General questions

[sci teach]

I'm learning about ski boat designs and have questions. The pros and cons of inboards v outboards are understood, but I don't understand the reasons for what appears to be a down-sloping nose on the popular brand name boats like mailbu, nautique,... Where else can I research current ideas ski boat design?
Glen

[lewisboats]

Originally Posted by sci teach

I'm learning about ski boat designs and have questions. The pros and cons of inboards v outboards are understood, but I don't understand the reasons for what appears to be a down-sloping nose on the popular brand name boats like mailbu, nautique,... Where else can I research current ideas ski boat design?
Glen

The down sloping nose (reverse sheer) is normally used so you can see what is ahead of you, especially when you are comming up on plane. The nose lifts so much that a traditional sheer would block too much of your forward vision.

Steve

[sci teach]

Thank's. Increased line of sight seems to be hindered by the bow rider design.

[marshmat]

Making a ski boat a bowrider is mainly done to make a marketable lake toy out of what is otherwise a very specialized vessel. Generally skiers and their drivers prefer that nobody be up there while the boat is towing a skier.
A lot of modern bowriders (and some cuddies too) have the down-sloping sheer up front; as Steve says the main reason is to improve visibility on a boat that naturally rides slightly bow-high.