Be sure to buy a boat engine that will complement your boat and properly meet your needs. Consider the activities you want to enjoy and follow the manufacturers guidelines for engine size, being sure not to overpower or under power your boat. For example, if an engine has to be run at near or open throttle most of the time, it may not be the right size for your boat and consequently the combination of load and fuel consumption may cause you to exceed normal emission standards.

For wakeboarding and kneeboarding the required speed is between 16-19 mph, tubing can be anything from 8-25 mph, barefoot riding 30-45 mph and slalom water skiing 19-36 mph. If you just plan on trolling with bait for fishing then around 7-14 mph are common speeds not so such a powerful engine is required.