Mounting ski pylon in floor of Maxum 1800MX

[chiroken]

As I will be mounting a kicker bracket/motor I will not longer be able to use the factory eye to pull skiers/tubers (the kicker will be in the way of the rope when turning to that side).

I'm thinking of mounting the pylon right in front of the motor cover latch in the rear floor of the boat. To increase the strength of that floor mount I want to put a stainless or aluminum plate below the floor through which the mounting bolts will go. The area in question is not accessible. The rear of the ski locker is enclosed with the exception of the bottom drain hole and the area is not accessible from the motor area.

Does anyone know if that small area is open, free and clear under the floor or is there a central stringer in there that would block mounting a plate that would be perhaps 6-8 inches square?

My thoughts are to cut an oval in the upper rear wall of the ski locker large enough for my flat hand to fit so I can pass the lower plate through to mount the pylon, then re-glass the opening edges to prevent water damage.

Any help? I'm aware of the pylon pulling a tube controversy, that is why I want to beef up the mount. I'm pulling my 7 and 9 year old girls on single tubes (2 at a time). They ski as well (almost zero pull) and I want to be able to pull adults (either skis or wakeboards).


Thanks in advance,

Ken

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Mounting ski pylon in floor of Maxum 1800MX

A couple things to consider, where is the fuel tank on your boat? mine is right where you are thinking of mounting the pole. Yours may be in a different spot so check that out. Second how old is the boat and how good is the deck? not saying its bad but if it is weathered or rotted at all a 6" plate will be no match for a 6-7' pole under stress, unless you have the strap that goes to the bow to help with the stress on the pole. The biggest concern is not the girs on the tube but that if they come off the tube and it suddenly submarines there is a lot of force on the pole all of the sudden. If you have the bow straps and can get access to install the plate under a solid deck it would probably be fine.

 

[chiroken]

Re: Mounting ski pylon in floor of Maxum 1800MX

The boat is a 2007, engine is Mercruiser 135hp, swim grid is part of the mould, not an attached grid.

The gas tank is in the back corner, opposite to the helm.

I would really rather avoid the bow straps, I'm thinking of going with a shorter 3-4' pole. Basically I just want it high enough to clear the kicker. A shorter pole should significantly reduce the pull on the mounting hardware I would assume.

Thots on that?