Question about Ski Pylon

[pirates08]

I was thinking about making a custom ski pylon out of aluminum. It would be a lot lighter. Howerever, is aluminum strong enough to withstand the stresses of pulling a tube, skier, etc..?

 

[bgolson]

Re: Question about Ski Pylon

If you get it thick enough with enough diameter, it should work great. I found this link online for a 2" aluminum ski pylon: http://www.danamarineproducts.com/ProductDetails.cfm?group_id=2&catid=14&productid=1440&CFID=377918&CFTOKEN=632386

Just be sure you've got enough metal, flying aluminum could be dangerous!

Bishop
http://boatsaroundtown.com

 

[BF]

Re: Question about Ski Pylon

and it's not just the strength of the pylon.... the one's I've seen fail have been because the connection to the floor wasn't secure. Supports running diagonally act as the fulcrum of a lever. Pulling the top of the pylon causes the bottom to want to move forward and up. Just using some screws into the floor just wouldn't cut it. It may work for a season or two, but once some water gets at it and the wood around the screws gets a bit spongy, the bottom of the pylon can come loose with a big pull.

I met a guy who had his big toe taken off when the base of the pylon let go. I've also seen others fail (screws ripped out), but manage not to hurt anyone. But, I do remember the skier complaining about a very ungraceful wipeout because of it...