consider include Avon, Zodiac, Ribcraft, Ribtec, Valiant or one of the Yamaha packages.

Happy hunting!
John

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John Kennett
RIBnet

[This message has been edited by John Kennett (edited 13 August 2000).]

[terence mckibben]

Sue , I own a Redbay Stormforce 5.1 with a single 65Hp O/B and it is just adequate to pull one no. skiers although you might like a few more horses i suggest 90 0r 115 for maximum performance / more than one skier.

May I suggest smaller ribs may be adequate with say 50hp but lack comfore / space for other crew whilst on the water. A five metre boat can carry extra skiers in comfort.And isnt affected by adverse conditions.

[Sue]

Dear John
Thanks for your help.I am not sure where we will store the boat as yet which is why I was considering one of the Zodiac Futura 4.7m boats that be packed away. However, how do you lift off a 60 hp engine. Can it be done manually?

[Sue]

Dear Terence
Thank you for your reply. I understand what you say about extra people - that's a good point. I think I am happy to pull only one skier at a time so should be able to get away with 60hp. I am worried about being able to take a larger engine off the boat without a small crane! What do other people do?
Sue

[John Kennett]

Sue

The Zodiac Futura Fastroller Mk3 is the 4.7m model, and it is rated to a maximum of 40 hp. This would be plenty to pull a skier behind this boat, although you would probably find a RIB does the job better.

There is no way that you will lift a 60 hp engine on and off a boat without a crane. Even a 40 hp is going to be tricky. If you plan on having an inflatable that you take the engine off regularly, I would recommend nothing larger than a 25 hp outboard.

John

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John Kennett
RIBnet

[cbratsch]

Hi sue!

How do you specify skier? Combos or slalom? experienced or beginner? bodyweight?
For slalom you need power, even more for a slalom beginner, just learning the right starting technique. more bodyweight also requires more power.
I have an AVON 540 ( a heavy boat) with a 90 hp merc. my experience is really different, experienced slalom skiers ( the light ones, maximum 75 kg) have no problems starting, for heavier peaople or beginners two skis are required. The boat is ok for allround skiing, but i hate the fact, that you pull the boat a little bit out of its path, and also the slight speed changes when turning on you slalom. so my decision is pulling the kids or a zube or using a wakeboard behind my rib, and for waterskiing its a ski nautige for rent by minute.
a big advantage in the rib was a high pylon, which i installed mayself.

happy hunting

Christian ( Austria )