Outboard pulling a skier

[rexmitchell]

Sorry if this is posted in the wrong section or is a repost, I searched but couldn't find what I was looking for. I know there are options on outboards to attach a ski pole through the back baseplate for a seat. I have a 17 ft. 84 astroglass with an evinrude 150. I really don't like the pole mount as it looks like it is pretty permenant than I would like. I did however find this online and was wondering if anyone had experience with these? http://www.leisurepro.com/prod/AHDTH.html?srccode=cii_10043468&cpncode=17-40469582-2

Honestly for 7 bucks plus shipping even if it didn't work I don't think I could go wrong but I did have a few questions. 1. The hooks in the back of the boat would be strong enough to support something like this correct? 2. While this boat sits pretty low and doesn't put off much of a wake, how will this affect the boat pulling a skier with it(handling, stress etc.) Also will the boat be put under too much strain or could I damage anything with a set up like this. I am attracted to this option seeing as it is a lot cheaper than the pole and I wouldn't be skiing a lot on the boat, but I woudl like to be able to pull some friends. Thanks in advance.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Outboard pulling a skier

I have used a harness for more years that I care to remember. The D rings at the transom are strong enough to lift the boat so they are plenty strong to tow a skiier. The main disadvantage is that the rope tilts down from the skiier toward the boat. This is no problem for recreational skiing, but in competition, the skier wants the rope level and at shoulder height---hence the tow pylon.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Outboard pulling a skier

I have a similar type of the one you showed. Mine has a pulley that runs on the rope. The ski rope is then attached to the pulley. The pulley travels across the rope depending on where the skier is relative to the boat. The load then is equally shared by both stern eyes even when you turn or the skiers turns out of the wake. Without a pulley, all the load gets applied to one or the other stern eyes unless the skier is directly behind the boat.

Only thing to be careful of is not to get the harness caught up in the prop.

 

[rexmitchell]

Re: Outboard pulling a skier

The one I was looking at has something that makes it float, supposedly out and away from the prop.

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Outboard pulling a skier

The one I was looking at has something that makes it float, supposedly out and away from the prop.

We had one like this years ago. I have not found one like it recently. On my boat, we just attach the rope to one stern eye. For what little bit if watersports we do, I figured it was good enough...

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Outboard pulling a skier

they have been around since the 50's. in my opinion, unless you are competition skiing, they are the way to go. keeping the rope out of the prop is the "look outs" job, it is not hard to avoid, after you have cut the rope out of the prop several times.

 

[rexmitchell]

Re: Outboard pulling a skier

Thanks for the replies, for 14 bucks otd I went ahead and ordered one today. If it sucks then I won't be upset about it, but I have high hopes for it.

 

[skibrain]

Re: Outboard pulling a skier

I grew up with outboards pulling skiers. 16' boat w/115 outboard. For skiing we simply pulled from one transom eye. The eyes were not way out toward the corners on the transom, but it worked FINE. No tracking problems. Never managed to pull a stainless tow eye through the 2 1/2 " thick transom either.

Where I've used a harness/bridle on my own outboard (rope or cable type with pulley), i've shortened mine up from 8 - 10' long to closer to 3-4'. Just so it reaches from one transom eye to the other AND allows full tilt range of the motor. This really helps keep it out of the prop.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Outboard pulling a skier

This is exactly what I want, but at this price I doubt if I will ever buy it!

http://www.premiumpowersports.com/Swivl-Eze-Bass-Boat-Ski-Tow-p-141.html

We use the harness on the D-rings with the pulley system, it works fine for the way we play.