Why is a Jet Ski allowed to pull a banana boat?

Is it more fuel efficient to pull a water skiier with a jet skii or a small boat?

• I'd like to start waterskiing but have heard it is expensive gas wise ($20/hr by some estimates). Assuming I had either (A) the minimum jet ski or (B) the minimum small boat necessary to pull a waterskiier, which would be more fuel efficient? I assume that I would have to have the spotter with me in both cases, and would only be doing basic waterskiing -- no tricks. I have read that the jet ski engines are more fuel efficient at 20+ mph, and that the boat propeller engines are more efficient at speeds less than 20mph. From what I gather, basic waterskiing requires speeds in the 15-25mph range, just in the middle! Also, what effects would stroke-count and diesel/unleaded have on fuel efficiency? Thanks!

• Answer:

  a PWC is less fuel efficient. and less fun cause you limit yourself to 3 people. speeds while skiing are going to be between 28-36 MPH for slalom and between 15-25 for kids or 2 skis. some states you don't need an observer if you have an over-sized mirror. check out your local laws. a 4 stroke PWC will be more fuel-efficient than a 2 stroke and the maintenance is less. go w a boat. nothing worse than being in rough water or caught in a storm on a PWC!