Hoop-style ski hitch for outboard

[Slide]

I have an '18 Hydrostream V-king with an outboard on it. Currently it's got a raised ski pylon that puts the mount point up over top of the outboard. I'm a pretty hardcore slalom skier and I would really like to put a hoop-style mount on it that loops around the outboard, so that I can get my tie point lower (upward angle is not so good for a slalom skier - easier to deep water start but messes with your form in and out of cuts).

Has anyone done something like this? I get the feeling I'll have to build it myself, just looking for some reference or advice. Hopefully I described the setup well enough, I'm having a hard time finding a picture reference.

 

[Piece715]

Re: Hoop-style ski hitch for outboard

I haven't seen one that loops around like that but they make tow harness with self centering pulley for towing without a ski pylon. Don't know if this helps

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Hoop-style ski hitch for outboard

I can't imagine you would notice much difference in the height of the ski pole you have now and where a ski pylon would be on a tournament inboard ski boat. I think the setup you have now is as good as it gets unless you want to go to a different boat. I wouldn't go to a pulley-style system in lieu of what you currently have as the attachment point would be too low.

 

[skibrain]

Re: Hoop-style ski hitch for outboard

I have not seen any aftermarket hoop tow bars for a long time. I've had a 16' Glastron w/120 v4 with pylon and I agree it is too tall. V6 or i6 merc is worse. You ski a bit shorter line and further up on the side of the boat and the pylon creates too much leverage. Big handful for the driver as it rocked the boat to the side. I modified a cable/ pulley bridle from transom eyes so it was much shorter - just long enough to clear the motor. The pull from 12" off the water made it much more stable.

 

[Ned L]

Re: Hoop-style ski hitch for outboard

Wow! Haven't heard anyone mention those in YEARS (make that decades!) They used to be available for different outboards (I actually had one for a 25hp Gale (1964 engine) while growing up in the 70's. They are great, the boat actually performs better in that there is no strain on it at all from the skiier. Yes there is the load of the skiier, but steering is just like you are not towing anything at all. They were two piece cast aluminum collars that were sized & shaped for each lower unit design. They separated on the sides of the lower unit (a S.S. machine screw on each side held the halves together), and had a ring on the back to clip the tow line to.

 

[Slide]

Re: Hoop-style ski hitch for outboard

I still want to do this, there are several possible designs. I think the simplest would be a "D" style hoop that bolts onto the jackplate. I may have to have this custom fabbed... I'll start a dedicated thread with pictures when I get around to doing it.

 

[electricjohn]

Re: Hoop-style ski hitch for outboard

With that padded vee and balsa core, you must really pull the back of that stream around when cutting, especially if you have a jack plate. My one brother has a V-king and the other a Valero. The Valero has a factory ski bar right behind the back seat, works nice, but he has to bury the lower unit and use a high five prop.