Water skiing at the competitive level has become very expensive. New boat prices are just stupid, a high end ski is just as bad. On the other hand, good used ski boats can be had for cheap, and if well cared for will last a very long time. Some of my best memories of skiing were on the river, dodging the rollers and cursing at the jet skiers. I have met more people and made more friends skiing on public water, than I have skiing on a private lake. Having said all that, if you are chasing rankings, as most of us are, it can be expensive, if you are just out to have some fun, you really can do it on the cheap.