Tubing/Waterskiing Connection

[NormanW]

I just bought a used 16' b/r with a 70 hp o/b and want to tow the kids tubing and/or skiing. Have several opinions on where to connect the tow rope including:<br /> - directly to 1 trailer tie-down on transom<br /> - rope tow harness across both back trailer tie-downs<br /> - ski tripod<br /><br />Any comments/ideas re options (and are tie-downs on transom strong enough)

 

[outonbizniz]

Re: Tubing/Waterskiing Connection

This is a great question!! I have been wondering the same thing, but have been waiting until my project boat was near complete. Hopefully, someone extremely smart, helpful skier will give us the correct, safe answer.

 

[skier]

Re: Tubing/Waterskiing Connection

The transon tie downs are plenty strong enough to tow three adults on single skis. If I were you I would use the ski tripod because it is easier on the skier. Using the transom tiedowns you are pulling the skier through the water, using the tripod, you are also pulling the skier up on top of the water. <br /><br />Also you might want to get one of the new wider skis. They require less horsepower and is less strain on the skiers arms. You also only tow these skis at 25 - 28 MPH instead of about 35.<br /><br />Just food for thought.<br /><br />Craig

 

[blifsey]

Re: Tubing/Waterskiing Connection

If you use trailer tie downs, get one of the ski briddles (sp?) that hooks from one side the other and has clasp in center to connect tow rope. The briddle also has a float to keep it from sinking and tangling in lower unit/prop when not under pressue. If you just use one tie down, it would put uneven pull on boat. I like idea of the pylon but haven't tried one yet.<br /><br />BL...

 

[thornious]

Re: Tubing/Waterskiing Connection

I use the transom tie downs for tubing. We dont ski and for the briddle mentioned I have tried it with a tube and it seemed to make no difference. The tube still never stays directly behind the boat. It might make a diff like BLifsey said by pulling evenly on the boat.

 

[crazyray]

Re: Tubing/Waterskiing Connection

the ski tripod definitely the best way to go .......when tubing it gets rope up out of water so less blinding spray for tubers it also gets tub up out of the water better at a slower speed.....really makes it easier to pull a skier up too......more vertical lift as said....worth every penny it will cost

 

[TxRiverRat]

Re: Tubing/Waterskiing Connection

Transom tie downs??? Isn't the purpose of tubing to try and knock the rider off with a swooping 100 MPH figure 8 turn??? <br /><br />Both skiers and tubers will get a much better and even pull from the ski tripod. That is one of the most important factors when slalom skiing.