Can I Connect a tow rope here?

tedder

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 8, 2006
Messages
41
Can I full an inflatable toy from these transom points? I'm assuming I can't pull a skier and need a ski tripod or something?

Thanks, Theo

P1020462.jpg
 

MRS

Commander
Joined
Jul 10, 2005
Messages
2,555
Re: Can I Connect a tow rope here?

You should have the same thing on the other side (starboard) get a ski harness at any marine shop and it will work great. Just ask them for it and they will tell you what it is they might even have them here at I boats check it out.
 

WillyBWright

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 29, 2003
Messages
8,200
Re: Can I Connect a tow rope here?

You can pull from there. You'll notice the boat wanting to pull tothat side, but it's easy enough to compensate with the steering wheel. The harness allows for a pull from the center and doesn't mess with the steering nearly as much.
 

tedder

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 8, 2006
Messages
41
Re: Can I Connect a tow rope here?

I should have mentioned that there is one on each side. I've see the ski harness and will get one now but was wondering about the capacity of the transom to pull a skier.
I guess I'd be ok? and not damage the transom.

Thanks
 

tangent

Seaman
Joined
Jul 11, 2003
Messages
59
Re: Can I Connect a tow rope here?

You should have no problem pulling a skier.
 

Texasmark

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
14,544
Re: Can I Connect a tow rope here?

The engine is bolted to the transom and it is somewhere around 1.5 inches thick. That is a perfect place to pull from and since your transom eyes are at their elevation, it makes for a nice level spot for pulling where the bow doesn't want to come up and get in your way that can happen when you pull from a ski bracket mounted on the deck.

Sounds like you are new to boating/skiing. A couple of pointers.

1. Get the polyethylene rope and the harness should have a float on it where it rolls back and forth. Keeps the rope out of the prop. But poly only lasts for about 1 season if you ski much.

2. Single handle harnesses are great for double skiis but it takes an experienced skiier to get up on a slalom with one; however, this experienced skiier can slalom better (do more tricks) with the single handle once up. Get a double handle for slalom training.

3. If you are skiing kiddo's get a life jacket with a crotch strap so that the lifejacket can't come up over their head if they fall the wrong way. BTDT

4. When anyone is around the rear of the boat, WATCH THE PROP!!!

Have fun,

Mark
 

WillyBWright

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 29, 2003
Messages
8,200
Re: Can I Connect a tow rope here?

I'd like to add a safety tip I always observe. Anytime you're getting a skier back into the boat, don't only turn the key off, take it out.
 

tedder

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 8, 2006
Messages
41
Re: Can I Connect a tow rope here?

I appreciate the info…

Mostly plan on pulling adults (and the occasional teen) in an inflatable and maybe an experienced skier a few times. A few of my buddies are experienced skiers/boaters so there will always be a qualified person on the scene. Been around boats for many many years but always as the passenger (its so much easier being the guest!). I’m extremely safety conscious and aware of the safety precautions that must be taken but again I appreciate the advice and the safety reminders.

I also need to get a ladder before any towing happens.

Thanks
 

DaveM

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Feb 27, 2002
Messages
308
Re: Can I Connect a tow rope here?

It has been a few years, but there used to be 2 ski harness setups. One had a pulley, the other was a solid strap. Skip the pulley and go for the 1 piece design--it gives the skier a better feel of control.
 
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