csheldo

So, I got the Sportster 4-TEC, 155 hp!!! Had the family out yesterday on the lake--seemed like one mishap after the other!!!
First, ski rope got sucked into the whatever, had to be towed back to shore, trailered boat, cut ski line to bits, went back out--son-in-law said looked like a "screen" might have been damaged. We went back out.
Went way back up into the lake, ran into some major debris piles floating in the lake, went in reverse turned around, but boat wouldn't go over 15-17 mph all the way back (otherwise, it wouldn't go a lot faster and rpm's were going out of site). Got back to dock (3 people in front of boat helped it plane out so we picked up speed to almost 20).
Dark when we got back. Pulled it out, took boat home. Son-in-law (who is a flight mechanic for Southwest), has the boat at his house.
So, my question is: is this kind of stuff (other than the stupid ski rope trick!!), going to happen on a regualr basis? Is there any precaution I should take in using the boat? Any suggestions for resolving current problem or anything I need to be aware of?
Thanks mucho for any assistance/ideas/help. Steve S. in Phoenix, AZ!!!

I am very interested in buying (hopefully a gently) used SeaDoo--it will be used by the family to cruise the lake, swim and just get away from the crowds. Every now and then, however, I'm sure everyone will want to ski--so, my question is: will I be happy with a Sportster (DI) with the 2-stroke, 130hp or will I not get anyone up (there are 2 guys, son-in-law and son, both about 235lb.), or should I go for the 155hp in the Tec-4?
How are they on gas?
Thanks for any suggestions. Appreciate it.
Steve S.