How to mount a telescoping / retractable ski pylon on a stern drive?

[cptnmcluvin]

Hello,

I want mount a a telescoping / retractable ski pylon on my 2011 Glastron GT205. Attached are some pictures that look similar to what I'm looking for. My guess is the retractable pylon would be mounted in front of the motor and behind the rear bench seat. I assume this means upholstery modifications to the sun pad will be necessary and that's OK.

Anyone have any experience on how to do this?

Thanks a bunch!

John

Richmond, VA

 

[5150abf]

Re: How to mount a telescoping / retractable ski pylon on a stern drive?

If that is an option on your boat I would be really tempted to find one that has it and see how exactly they did it.

With all the force that goes on that pole if it isn't done right you could really screw up your boat not to mention the skier if it actually comes off, I'm sure it isn't as easy as putting it in, the hull will certainly need to be modified to give you a lower mounting point and support at the top.

How much access do you have to the front of the engine?

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: How to mount a telescoping / retractable ski pylon on a stern drive?

My question would be why you want this option. Why not just mount a center tow eye (if not already equipped)?

 

[oldjeep]

Re: How to mount a telescoping / retractable ski pylon on a stern drive?

My question would be why you want this option. Why not just mount a center tow eye (if not already equipped)?

If you do much skiing, having the pylon towards the middle of the boat helps a lot. Keeps the skier from moving the boat around when you are cutting hard.

In answer to the OP - adding a real pylon to your boat is going to be tough - forgetting about an extendable one for the moment. To mount it in front of the engine you'll need to reinforce the floor a bunch or build in some supports that run from side to side in the boat and some way of bracing the pylon from pulling back. Just bolting the pylon to a runabout floor with no bracing will result in ripping it out.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: How to mount a telescoping / retractable ski pylon on a stern drive?

Take a look at this site - you might get some ideas since they have a number of mounting solutions.
http://www.danamarineproducts.com/SkiTowsandPylons.htm

And this - biggest issue would be building a mount strong enough to mount it in.
http://www.springfieldgrp.com/produ...rdware/ski-tow-pylons-packages/pop-up-ski-tow