New boat - what motor

[Brizamac]

Hi all

Thinking of buying a trailcraft (bowrider) 5.4m with a 115HP optimax for fishing and ski option.. Will this motor and boat be able to pull the 95 - 100kg occassional skier up? I cannot see a problem but some have doubted it. What are your thoughts?

Thanks

[bushbeachboy]

A 4.5 metre tinny with a 115?????????????????

[backlash08]

as BBB says, a 4.5 with 115, are you sure its not a 5.4M?

[STUIE63]

Even if it is a 5.4 it would pull the skier
Stuie

[timddo]

max for a trailcraft 4.85 was 80hp

[Brizamac]

Sorry

Supposed to read 5.4m Trailcraft with a 115 hp optimax, (looked right when I posted), thats for the replies so far. I'll edit the original to save confusion!!!

[Brizamac]

Maybe I'll go for the extra outlay of $$ for the 5.7m and look at the 150 merc optimax. Just a bit concerned about the fuel economy (of Course) compaired to a 5.4m with the 115 optimax.

[Brizamac]

yeah, supposed to read 5.4m traicraft.

[Brizamac]

should have read that post of mine a bit closer, should have read 5.4 trailcrtaft, slip of the key board.

[Rumrunner2]

Couple of different things to consider to pull a skier. Often experience of the skier is a big thing. A couple of tips, don't bury your head when trying to get out of the hole. Take your time trying to stand, wait until your ski is planing before standing upright otherwise you will just be working against the boat. Assuming you are on 1 ski, if you can try dragging a foot. If on doubles that rig will do it easy.

If still struggling can always use a smaller prop. It would most likely have a 19" prop as an allrounder. If you put a on 17" for skiing it will give you plenty of torque but will rev pretty hard when just wanting to cruise.

But it goes without saying there is no substitute for horsepower!!

[BrenMac]

Brizamac, the 115 Opti on the 5.4 will do the trick, but you'll have far more fun with the 5.7 and 150. Either that or see if Trailcraft will let you put a 135 on the 5.4.

I had a 115 Opti on a beamy 5.5 plate ali and it was incredibly economical, reliable and adequate power wise for a 3cyl motor. The boat would have been better though with the 135 or 150 6cyl Opti. Yes, I would have used a bit more fuel, but I would have been happier with the performance (mainly at or close to WOT).

Cheers
Brendan

[Brizamac]

Thanks Rumrunner2 and Brenmac. I need your input to make a final decision soon. So much appreciate your comments and assist.

Brizamac