Using a bent towbar?

[six50joe]

I had recently bought an AirHead U-Tube, and was pulling two people on it (one of the supported ways it can be used). I wasn't yet used to towing it, and while starting along, it submurged slightly and bogged down. I didn't let off in time, the towbar on my Hurricane GS201 deck boat bent about 15 degrees and the rope snapped off of it.

The bar seems to be a sold piece of stainless steel about 1 1/4" thick that inserts into a hole at the transom. Despite being bent, it still feels extremely solid and does not give at any human attempts to bend it.

Is there any danger in continuing to use it? A replacement is quite expensive at $260 + shipping.

Advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Joe

 

[ghind]

Re: Using a bent towbar?

$300 is pretty cheap really, could have been much worse.

The bend will make it much weaker. It is unlikely to snap but it is much easier now to bend it. If you aren't pulling big loads, it can probably be OK.

An alternative is to have it straightened. It won't be as strong as it was but better than it is bent. You can also put a sleeve over where it bent and depending on how it is done it can be made much stronger than it ever was.

 

[derekpfeiffer]

Re: Using a bent towbar?

I've been a machinist and welder all my life. I'd just take it to a welding (fab) shop and have them straighten it. If there is a fear of strength they can either put a sleeve around it or put an angle iron on the back of it to reinforce it. But I really don't think you'll have much problems at all with it being weaker. Unless you bend it repeatedly.

Just my 2 cents
Doogie

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Using a bent towbar?

How about a photo ??
Picture is worth a thousand words.

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Using a bent towbar?

I have the GS170 and know the bar you're referring to.

I would suspect there must have been something such as weak point in it to bend like that. I'd also check the mount to ensure it hasn't come loose/weakened. It's a flat plate mounted with 4 screws. I'd ensure that mount remains solid (removal of the back of the bench seat will give you easy access)

I'd certainly have it checked. If it was to let go, you have a tube with people on it, over 1000lbs of tensile strength applied. If the tow bar lets go, the slingshot effect of that bar (or part of it) being projected at the tubers with the potential for injury is quite high.

In Ontario last year, a towbar configuration that was setup for water skiing was used for tubing. Similar situation happened except the tower let go and the secondary support rods holding it to the stern of the boat let go. Unfortunately when it did, a younger pre-teen girl who was seated next to it in the boat as the spotter was killed by the support bar striking her. Not trying to be negative, but that story always reminds me that the cargo on that tube (usually my daughter) is worth more than any boat or accessory could ever cost.

For that exact reason, I even replace the tow ropes every 2 years regardless of their appearance.

Just my 2 cents worth.