Speedboat advice please

[bramley]

Hi, I'm currently in Malawi and after a couple of trips to the lake I've got a hankering after a speedboat. I have 3 kids and a wife and would want something for towing a donut/skiing, going fast, fishing, getting out to the islands for snorkelling and generally cruising round with friends and beers. My only experience is some boating in my teens. I think I would store it up at the lake, a four hour drive away.

Given my location the popular choice is to buy one in South Africa and have it delivered here, so I've found a reputable dealer and in the secondhand section I've found this:

http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-boats-jet-skis/pieterma...

I think the engine is way more powerful than I need but hey ho, it looks tidy, has good seating, a fish finder, boat cover, CD player etc so looks ready to go.

Delivered to my door for £5k GBP. If I allow £6k to cover skis, donut, rope, a buoyancy aid or two, I think that's a pretty good buy, but maybe the engine is 15/20 yrs old? Any advice on running costs, or what questions to ask the dealer would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[NelsonP]

I'd say that 115hp is the minimum you'd want for skiing. Especially if you'll be doing deepwater starts on 1 ski.

Old outboards can cost a lot in maintenance, so be sure to get it checked over before buying.