Choosing the Right Boat Motor Size for Water Skiing & Wakeboarding

Question
This is a very general question and may not have enough specifics for an answer but here goes. We would like to buy a used boat for use this summer. Many of our family members will be there and the boat will be primarily used for water skiing/wake boarding. Looking through Craigslist I think we would like something with an open bow design, maybe in the 18-22' range. We would most likely have 4-5 adults and a skier at any one time and I am wondering approx how much horsepower I should be looking for to comfortably carry that may people and a skier.

Thank you in advance,

Troy

Answer
Hi Troy...Thank you for selecting the undersigned to respond to your question.

Since it is your desire to have an 18'-22' bowrider, capable of accommodating 4-5 adults plus the vessel's operator and towing a skier, boarder or tuber, make certain you check the boat's Coast Guard Capacity Plate to determine the recommended max. hp. I suggest a minimum of 90hp would do nicely.

Safe Boating
Ron