Ski pylon on deck boat?

[Racer26]

Has anyone installed a ski pylon/tow bar on a deck boat? My friend has a Hurricane FunDeck 196R that he is looking to put a beefier ski pylon/tow bar on, but being a deck boat, there isn't much rear room to work with.

I was thinking of fabbing up a custom one (3'-5' single pylon style) with some steel tubing welded in some thick plating, and then add a thick plate below the deck to bolt the setup to. Then add a couple braces diagonally into the transom area. Didn't know how sturdy the deck itself is though, even with bracing and weight distribution.

Main reason he wants to upgrade is we ski off it, and also typically tow two tubes (1 person & 3-4 person). The flimsy factory tow point hasn't failed, but we want something sturdier before it tries. I understand pylons aren't typically made to tow tubes, however, a steel pylon seems sturdier than a factory hook that is held on by 4 bolts into the deck.

Pictures and personal experience would be very helpful!

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Ski pylon on deck boat?

DO NOT use a pylon to tow a tube with, most all pylon mfgs specifically advise against it. The factory tow point is more than likely plenty strong for any skiing/single tube use. If you want to do dual tubes, you can probably use the tie down hooks more easily than fabbing up some pylon.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Ski pylon on deck boat?

Here is a thread with some info on one I found and installed. I still have not had it out on the water actually towing, but have tried connecting and disconnecting various size ropes to get the hang of it, pretty neat little mechanism.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=538553

It can handle a thick 3-4 person heavy duty tube rope, but not sure about 2 thick tube ropes. It can handle 2 heavy duty ski ropes for sure.

I just looked and there a few still being offered on eBay, in the thread there is a post with a link to the still-current ebay auction. I am sure this is a discontinued item so buyer beware. My boat's stern configuration was ideal for this item, I was able to install it just like it shows in the ebay ad pics. It did not replace anything on my boat, totally autonomous, so I still have all the other towing points available, i.e. tow ring in the middle, or bridle from the stern tiedown points.

 

[Racer26]

Re: Ski pylon on deck boat?

DO NOT use a pylon to tow a tube with, most all pylon mfgs specifically advise against it. The factory tow point is more than likely plenty strong for any skiing/single tube use. If you want to do dual tubes, you can probably use the tie down hooks more easily than fabbing up some pylon.

The problem with the factory tow point is that it is a basically a 3-4' pole that runs through a fiberglass console and is attached with 4 small bolts into the deck. The only support for the pole is the fiberglass console itself (only held to the deck by some lag screws), and towing two tubes puts a lot of strain on it.

My only other thought was to install 4 cleats/D hooks into the deck around the factory tow pole, and then use ratchet straps to strap and support the tow pole to the deck to reduce stress placed on the console.

I will try to post some pictures later to let everyone better visualize what my factory setup and thoughts are.

 

[Racer26]

Re: Ski pylon on deck boat?

Here is a thread with some info on one I found and installed. I still have not had it out on the water actually towing, but have tried connecting and disconnecting various size ropes to get the hang of it, pretty neat little mechanism.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=538553

It can handle a thick 3-4 person heavy duty tube rope, but not sure about 2 thick tube ropes. It can handle 2 heavy duty ski ropes for sure.

I just looked and there a few still being offered on eBay, in the thread there is a post with a link to the still-current ebay auction. I am sure this is a discontinued item so buyer beware. My boat's stern configuration was ideal for this item, I was able to install it just like it shows in the ebay ad pics. It did not replace anything on my boat, totally autonomous, so I still have all the other towing points available, i.e. tow ring in the middle, or bridle from the stern tiedown points.

That's a slick setup... My biggest problem is the fact the deck boat has an outboard, which means the tow point must be high up to clear the engine.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Ski pylon on deck boat?

Doesn't that boat have rear eyebolts? Those are usually very strong, and are made for towing. An equilizer rig is good for towing one tube or one skiier. If towing teo tubes or skiiers, use one line on each eyebolt.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Ski pylon on deck boat?

Doesn't that boat have rear eyebolts? Those are usually very strong, and are made for towing. An equilizer rig is good for towing one tube or one skiier. If towing teo tubes or skiiers, use one line on each eyebolt.

Precisely my point. Clip a spring clip on each transom eye and have at it. If using only one tube, use a bridle between the transom rings.

 

[Racer26]

Re: Ski pylon on deck boat?

Precisely my point. Clip a spring clip on each transom eye and have at it. If using only one tube, use a bridle between the transom rings.

Excellent idea, and will keep that open as an option. However, I also liked the idea of the raised pylon as it would make the tubes easier to get air (which is what we like doing anyway).

 

[Racer26]

Re: Ski pylon on deck boat?

Is the deck strong enough to bolt a pylon (4-5') directly to it?

The total deck/plywood thickness look to be at least a couple inches thick. I was thinking of designing a custom pylon that would bolt into the deck, and be supported by a top plate, and by another couple inches of added wood and a metal base plate beneath the deck. Then use ratchet straps for support like the Insanity Pylons use (strap off the front of the boat, and a strap to either side of the rear attached to the cleats or transom D rings (well supported of course).


My thoughts are that Insanity Pylons have a ton of stability and strength, and they are just sitting on the deck, so if I bolt mine to the deck in addition to strapping, I should have a very sturdy tow point.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Ski pylon on deck boat?

The pylon isn't going to help that much with "getting air". Wakeboarders can get just about as much air from a standard height ski-tow ring as they do from the tower, even behind boats with small wakes. It's about technique and timing.