Can I Tow Small Kids On Tube Using Factory U-Bolts In Transom?

[Fat Rap]

My family has a 1981 aluminum Lund fishing boat. There are two factory installed u-bolts in the transom. We are going on vacation in a few weeks and I'm wondering if anyone can tell me if these u-bolts are strong enough to pull my kids (three girls under 12 years old) on a tube. Nothing crazy, just cruising around. We have one of those Y harnesses which hooks to two points and pulls from the center in order to distribute the load. See attached picture. Thanks in advance!

 

[briangcc]

Yes you can. Get a bridle to do it correctly.

 

[Chris1956]

That shouldn't be an issue, as those are made for that purpose.

If you can see the inside of the bolts, see if they have a backing plate. If they are only held on by the thickness of the aluminum hull, you might want to add an aluminum backing plate. 1/8" flat stock would likely work well.

 

[jebby]

should be fine.

 

[Cortes100]

Since those eyes are close to the water, the tow rope will probably get caught in the wake from time to time. The rope will drag and when released from the water, it will whip/jar the tube around. That changes depending on speed and how the boat is moving. Just something to watch out for when pulling the kids around.

 

[Scott Danforth]

those are required to be strong enough to lift the boat by slings

youre good to go tubing.

 

[Captain Caveman]

My wife tows me and my daughter around on a tube, and I waterski using those bolts. One thing that has helped tremendously with tubing is to use a booster ball. Type "booster ball" into your favorite search engine and check them out. It helps keep the tow line out of the water and avoids the whips Cortes100 mentioned. They cost around $100 but are well worth the money for the added enjoyment.

 

[JASinIL2006]

A bridle and a booster ball would be perfect for that set up. Tubing is much more fun when you're not being blinded by spray coming off the tow rope!

The transom hooks are the absolute best spot for attaching a tube.

 

[racerone]

You might not want that 6 HP hanging there when towing.

 

[tpenfield]

[h=2]Can I Tow Small Kids On Tube Using Factory U-Bolts In Transom?[/h] Thanks in advance!

As a new iBoats member, we will allow it this time

Keep an eye on the transom area where they mount for any deformation of the metal around the eye bolts.

 

[Fat Rap]

Thank-you all for your responses, they were very helpful. I'll keep an eye on the transom hooks (thanks JASinIL2006 for the official nomenclature) and watch for deformation in the hull to make sure nothing is being overloaded, but it sounds like I'll probably be ok. Also, the Booster Ball looks like it would be very handy and I'll definitely check into it. Yes, I'll probably remove the 6 hp Evinrude before tubing. : )

 

[roffey]

I think the 6hp will move up and out of the way. I don't think you have to remove it. The motor sits on a jack place and moves up and out of the way?

 

[Fat Rap]

roffey, you are correct that the 6 hp kicker mount goes up and down. However, it's a long shaft outboard and I think the rope will probably interfere due to the location of the transom hook. I won't know for sure until we try it, though.

 

[racerone]

???----That motor does NOT have the 5" spacer so it is NOT a long shaft model !!