Zip, Ski Tow, Rebel...
Moderator: ttownshaw
Zip, Ski Tow, Rebel...
Hello all. I was hoping for advise. I'm looking for a ski boat that has four seats and can pull a skier or a inner tube. I actually prefer the Desperado but it's too big of a build and decided to go smaller to save room and costs. I'm planning a sail boat build in the future but want something to play with in the meantime. Anyway, I have been looking at the three in the title and am curious what everyone here thinks.
Never ask a amateur boat builder "When will you be done?". The only correct question is "Can I buy you a beer and steak dinner?".
Re: Zip, Ski Tow, Rebel...
I just finished a Malahini (stretched Ski Tow) and it seems to be a nice size for a family of 4. I pulled my girls around on a tube this weekend and the boat performed very well. There are several being built right now, so check out the build threads and you will get a good idea of what to expect. Best of luck with your decision and welcome to the forum!
Biss
Biss
- Bill Edmundson
- Posts: 11669
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Re: Zip, Ski Tow, Rebel...
Dmorris
I vote Ski Tow for the more freeboard.
Bill
I vote Ski Tow for the more freeboard.
Bill
Mini -Tug, KH Tahoe 19 & Bartender 24 - There can be no miracle recoveries without first screwing up.
Tahoe 19 Build
Tahoe 19 Build
Re: Zip, Ski Tow, Rebel...
We waterski behind our ski-tow, and have a lot of fun doing it.


Last edited by Mark-NJ on Mon Jul 15, 2019 4:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Zip, Ski Tow, Rebel...
The only area a Malahini will struggle to meet your needs is getting up a full size slalom water skier. If your talking about popping up kids, then no problem. I stretched my Malahini about 8”(not approved by designer) and run a 90hp. It will pull kids on a tube well beyond the safe limit.
Zip is a beautiful boat that feels a tad overloaded with 4 people. No offense to Zip builders.
Matt B
Zip is a beautiful boat that feels a tad overloaded with 4 people. No offense to Zip builders.
Matt B
Re: Zip, Ski Tow, Rebel...
I too think youll find the Zip a bit small for your purpose. Ski-tow gets my vote.
- galamb
- Posts: 827
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Re: Zip, Ski Tow, Rebel...
Just went through the same decision process last year myself.
The Zip was a little too small for my "want".
Looked carefully at the Ski Tow, Rebel, Malahini and finally decided on the Nimrod because it looks quite a bit like the Peterborough we used to have when I was a kid.
Sorry - only threw one more into your mix
The Zip was a little too small for my "want".
Looked carefully at the Ski Tow, Rebel, Malahini and finally decided on the Nimrod because it looks quite a bit like the Peterborough we used to have when I was a kid.
Sorry - only threw one more into your mix

Graham
Yes, Plywood is "real" wood
A "professional" is someone who gets paid for their work - it doesn't necessarily mean they are good at it
Yes, Plywood is "real" wood

A "professional" is someone who gets paid for their work - it doesn't necessarily mean they are good at it

Re: Zip, Ski Tow, Rebel...
Well that was rude.



Never ask a amateur boat builder "When will you be done?". The only correct question is "Can I buy you a beer and steak dinner?".
Re: Zip, Ski Tow, Rebel...
I really want someone to build a Stilleto.
- Andy Garrett
- Posts: 1328
- Joined: Tue Aug 31, 2010 11:44 pm
- Location: Nampa, Idaho
Re: Zip, Ski Tow, Rebel...
I love the dramatic tumblehome on the Rebel. Awesome boat!
Andy Garrett
Perhaps the slowest Zip build in Glen-L history...
Perhaps the slowest Zip build in Glen-L history...