Best Ski Boat Options: Value For Money

Water skiing is an exhilarating outdoor sport, and having the right equipment can make all the difference. While a water ski boat may look similar to a wakeboard boat, the two are very different. Water ski boats are designed to create a relatively flat wake, while wakeboarding is all about generating massive waves.

When it comes to finding the best ski boat for your money, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you'll want to look for a boat that offers a nice flat wake, as this is ideal for water skiing. Secondly, consider the hitch point – for water skiing, you'll want the hitch point to be at the same height as the skier's hands, while for wakeboarding, it should be positioned higher. Additionally, look for a boat with an inboard motor, as these are known to produce the flat wakes that are ideal for water skiing.

- MasterCraft ProStar: Starting at $74,995, the MasterCraft ProStar is a tournament-level ski boat with seating for seven people. It offers superior tracking and steering technology, and generates smooth, flat wakes at any speed or line length.

- Malibu Response TXi: This boat is specially designed for beginners, with a price point of around $100,000. It uses Advanced Rudder Control technology to produce soft, flat wakes and provides a consistent pull, making it a great option for those new to water skiing.

- Ski Nautique: One of the most recognisable ski boat brands, Ski Nautique delivers world-class performance with its lightweight craft that generates soft, flat wakes. It features a sleek design, is fully customizable, and is ideal for water skiing.

- Alumacraft Trophy 175: If you're looking for a watersports boat that can also be used for fishing, the Alumacraft Trophy 175 is a great option. Measuring 17 feet 8 inches in length and with 150 horsepower, it offers ample storage and is fully customizable.

- Yamaha AR190: With a starting price of $33,149, the Yamaha AR190 is a great option for those on a budget. It comes with all the basics you need for watersports, including a swim platform, a stern tow-eye, a ski locker, and a rearview mirror.

Best Ski Boat for Money Characteristics

Best ski boats for beginners

If you're a beginner, you'll need a ski boat that's not only designed to help you learn the basics but can also transition into a tournament-ready craft as you hone your skills.

The Malibu Response TXi is a great option for beginners. It uses Malibu's Advanced Rudder Control technology to produce soft, flat wakes, and a tracking system that provides a consistent pull throughout. Standard features of the TXi include underwater lights, a Malibu OS-powered command centre, and M5DI/M6DI Monsoon engines. It's available in both open bow (with seating) and closed bow configurations.

The MasterCraft ProStar is another excellent choice for beginners. MasterCraft is a well-known name among ski boat enthusiasts, and the ProStar is its latest and greatest offering. It has a starting price of $74,995, making it one of the most affordable tournament-level dedicated ski boats on the market. With a length of 20' and a beam of 8', the boat has seating for seven people and a traditional centre-motorbox/direct-drive system. It creates an ideal flat slalom wake and has a forward-centred tow bit, allowing the skier a full range of motion while minimising the effect on the boat's tracking or wakes.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, the Yamaha AR190 is a great choice. With a starting price of $33,149, it's an excellent entry point into the world of ski boats. It comes with all the basics you need to get started, including a swim platform, a stern tow-eye, a ski locker, a rearview mirror, and a touchscreen control system.

For a versatile option that can be used for both water skiing and fishing, consider the Alumacraft Trophy 175. This rugged machine measures 17' 8" in length and has 150 hp. It comes with fishing provisions such as an 18-gallon Livewell, trolling systems, and a starboard rod compartment.

Best ski boats for professional skiers

When it comes to ski boats for professional skiers, you want a vessel that provides a flat wake, excellent tracking, and consistent pull. Here are some of the best options available:

Nautique 200

The 2021 Nautique 200 is an excellent choice for advanced skiers seeking competition-level performance. It is an AWSA-approved tournament towboat that produces soft, flat waves suitable for intermediate to professional skiers. It features a spacious open interior layout with a 9-passenger capacity, 355/400/450 hp, centre-windshield and rear walk-throughs, an open bow configuration, board racks, and an optional flight control tower.

Tige 20 RZX

The Tige 20 RZX is a tournament-ready ski boat with a patented Convex Hull design, which allows it to generate a ballast-free slalom-type wake at tournament speeds of 35-36 mph. It offers ample storage, a wide beam, and a deep freeboard. Standard features include an Indmar Raptor engine, Wet Sounds Audio System, and the Alpha M2 Tower equipped with swivel ski/wakeboard racks.

MasterCraft XT21

The MasterCraft XT21 is a top choice for a crossover ski boat, capable of tracking slalom runs with minimal wake generation and no ballast, even at high speeds. When needed, its Gen2 Surf System fills the ballast to create a powerful wake for wake surfing. It features a convertible transom seat, a spacious layout, and a 6.0 L Ilmor engine.

Malibu Response TXi

The Malibu Response TXi is a high-performance ski boat, credited with 13 world records. It features triple tracking fins, a forward-mounted tow bit, and a hull design that minimises wake. The TXi offers both open and closed bow configurations and includes features such as billet aluminium ski racks, a 4.5" Zero Off touchscreen display, and Malibu "Soft Grip" flooring.

MasterCraft ProStar

The MasterCraft ProStar is a renowned ski boat with a rich history in the sport. For 2021, it received updates such as tracking fins, hull rails, and a 10.6" touchscreen control, all while maintaining an affordable starting price of $74,995. It offers seating for seven people, a traditional centre-motorbox/direct-drive system, and optional ski racks. The ProStar creates an ideal flat slalom wake and has a forward-centred tow bit for a full range of motion while minimising the impact on tracking and wakes.

These ski boats offer a range of features tailored to professional skiers, ensuring optimal performance, comfort, and versatility on the water.

Best ski boats for fishing

If you're looking for a ski boat that can also be used for fishing, there are a few options to consider. Here are some of the best ski boats for fishing:

Alumacraft Trophy 175

The Alumacraft Trophy 175 is an excellent choice for those who want a boat that can handle both skiing and fishing. With a length of 17 feet 8 inches and 150 horsepower, this boat delivers impressive speed and performance. It features an 18-gallon Livewell, trolling systems, and a starboard rod compartment, making it well-equipped for fishing. Additionally, it offers ample storage space and customizable options, making it a versatile and affordable option.

Chaparral 2021 19 SSI Ski and Fish

The Chaparral 2021 19 SSI Ski and Fish boat is a versatile option that can easily transition from skiing to fishing or family outings. It offers a comfortable ride with adjustable bucket seats, a spacious layout, and a highly intuitive dashboard. This boat also includes features like a swim platform, custom hand-stitched helm brow, high freeboard, and a deep V-hull. While it may not be the fastest option, it provides a smooth ride and efficient fuel economy.

Boston Whaler 250 Dauntless

The Boston Whaler 250 Dauntless is a centre console fish and ski boat that offers the best of both worlds. With a length of almost 25 feet and 400 horsepower, it has ample power and space. It comes equipped with a range of fishing equipment and a swim platform, making it ideal for watersports. The clever seating arrangements and impressive fishing features make it a versatile option for families.

Lund Adventure 1675

The Lund Adventure 1675 is a side console fishing boat that can be easily adapted for watersports like water skiing, tubing, or wakeboarding. With a length of 16 feet 10 inches, it is compact and easy to tow and store. This boat offers a smooth ride and is perfect for families who want a multi-purpose vessel without breaking the bank. It may not have as much deck space as larger boats, but it strikes a balance between fishing and watersports capabilities.

MasterCraft ProStar

The MasterCraft ProStar is a well-known name in the world of ski boats, offering a combination of performance and value. With a length of 20 feet and a beam of 8 feet, it comfortably seats seven people. The boat is designed for flat slalom wakes and features a forward-centred tow bit, allowing skiers a full range of motion. The starting price of $74,995 makes it an affordable option for a tournament-level dedicated ski boat.

When choosing a ski boat for fishing, consider your budget, the type of water you'll be using it in, and the features that are most important to you. These boats offer a good balance between skiing and fishing capabilities, providing a versatile and enjoyable experience on the water.

Best value ski boats

If you're looking for a ski boat that offers the best value for your money, there are several excellent options available. Here are some top-rated choices that provide a great balance between performance, features, and price:

MasterCraft ProStar

The MasterCraft ProStar is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-performance ski boat without breaking the bank. With a starting price of $74,995, it is one of the most affordable tournament-level dedicated ski boats on the market. The ProStar offers seating for seven people, a 10.6" touchscreen control, and impressive tracking and steering technology. It generates smooth, flat wakes at any speed or line length, making it a versatile option for skiers of all skill levels.

Malibu Response TXi

The Malibu Response TXi is a fantastic option for beginners and experienced skiers alike. While the price hovers around the six-digit mark, it offers exceptional performance and features. It is designed to produce minimum wakes, even when running at full speed. The TXi also features triple tracking fins, a forward-mounted tow bit, and a split aft seating arrangement for easy access to the water. It's a proven tournament-winning machine, credited with 13 world records.

Nautique 200

The Nautique 200 is an excellent choice for advanced skiers seeking competition-level performance. It is an AWSA tournament-approved towboat, producing soft, flat waves ideal for intermediate and professional skiers. With a spacious open interior that can accommodate up to nine passengers, it offers plenty of room for your skiing adventures. The Nautique 200 also comes loaded with features, including a playpen-style bow, board racks, and an optional flight control tower.

Tige 20 RZX

The Tige 20 RZX is a top-notch tournament ski boat, featuring a patented Convex Hull design. This unique hull curves upward at the transom, allowing it to generate a ballast-free slalom-type wake at tournament skiing speeds. The Tige 20 RZX also offers ample storage, a wide beam, and a deep freeboard. It comes equipped with an Indmar Raptor engine, Wet Sounds Audio System, and the Alpha M2 Tower with swivel ski/wakeboard racks.

Yamaha AR190

If you're looking for an affordable and straightforward ski boat, the Yamaha AR190 is an excellent choice. With a starting price of $33,149, it is one of the most budget-friendly options available. The package includes all the basics you need for watersports, such as a swim platform, stern tow-eye, ski locker, rearview mirror, and a touchscreen control system. The Yamaha AR190 is perfect for those just starting out in the world of water skiing.

These ski boats offer exceptional value for your money, providing a combination of performance, features, and affordability. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, one of these boats is sure to enhance your time on the water.

Best ski boats for saltwater

When it comes to ski boats for saltwater, the 2021 Nautique Coastal Edition is a top choice. It is specifically designed for use in coastal waters, with several corrosion-resistant features to protect the critical components of the boat from the corrosive effects of saltwater. These features include a sealed steering cable enclosed in a stainless steel tube, structural components made from anodized aluminium, zinc sacrificial anodes, and stainless steel gas shocks. The boat is powered by a 600 hp PCM coastal engine made from stainless steel hardware, ensuring optimal performance in saltwater environments.

Another option for saltwater ski boats is the MasterCraft XT21, which is highly versatile and can be used for both water skiing and wakeboarding. It can track slalom runs with minimal wake generation and no ballast, even at high speeds, making it ideal for skiing. When a wake is desired, the Gen2 Surf System engages to fill the ballast and create a powerful wake for wake surfing. The MasterCraft XT21 also offers a spacious layout and a 6.0L Ilmor engine.

The Supra SR is also worth considering for its ability to perform well in choppy waters. It is equipped with Swell 3.0 Surf technology, which uses inclinometers to measure the boat's movements and adjust the ballast for improved stability. Additionally, it features an adjustable Supra Smart Plate to ensure a flat wake shape, making it a versatile option for skiing and wakeboarding in saltwater environments.

For those seeking a more affordable option, the Yamaha AR190 is a great choice for starter skiers. It has a starting price of $33,149 and comes with essential features such as a swim platform, a stern tow-eye, a ski locker, a rearview mirror, and a touchscreen control system. While it may not be as specialised as other ski boats, it provides an excellent platform for beginners to hone their skills.

Lastly, the Scarab Jet 255 ID is a versatile watersports boat that can be used for both skiing and other activities. Its jet propulsion and lightweight construction result in smaller wakes compared to traditional runabouts, making it a suitable option for those who enjoy both water skiing and other watersports in saltwater environments. With a starting price of $65,366, it offers a good balance of performance and affordability.

Frequently asked questions