Best way to attach tow/ski line?

[ildoc]

Pardon the real newbie question, but what is the correct way to attach a line to the tow point on the transom for pulling a tube, etc.?

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Best way to attach tow/ski line?

The best way is to attach the rope to a fitting at the center of the stern. If you do not have a center fitting you should install one of these.<br /><br />

<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cg...=895382861&**********=473945158&view_id=39715 <br /><br />Then you simply slide the eye of the rope end over the center peg. Easy on, easy off. There is no pulling a tight knot like there would be if you looped the rope around a stern eye and back thru itself. Plus you would not be pulling the boat off center, although that is the way I did it for decades before installing the ski tow.

 

[Surffx]

Re: Best way to attach tow/ski line?

Although I do have the one that Boo mentioned above, I don't see anything wrong with using one of these ( Tow Harness ) as another option. It attatches to the eye loops that you stap down to the tailer with then forms a Y shape where you hook your tow rope to. Works great for outboards with no pylon.

 

[ildoc]

Re: Best way to attach tow/ski line?

Thanks guys. My boat has a fitting like boomyal shows....we'll use it!

 

[Belchy]

Re: Best way to attach tow/ski line?

Those kind of fittings, (that boomyal showed are great) I find that the best way to attach the rope is go feed the splice in the rope under the eyelet, and then go up and over the center hook, this provides more even wear on the rope and doesn't let the rope fall when there is slack in the line..<br /><br />Hope I explained well enough without confusion.<br /><br />Belchy

 

[ildoc]

Re: Best way to attach tow/ski line?

Thanks Belchy. Now, what's the best way to attach the line to an inflatable? Will a new one come with instructions unique to it?

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Best way to attach tow/ski line?

Originally posted by Belchy:<br /> Those kind of fittings, (that boomyal showed are great) I find that the best way to attach the rope is go feed the splice in the rope under the eyelet, and then go up and over the center hook, this provides more even wear on the rope and doesn't let the rope fall when there is slack in the line..<br /><br />Hope I explained well enough without confusion.<br /><br />Belchy

I'm with Belchy on this....never just set the loop of the rope on the little hook. There's no guarantee it'll stay there with an aggressive skiier who may let the rope slack at times. <br /><br />But I think maybe I can clarify a little how to do it. You have to feed the loop in the rope down from the top in-between the boat and the eyelet (not from under the eyelet, ABOVE the eyelet), then pull the loop down and under and back thru the center of the hole TOWARDS the boat, and NOW set the loop in the hook.<br /><br />Clear as mud, eh? I did find this post which may help:<br /> http://www.skitube.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=15 <br /><br />The second picture clearly shows the end result...but it looks like this loop is backwards to me, or the rope is pulling the wrong direction. But you get the idea anyway.<br /><br />Well...at least Belchy and I know what we're trying to explain...<br /><br />That post shows how to attach to an inflatable as well...depends on the type of harness. Istructions should explain it clearly.

 

[Belchy]

Re: Best way to attach tow/ski line?

craze,<br /><br />I am glad you were able to understand what i was meaning, nothing more frustrating than trying to find a rope that has come off in the middle of the lake... <br /><br />as for the the inflatable, they usuall have a harness that is already attached that works great..<br /><br />Belchy

 

[ildoc]

Re: Best way to attach tow/ski line?

This is very helpful, guys. I know the topic seems simple, but I've never done it before and I don't want to make mistakes when another person is at the far end of the line! Thanks!

 

[74Baja]

Re: Best way to attach tow/ski line?

When I tow a tube in my Baja (usint the tow harness and transom eyes), since the boat is so low, it seems to plow the nose of the tube into the water. I do have a tripod for skiing. Is this good to use for the tube?

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Best way to attach tow/ski line?

Originally posted by 74Baja:<br /> When I tow a tube in my Baja (usint the tow harness and transom eyes), since the boat is so low, it seems to plow the nose of the tube into the water. I do have a tripod for skiing. Is this good to use for the tube?

absolutely!<br /><br />IMHO, the only justification for using a harness, attached to the stern eyes, is if you have an outboard and do not have a ski pylon that clears the top of the outdrive.

 

[paulie0735]

Re: Best way to attach tow/ski line?

Most all-purpose boats sold today have the universal type of fitting as seen in the post by Boomyal. That is a ski hook and it’s what it’s designed to do. First up any rope you use should have a loop at both ends and should be of the nylon braided style typically called ‘ski rope’ Your boat has the ski hook already fitted so your good to go. Just feed the main part of the rope through the loop for 6 inches or so this will result in a 'new' loop that will tighten up around the hook, don’t worry about how tight it gets it will always just come lose again no problem. If you purchase a purpose made ski tube it will come with the tow line already attached. If you’re still not sure about the attaching the rope than ask the guys at the ski shop they will be happy to show you the correct technique to use. The ski bridles that attach to both sides of the boat and use a pulley to keep it centered are a compromise at best; your skyhook is a much better option. Good luck, enjoy your boat.

 

[ildoc]

Re: Best way to attach tow/ski line?

The tow line I bought has loops at both ends, but one loop had a foam sleeve around the line just before it. What's that for?

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Best way to attach tow/ski line?

I'm a little intrigued by the answer to this question myself! Here's my educated guesses, but I honestly don't know for sure:<br /><br />1. Floatation, so that end of the rope doesn't sink (but then again, how many tubes do you see that actually sink?!)<br /><br />2. Comfort, prevents rope burn on your hands during those wild tube rides.<br /><br />3. Help prevent the grizzly accident of someone wrapping the rope around their finger, leg, or hand only to have the appendage cut clean off (or not-so-clean, probably) when the boat takes off.<br /><br />I'm leaning much more heavily toward #3 above...the other two are quite lame, IMO...looking forward to someone who claims to KNOW The answer for sure...<br /><br />For the above reasons, I've always put the foam end at the tube end of the rope. Maybe I've been doing it wrong all these years, but I don't think so.

 

[lakelivin]

Re: Best way to attach tow/ski line?

craze,<br /><br />I cann't claim I know for sure, but I'd bet a buck or two that it's to prevent a dangerous 'snap back' of the rope towards the boat if it should ever break/ come loose under tension. <br /><br />It would also keep a ski handle floating better & easier to see. It might even help keep the line a bit higher in the water on take off, reducing the 'pull down' effect before the tube planes, but I'd guess that both of these would be bonuses and the primary function is a snap back safety one.

 

[paulie0735]

Re: Best way to attach tow/ski line?

Some tow lines come with additional flotation as described, they are designed to add buoyancy at the handle end as some handles can fill with water and can sink the line, the line its self (if its proper ski-rope) will float but does not have enough buoyancy to hold up a handle. Attach the end without the float to the boat. The tube will have its own line with a loop to secure the tow line to. Intertwine the two loops don't use a snap hook or any other type of fastener, they can become a projectile if they let go.

 

[phantoms]

Re: Best way to attach tow/ski line?

Tow ropes for tubes usually have a float on one end. Not for the tube end, but the engine end to keep the rope from sinking and getting caught up in the drive.