starting off small is alway the way to go...i had a 17 footer with a 115 for 7 years before i recently upgraded to 70+ mph boat....im still getting used to the faster boat and refuse to push it out of my comfort level even though i know it will do it....seeing these type of wrecks should help us all remember to wear our kill switch and a life jacket....its not worth losing your life just because you're in a hurry