Tubing/skier line hookup

[nightvision]

Hi all,<br />I'm in the process of resorting and 1973 fiberglass 16 footer with 55 hp outboard. I'm redoing the floors and stringer. The boat will be used for mostly fishing, but I thought about pulling the kids in the back. The previous owner told me that he used to go tubing with his kids in the back. He connected the rope to two eye bolt in the transom. He also used those eye bolt to strap the boat to the trailer. <br /><br />My question is, will those eye bolt be fine or should I make pole in side of the boat. I see these poles on ski boats. If so, where should I put it and any suggestion on how to built it and fame it to the floor.<br /><br />Also, where would you recommend I put the ladder so the kids can climb back into the boat. This is our first boat and I'm don't like the idea of putting the latter on the transom next to the outboard motor (fear of an accident). Is this a unnecessary fear? I do see most boat of this size with a ladder on the transom. Any other option?<br />Thanks.

 

[jajeeper]

Re: Tubing/skier line hookup

I grew up skiing and we always connected the ski rope to the two eyelets you are referring to. Never had any problems. Unless you have a ski boat that is about your only choice. They are plenty strong.<br /><br />The boat we skied behind was a runabout, but it was old enough that it didn't have any ladder or any good way to get back into the boat. I'm sure it wasn't the best thing for the transom, but as a kid I climbed up the back by putting a foot on the outboard many times. As long as nobody cranks the engine....<br /><br />We finally wound up buying a ladder with big hooks that we hung over the side and it worked pretty well. Bottom line is unless it is designed with a good way to get in and out from the factory, chances are it won't ever be great for getting in and out of.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Tubing/skier line hookup

Ayah,<br />The Transom Eyes are the Best place to tie-on......<br />A Ski-pole will get in your way, when Fishing.......<br /><br />We/ I've Always Climbed up the Outdrive, or Outboard..........

 

[qaztwo]

Re: Tubing/skier line hookup

I've skied and still do behind a 1972 trihull, still working on my 76 searay, that is complete past its prime. I've always attach the ski line to the tie downs for 10+ years and have never had a problem.

 

[CoachHolland]

Re: Tubing/skier line hookup

Originally posted by qaztwo:<br /> I've skied and still do behind a 1972 trihull, still working on my 76 searay, that is complete past its prime. I've always attach the ski line to the tie downs for 10+ years and have never had a problem.

Same here with the tie downs.<br /><br />As far as the ladder goes, don't worry about it. You're not supposed to have that engine running with anyone in tha water anyway. I've never seen a boat that size with a ladder anywhere else.

 

[wallbanger2]

Re: Tubing/skier line hookup

I've used both the tie downs and a ski pylon. I prefer the pylon because it is mounted forward of the transom. This reduces the amount that a skier or wake boarder will drag the back of the boat around when making a hard cut. Also a pylon can be removed in a matter of seconds when it's time to break out the rods for a little fishing. However theres nothing wrong with using tiedowns in my book. It will save you about $150 also.

 

[quantumleap]

Re: Tubing/skier line hookup

A Ski-pole will get in your way, when Fishing.......

You can get a removable tri-pod style pole than mounts with quick release pins. But, if you're just a casual skier/tuber, a bridle on the tow rings will work fine. The pole just helps the skier get up easier and is better for stunts.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Tubing/skier line hookup

I would go with the removeable pylon, but the transom eyes are fine. Just make sure you install them with backing plates. I towed a 21 foot bass boat with my transom eyes for over an hour at a decent clip, if they could hang with that, they'll hang with a tuber/skier/'boarder. Good luck...

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Tubing/skier line hookup

I always have used the transom eyes myself. Interestingly, just bought a new Sportstuff tube for the kids and they specifically say NOT to tow from a tower. Didn't say why.

 

[wallbanger2]

Re: Tubing/skier line hookup

Originally posted by Jack Shellac:<br /> I always have used the transom eyes myself. Interestingly, just bought a new Sportstuff tube for the kids and they specifically say NOT to tow from a tower. Didn't say why.

I think the reason it says not to use a tower is because of the angle from the tower to the tube will lift the front of the tube up into the air causing the rider to fall off the back of the tube. <br />A tower is not the same as a pylon however. A pylon generally is not much taller than the top of your outbord cowling while a tower..... well the name says it all

 

[dakotashooter2]

Re: Tubing/skier line hookup

You may find that you get significant drag on the rope when pulling the tube via the transome eyes. When I would corner the wake would catch the rope and slow and jerk the tube on its outward track. My solution was to mount eyes on the gunwales near the transom (with appropriate backing).This brought the connection point up 12"-14" and keeps the rope clear of the water.

 

[MFG197]

Re: Tubing/skier line hookup

DITTO dakota most trailer eyes are too low and the rope hangs up in the wake. try to mount them higher.

 

[62_Kiwi]

Re: Tubing/skier line hookup

I reckon a ski-pole is still the best thing for towing a tube - it keeps the line well out of the way of the prop and is better for cornering...<br /><br />Down here you can get ski poles with detachable table-tops or chopping boards...ideal for cutting bait, filleting fish, making sandwiches etc <br /><br />Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[Rick Carlson]

Re: Tubing/skier line hookup

Ah, you Kiwi's are so clever...beautiful country by the way. You haven't lived until you've been to NZ.

 

[ronmold]

Re: Tubing/skier line hookup

Been pulling tubes for years w/ the transom eyes and just this year put a Swivle-eze 34" removable pylon in for wakeboarding. After trying the tubes on it the kids agreed it was SO much better! Before the ropes would catch waves and throw spray in their face and also cause a jerky ride. They also pop them out of the water faster. I recommend them.

 

[ED21]

Re: Tubing/skier line hookup

As a kid we used a portable ladder over the side on a 16' trihull. It worked fine. It still wasn't that easy to climb aboard. <br />We also used cavitation plate as a step.<br />The motor was always off w/ either method.