Outboard Ski Boats

Outboard Ski Boats
By Lisa Renee Sherman

Many associate outboard boats as primarily fishing boats. This is not true in today’s market. There are quality outboard ski boats, as well as ski boats that combine both an inboard/outboard option. One of the most significant factors for consideration when looking at outboard ski boats is that of safety. Due to the fact that the motor is at the rear of the boat, much more care needs to be taken to ensure safety of skiers, wakeboarders, and swimmers.

Outboard ski boats are not ideal for competition level ski boats for several reasons. The individuals pulled need to be back farther from the boat due to spray and turbulence that the outboard motor leaves behind the boat. Typically skiers need to be about 100 feet behind the boat to miss the spray. Outboard ski boats can very well meet the need of individuals that are looking for recreational fun instead of competition.

Another aspect that makes them not adequate for competition level is that they are harder to maneuver and have poor tracking. A competition ski boat needs to maneuver well during any weather conditions, and to be able to repeat that performance time and time again. The outboard ski boat offers poor quality of maneuvering and tracking compared to the inboard ski boat. Even though these are not competition level ski boats, they still can offer quality performance for the recreational water sport enthusiast.

An outboard motor is a self contained unit that is adhered to the rear of the boat by the use of bolts and clamps. In simple explanation the motor is a vertical shaft that leads to a rudder. The rudder is then attached to a propeller, which rotates and thrusts the craft forward. The steering of the ski boat is done by the actual movement of the motor.

An inboard/outboard combination motor has some aspects of both the inboard and outboard motors. The primary engine is underneath the hull, just like that of the inboard. The drive shaft is then connected to the “lower unit” which resembles that of an outboard. In this aspect the steering is conducted just like that of the outboard. The lower unit needs to be turned much like the outboard motor to control the steering of the water craft. Some of the more high-end outboard ski boats are beginning to offer the option of power steering to help make steering more comfortable and responsive.

There are some major benefits of an outboard motor. These ski boats do not run the risk of running aground and are able to go in shallow water. Many individuals like them because they are able to top out at higher speeds than that of inboards, and that they have more spacious hulls. This is due to the rear placement of the motor.

Where the outboard ski boat is not ideal for water skiing, the inboard/outboard style of ski boat can be quite adequate for wakeboarding. They produce a higher crest on their primary wakes which offer nice thrust power to launch off of.

Like that of any style, there are advantages and disadvantages to all. If an individual is not seeking to do competition level water sports then basically everything boils down to personal preference and taste. With a little investment of time and research, the selection of the perfect ski boat won’t be quite so overwhelming!

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