Bayliner Ski Tow?

[JeepinGunGuy]

I have been reading and searching for a while now and figured I would make my first post a good one. I have a 1992 Bayliner classic 18' 8". I want to put a 2.5" ski tow on the back as high as possable. Has anybody installed one of these? How much backing support was necessary?

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Bayliner Ski Tow?

i put one on mine. Do you have the tow cleat back there now? I went with the large stainless ski/tow hook using existing braces that were there for the original cleat. Looks much nicer, and is much easier to use now. I dont have any pics though, i dont think. i look real quick.

 

[JeepinGunGuy]

Re: Bayliner Ski Tow?

Nothing is back there now. The pump for the power trim system is close to being in the way but as long as I cut the studs a little shorter it will fit just fine. My consern is about the boat fiberglass is it strong enough to handle the ski tow pulling on it without adding some bracing or backing behind the studs of the tow?

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Bayliner Ski Tow?

I cant find any pics of a bayliner classic to see...im guessing its different than the capri. Mine has 2 metal straps that come off the studs at angles mounting on the engine hatch frame. kinda hard to explain. I have thought about reinforcing it with metal flatstock or some kind of plate, just to be sure. but the way i have it now, we do alot of hard tubing, with some pretty big guys behind it and its been fine.

 

[JeepinGunGuy]

Re: Bayliner Ski Tow?

I got my ski tow on and used the crap out of it on vacation. I had a 36" piece of aluminum C channal stuff laying around. I cut it in the middle to match the V in the back of the boat, then tigg welded it back up and bolted it in place with the ski tow.