Would a tri-hull boat with 70hp engine be good for water sports?

Question

I test drove the boat on choppy water, and the wife said the boat was too unstable at speed. The boat is very reasonably priced, but if it doesn't suit the purpose, then it is just a waste of money. Do you think this boat would be good for kneeboarding and tubing?

Here is a link to the boat

http://dallas.craigslist.org/boa/413001726.html

Answer 1

I have a 1977 Tri-Hull starcraft. (Can't look at your link, its blocked from my work). I have also a 1977 70 HP Johnson. Wakeboarding will not be a problem. If the boat has some punch to it Skiing won't be impossible either, just takes a little extra skill to stay balanced till they get up, its funny to watch. These boats are not unstable at all, but if your not used to it it can feel that way. I use mine in the Chesapeak bay in Maryland and it gets quite rough sometimes around Turkey Point, just got to putt, putt through it, I go fast sometimes but its to much slamming for the girls. When its me and my brother we just take the beating and cruise through it. Where you will appreciate this boat is on calmer days, its very wel balanced when not in motion, very easy to fish and pull crab traps off of and climbing in and out is a peace of cake on those hot days we like to take a dip. I have never used it on a lake, though I understand thats where these boats shine, only in the bay, I love it.

Answer 2

Probably not, with 70 hp it wouldnt go very fast, and if you ever want to wakeboard, it wouldn't make much of a wake.

Answer 3

Hey, I grew up playing on a boat a lot like that.  Ours even had a 70 HP motor.  They're plenty stable, sure they beat a little harder in the chop, but they don't tip as much in turns or when you're stopped and people are getting in and out.  However, 70 HP was just enough for skinny teenagers to waterski.  It'll work for kneeboard, but doesn't have enough power for a big adult waterskiier and probably will lug down a lot trying to pull a tube.