What Size Rigid Inflatable Boat for Water Skiing?

Nothing beats being towed at high speeds on water skis. People seek this thrill with various watercraft and strive to carry out a variety of actions depending on the type of vehicle, and RIBs are no exception.

So, what size RIB for water skiing is best? An 18 feet RIB is best for water skiing. This is the minimum size that can have enough horsepower to tow 2 adult skiers behind at an adequate speed. You can go for bigger RIBs for higher speeds and extra features.

Heading to buy your first rigid inflatable boat (RIB) to enjoy water skiing this summer? Find out all you need to know about RIBS in this post.

What Size RIB for Water Skiing?

RIB size is important in water skiing experiences. Mainly because size is related to how much HP the RIB offers for the skier.

The minimum size for a Water Ski RIB is 18 feet. It will most likely require at least 60 horsepower, which is a good start for an easy water skiing experience with thrilling maneuvers.

However, it’s possible to ski behind a 20HP RIB; just don’t expect much action. Even a 20-horsepower engine might pull a skier/wakeboarder. The problem is that they pull the boat back when they attempt quick maneuvers, causing it to slow down.

Choosing the right boat for your watersports goals should not be limited to how huge the boat or wake may be or how quickly you can ski. So, before you make a final decision, consider the following questions:

1. How many people will be on the boat?

Unless you’re just traveling on short journeys and trips, you should prepare for individuals to be able to lay down and store their stuff. Unfortunately, RIBs rarely have storage space. So, if you’re willing to spend lots of time on the water, you may want to pick a bigger size.

2. What is your purpose?

Will you be skiing, wakeboarding, snorkeling, or scuba diving on the boat? Your purpose definitely shapes your decision. There’s a well-suited RIB for each activity.

A boat that can accelerate swiftly to get the skier up on the skis, stay on a straight course, and generate the least amount of wake is ideal for skiing. In addition, For wakeboarding, the boat needs to have water launch pads to assist in getting the wakeboard into the air.

Snorkeling requires a boat that can go into shallow seas and is easy to get into and out of. Meanwhile, Scuba diving has a few extra requirements since you must carry more hefty equipment.

3. Where do you intend to use your boat?

If you intend to use your boat in a river, lake, or spring, you won’t need such a huge vessel since the water will be calm. However, if you’re going to get on the sea or ocean water, you might need a bigger and more tough one to cut through the waves without turning over.

4. Where will you store your boat?

Are you a cabin owner? Or a casual visitor to the beach? You may want an easy-to-take-home boat, or you may already have arrangements to store the boat in a cabin near water.

5 Factors That Determine if a Rib Can Be Used for Water Skiing

Shopping for a RIB to enjoy your summer being towed to is not an easy task. That’s why you need a few rules to tell you if your RIB will be good for water skiing or any other water sport.

When shopping for a RIB for sale for watersports with your family, seek a flexible vessel that can also be used for leisure boating. Of course, you’ll want to visit the greatest beaches, especially those that few people visit.

Here are 5 factors that ensure that your RIB can be used for water skiing:

Robust hull
Good power-to-size proportion
Double A-frame for towing line attachment
VHF radio for safety
Map plotter to lead you to the best areas

Aside from these specific factors, here are some general tips so that your chosen RIB is not a waste of money. Get the RIB if:

It includes a decent swim ladder for returning to the boat.
It offers enough dry storage for your passengers’ stuff.
It features an excellent sound system for getting into the holiday spirit.
It delivers excellent performance while keeping your passengers dry.
It can seat family and friends in comfort and safety.

What Size Engine Do You Need for Water Skiing?

Which RIB engine would you select if you were going to buy one? Well, there are some factors to consider iin order to answer that question, which are the RIB’s length, the hull’s shape, and the number of people on board.

Generally, the more the RIB grows in size and weight, the more horsepower it will require. So a 19-foot RIB will require around 100 horsepower; meanwhile you would need 150 horsepower for a 21-foot RIB will require, and so on.

Check out this great video about what size engine you’ll need for your inflatable boat.

5 RIB Recommendations for Water Sports

If it’s still hard to make up your mind on a single RIB to buy this summer, further help is needed. Here are some of the suitable recommendations for RIBs that you won’t regret buying:

1. Pro 5.5

With the Pro 5.5, you may finally enjoy water skiing in total freedom. The 17 ft RIB is 100% modular, with a wide range of consoles, chairs, and equipment to suit your needs with a motor that has 130HP maximum power.

2. YACHTLINE 490

With 95 horsepower, it has the added benefit of being able to pull skiers and wakeboarders. In addition, it can carry up to 9 passengers and is intended for large groups of friends or family.

3. Open 6.5

Whether you enjoy driving in a sporty manner, skiing, snorkeling, fishing, or wakeboarding, without a doubt, the Zodiac Open 6.5 is for you.

4. Serket 78

With its small size, Scorpion’s Serket offers great flexibility in terms of adventures. It has a single outboard motor. A console with a front-facing seat, rear bench seating with a forward sunbed area, and two double jockey seats.

5. 4.8 Professional

There’s something magical about a little boat that can navigate a large sea. With an outboard rated between 50 and 70 horsepower and a typical high slack bow and deep-V hull, this RIB is perfectly suited for all the on-water maneuvers you have in your pockets.