How to ski behind a Bass Tracker???

[tracker_tx17]

I bought a '91 Bass Tracker TX17 w/ a 60hp Evinrude this spring. It runs like it's brand new and I love it!! BUT.... Its warming up and I am wondering the best way to attach a ski rope to my vessel??? I thought about just attaching a harness to the two eyes on either side of the engine but I do not believe there would be enough water/prop clearance....Any suggestions or experience would be greatly appreciated!

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: How to ski behind a Bass Tracker???

You should be able to use a harness between the tow eyes, I've done that with my fish-n-ski with no issues. Or, you could go with a ski pylon, something like this:

http://www.iboats.com/Swivl-Eze-reg...67430627--**********.571794590--view_id.38379

 

[tracker_tx17]

Re: How to ski behind a Bass Tracker???

I have looked at those pylons because I have the swivel-eze mounts for pedestal seats BUT I dont understand how I would get the pin in after I stick the main pylon in the base?? Should I have access to it??? I might just have to try a ski rope harness and go from there.....Any suggestions on a good harness that stays out of the prop/water well?? Thanks.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: How to ski behind a Bass Tracker???

For the ski pylon, on my boat I cut an access hole and rigged it with a removeable cover (I used an access plate from Home Depot's plumbing department). Depending on your boat's layout that may or may not be feasable, on mine it turned out to be relatively easy.

As far as the tow harness, any of them ought to be ok, that's what they're made for. We used the tow harness for quite a while and had zero issues with it (I don't know what brand it is or anything, it's just what the previous owner gave me with the boat - knowing him I'd guess it was the cheapest one he could find), but once I figured out how to get easy access for installing and removing the ski pylon we've always used that 'cause the kids can get better air with it on their knee board.

 

[tracker_tx17]

Re: How to ski behind a Bass Tracker???

Awesome, thanks for the info.....That's what I'll be doing is kneeboarding. I love it. Where do you and your crew boat?

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: How to ski behind a Bass Tracker???

Awesome, thanks for the info.....That's what I'll be doing is kneeboarding. I love it. Where do you and your crew boat?

We're north of Atlanta, so usually go to Lake Allatoona (of course that can get crowded enough to just about walk across the lake from one boat to the next - so we only go when it's not going to be so busy).

 

[skibrain]

Re: How to ski behind a Bass Tracker???

My $.02
When I was growing up we had three different boats. We ALWAYS towed from one or the other of the transom eyes. Just used one. I don't remember any issues with boat handling. In fact, for skiing, keeping the tow point a bit lower will cause the boat to move around less.
(Since then I've owned a couple boats where I've installed ski pylons and also used bridles, especially for pulling tubes)

None of these were very big boats and we used them 95% of the time for waterskiing.

14' w/20 hp tiller
13' Whaler w/40 hp
16' Gastron w/115 hp

Buy the bridle if you want, it will balance the pull a bit better, but for kneeboard and most rec. skiing you're going to be fine without.