Turboswing mounted on a Pontoon? Anyone have any practical advice or applications?

[bighermHK45]

Trying to find a suitable option for my '97 Misty Harbor 24' pontoon w/115 Merc. Since there seemingly is very little aftermarket products the expensive Turboswing looks like a good idea because it takes advantage of the transom mounting holes. However, for pulling tubes, will this be too much pressure on the transom considering it will have the motor and the drag of an inflatable?

Their website indicates that it will handle tubes, but I haven't read anyone's first hand experience of using one on a pontoon.

Thoughts?

 

[Jeep Man]

Just my opinion mind you, but I see three issues. First, the cost. With that amount of cash, I could install a proper tow bar like the one shown in the pics shown when I googled it (I'll admit, I didn't know what you were talking about at first). Second is the height. I would think the line would drag in the water as if it was attached to the back of the boat, and third, as you mentioned, that's a lot of additional strain on the transom.

 

[jetboater]

Never used one myself but they're optional equipment on new Premier as well as Godfrey (Sanpan, Aquapatio, and Sweetwater) pontoons if that helps any.

 

[HotTommy]

bigherm,
Are you interested in the TurboSwing for some special reason? My boat has a tow hook on each aft corner where I attach a simple tow harness from WalMart.

BTW, when I rebuilt my boat I discovered that a previous owner had been towing with a part of the rear sunning deck supported by the fence. Needless to say, it had not stood up well to the abuse.

 

[bighermHK45]

bigherm,
Are you interested in the TurboSwing for some special reason? My boat has a tow hook on each aft corner where I attach a simple tow harness from WalMart.

BTW, when I rebuilt my boat I discovered that a previous owner had been towing with a part of the rear sunning deck supported by the fence. Needless to say, it had not stood up well to the abuse.

I have used the tow points on the rear end of deck to pull a tube, however the tow line is in the water when I do this and I would rather have the tube in the center of wake when pulling it. I haven't used a tow harness to attach to both corners, the one I have was not long enough to reach both tow points on the deck without hitting the motor.

Especially now with a bigger outboard, I am looking for a legit tow bar to keep the tow line out of the water. Plus, the way the rear fence goes all the way to the rear deck on both sides of my toon, I have to hang upside down off of the sundeck to reach the tow point to unhook the line. The best spot is in the open area ahead of the motor, but seemingly there is no aftermarket supply of pontoon tow bars. The metal fabricators I have contacted are not excited in building a tow bar (not sure if it is because it is a smaller project or what). Hence I was asking about the Turboswing, I am not a fan of it, but was searching for anyone's practical experience.

 

[HotTommy]

bigherm,
Please don't take this as an effort to change your mind. I'm just trying to be helpful by offering ideas and options. .... AirHead makes a 12' long rope type harness that hooks to the two corners. That would allow the center of the harness to be about 4' aft of the mounting points. Maybe that's long enough to avoid your motor, although it would likely put the tow rope in the water. .... I have the same challenge as you for mounting the harness to the boat. My practice is to have the first person who wants to tube attach the harness when they get in the water. Last one out unhooks it. But I'm dealing with teens, not very young kids.

 

[Jeep Man]

I couldn't find a harness long enough either. I attached two rings approximately 2 ft from the outside corners, bolting them through the beams under the rear, and attached the harness to those. Length is now good but I need to add the ball to the harness to keep the line out of the water. I retrieve the harness with a hook on a short pole and clip it to the top of the rear fence when not in use. No leaning over this way. I too am looking for a tow bar at a reasonable price. I was going to check out local fab shops but haven't as yet.