I skied a "boat" load. Grew up at the Ozarks. I started slalom in second grade.

A jet ski SUCKS pulling slalom. So much is dependent the tautness of rope as you lean out. You need a constant/consistent pull. If the jet ski hits a large wave and some slack occurs in the rope, if you are laid out, auto wipe. Additionally, a single ski can exert a lot of pull to the rear of the jet ski. I could pull the ass of a jet ski around. Which also effects the rope tautness.

Tubing/wake board and even 2 skies, a large enough jet ski is fine. Find a decent used one in sep/oct at the end of a season. People do get tired of them. I would get 2 so you and your son can goof around together.

This was actually one of the reasons I'm buying one. I need to get back in shape. Also, just the act of driving to the dock and launching the thing is physical activity. Recently diagnosed w/Type 2 Diabetes. Need to exercise more!

I love my boat. love it.

I've heard the same expression about the "2 happiest days of your life... etc" and I'm sure that is true for many, but it just hasn't been the case for me.

I bought a used Reinell about 6 years ago and have had more fun with my family in that 6 years than I can put a price tag on. My two oldest (16 and 13)have learned to wakeboard and my two littles (now 8 and 6) just decided this year that they want to try to ski. About 3 years ago I convinced my dad to pull the trigger on an old Pontoon boat he'd been eyeing for a while and he brings out his grill and cooks up steaks, burgers, chicken, dogs.. etc etc right out there in the middle of the lake. We peel off and go skiing/tubing come back and tie up and eat... repeat... repeat. Awesome.

Now I live in CA, so (when we have water and are not in a drought) we have really terrific boating seasons. I also live about 5 minutes from a big beautiful lake. I also picked up a really great boat that hasn't cost me a dime in repair other than standard maintenance. All of those things will definitely weigh into the "worth it" factor in regard to boat ownership. For me... Absolutely worth it - 100%

Regarding Jet skis. They are fun - my sister and brother in law bought a few to add to our summer fun, but I don't think I'd want to only have jet skis or sea doo's. It's nice to be able to get up and move around. That was the consensus from my family as well. Great as additional toys to go along with the pontoon and ski boat, but wouldn't want them over the boats. Take that for what it's worth! If you decide to pull the trigger on one, I hope you have as much fun at it as I've had.

Good luck!

One more thing...

In regard to renting over buying. One thing to consider is you'd only rent if you had a good portion of the day to spend. One thing that my family really loves doing also is hitting the lake for 2 hours right after I come home from work. The sun is on the way down so the hottest part of the day is over, it's midweek so there aren't a lot of boats on the water.... We hook up, head out the door and get some of the best skiing in because the weather is perfect and the lake is glass. Just before the sunset, we start heading back in and the scene is straight out of a boating commercial - it is so awesome. You can't do that if you rent.

But this again depends on your proximity to a lake and other factors. Just something to consider about renting vs. buying.