Zip, Ski Tow, Rebel...

[Dmorris]

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.

[Biss]

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

[Bill Edmundson]

Dmorris

I vote Ski Tow for the more freeboard.

Bill

[Mark-NJ]

We waterski behind our ski-tow, and have a lot of fun doing it.

[Hercdrvr]

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

[vupilot]

I too think youll find the Zip a bit small for your purpose. Ski-tow gets my vote.

[galamb]

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

[Dmorris]

Well that was rude.

[hoodman]

I really want someone to build a Stilleto.

[Andy Garrett]

I love the dramatic tumblehome on the Rebel. Awesome boat!