Using a 17' Boston Whaler, what is the minimum hp motor that would be needed for water skiing?

Question

Using a 17' Boston Whaler, what is the minimum hp motor that would be needed for water skiing?

Answer 1

Big Boat! Treads a lot of water. I suggest triple 150hp. outboards. Extra planes will help. Lowering center of gravity (bottom heavy-instead of top heavy) will increase odds of surviving any change of direction. Replace the gun turrent with a diving board (with hand rails) to give a WOW factor that includes bouncing beauties of the 1'st kind. Aft provisions should include surface snorkeling with a lost and found bin.

Answer 2

In a boat that size, the smallest motor that I think could get a single skiier up would be about 35 HP.  A larger motor will get them up more quickly, but smaller than 35 will result in the skiier having to mush along too long while they're trying to transition to planing, while it is harder to balance.  Hope this  helps.