The family ski team has been tackling the gruelling race from Torrumbarry to Echuca with plenty of success for more than a decade.

Skiers Kristy and Craig Nicholls, their driver Daniel Nicholls and observer Neale Torpey are aiming to replicate that success this Saturday and Sunday.

Bad Influence is one of about 10 teams from the Bendigo region contesting Australia's largest ski race in the 5.2 litre inboard motor class.

Daniel Nicholls said the 80 was not only Australia's most well known ski race, but the country's toughest.

"It's the biggest ski race in the world - that's what it's advertised as," he said.

"I think the entries are a little down on last year, but everyone aims to be there.

"It's ultra-competitive and grueling, and pretty hard on machinery.

"Everyone needs to pull their weight in the team if you expect to do well."

The team, in various formations, has competed at every Southern 80 event since 2007.

"I guess you could say we're veterans at it now," Daniel said.

"We've had a bit of success in that time.

"We've had a few seconds over the years and got a couple of thirds last year," he said.

"We had a fuel pump die about 76 kilometres in last year, which didn't help."

A total of 225 of boats and 816 competitors from across Australia will make the trek to Echuca-Moama for the two-day event, which launches with the social classes on Saturday.

The Southern 80 will follow on Sunday.

Bad Influence will go in to the feature event as underdogs, with the only certainty being that a new champion will be crowned after seven-time winner Hellrazor was formally retired from racing late last year.

The team has been meticulous in its preparation for the race, with Daniel and the team putting in an average 10 hours work a week on the boat.

“It’s time consuming, but we hope it’s worth it,” he said.