Proper place for tow ropes

[rchilcutt]

Hello everyone. This is my first post since joining a few minutes ago.

I have a 1988 Capri with an 85 hp outboard. My stern eyes set so far in the water that the tube doesn't pull correctly and I almost drown the tubers. I have the tow harness and a 60' rope rated for 4K. From what I read on here the ski pylon wouldn't really benefit me since all we do is pull a tube. I don't know how safe it is but I hooked the harness via strong clips to my rear two cleats. This made the tube pull very well. However, I don't know at what lbs. the the cleats are rated for and is it safe for the tubers, passengers and the boat.

Any feed back would be greatly apprecieated,

Rusty

 

[gcboat]

Re: Proper place for tow ropes

You're certainly putting a lot of strain on those cleats that they weren't made for. Options would be to raise the stern eyes as far as possible - this will mean to add an extra pair. Leave the ones that exist alone.
Or - this is iffy - install the same type eye that you have on the transom onto the gunwale with a really strong backing plate. I'm talkin' aircraft grade aluminium or similiar with a mininum 3/8" thickness. The bigger the footprint the better.
Now I can't tell you if either one will work or not - just a thought.

 

[FreeBayliner4Us]

Re: Proper place for tow ropes

I just got my 87 Capri and I have been looking at the rear end thinking that would be a problem. I don't have the answer yet but I am consulting with an engineer in the family to solve the problem. We are going to be facing the same problem soon.

I would also add to the above suggestion about adding an extra set of eyes that I would set them a little farther apart as well to make sure that they clear the outboard in the turns.

Good luck and let us know how goes!

Mike M.
Richmond, VA

 

[Thinblueline22]

Re: Proper place for tow ropes

I have an 88 Capri w/ 85 hp Force and mine had a second set of two eyes already installed on the transom. I assumed these were factory.

 

[Old Dogg]

Re: Proper place for tow ropes

You can get a strap-on ski tower that will work well with towing (the wake board "rollbars" are generally not strong enough for tubes.

 

[FreeBayliner4Us]

Re: Proper place for tow ropes

Every ski tower I have seen says it is not for use with tubes. If there is something outthere for use with towables please let me know.

Thanks!

 

[gregmsr]

Re: Proper place for tow ropes

Yes, I agree the rear cleats are not made for towing. But, I have been using them for this purpose for two years now. I make sure they are tight and added larger washers for backing. Keep an eye out for any stress cracking. I have had no problem doing this, so far.

 

[FreeBayliner4Us]

Re: Proper place for tow ropes

Greg,

How many kids/people have you been pulling like this? Any adverse effects? Have you have any problem with the rope rubbing the boat?

So many questions... sorry.

I am eager to get in the water and so is my daughter! I had considered this to be the simplist solution, but I am taking it a step farther and fabricating a backing plate instead of just using washers.

The only problem I can see is it would be in the way when boarding the boat from the swim platform.

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[gregmsr]

Re: Proper place for tow ropes

I have pulled two adults on a two person tube, my oldest son at 200lb, slinging them across my wake at 20-25mph (safely of course). I have had no problems at all with anything, no rubbing (depends on how sharp a turn you make).
A good backing plate sounds like a good idea.
Not a big deal trying to board on the platform, just move the bridle to the side (with motor off of course).
Just don't get crazy and too rough with the set up, keep a good eye on the cleats. I would change set-ups if any evidence of problems develop.

It works for me.