Ski Pylon or rear tow ring

[RanchDweller]

We just bought a new ski boat. There is a short ski pylon in front of the engine and a rear tow ring on the back of the boat above the swim deck. What is the difference. It would make sense to ski on the rear tow ring because if you ski from the pole the rope crossing back and forth would not allow anyone to sit in the back seat. 02 Malibu Sportster. Also, can the rear tow ring pull tubes? Don't want to rip off the rear ring. Thanks.

 

[brian_mcwhirter]

Re: Ski Pylon or rear tow ring

Your so-called "tournament ski boat" has a pylon mounted forward of the engine so it's close to the center-of-gravity of the boat. An advanced level slalom skier puts an incredible amount of strain on the boat tow point, and towing from the rear ski eye will tend to pull the boat off-course. This can be a problem when towing a skier through a slalom course. For recreational, open-water skiers, the rear tow point will probably work fine. Both tow points are well-anchored to the boat so I wouldn't worry about pulling a tube from either one. Have fun!

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Ski Pylon or rear tow ring

While both points are well-anchored, I would only pull a tube from the rear ski ring. What Brian said was correct about the ski pylon, it being placed in the center is more of a tournament slolam course use. The ski tow ring is just as good for recreational skiing and not taking your rear passenger's heads off.

 

[62Lyn-CraftBMT]

Re: Ski Pylon or rear tow ring

Would you recommend installing a pylon or u-bolts in the back?

If u-bolts-do people still use the old pulley that rides on a piece looped from the left u-bolt to the right one?

Thanks

http://i466.photobucket.com/albums/rr21/reneldasue/Toys/1962Seabreeze-1.jpg

http://i466.photobucket.com/albums/rr21/reneldasue/Toys/1962Seabreeze2.jpg

http://s466.photobucket.com/albums/rr21/reneldasue/Toys/?action=view&current=1962Seabreeze.flv

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Ski Pylon or rear tow ring

With the boat in your pictures, I wouldn't bother with the pylon. Many people still use the pulley system that runs between the u-bolt tie down points.

 

[JaseBosto]

Re: Ski Pylon or rear tow ring

I don't like the pulley system. The rope ends up riding right on the water, and constantly splashed the rider in the face. Not a big deal with skiing, or wake boarding, but really annoying when riding a tube.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Ski Pylon or rear tow ring

I don't like the pulley system. The rope ends up riding right on the water, and constantly splashed the rider in the face. Not a big deal with skiing, or wake boarding, but really annoying when riding a tube.

The pulley system does not cause the rope to ride in the water, that has to do with the height above the water of the u-bolts on the boat. I have been behind a bass boat with u-bolts right at the water line that cause the water spray, but I have been behind other boats with the u-bolts 6-8" above the water line which have no problems. You aren't supposed to tow tubes with a ski pylon anyhow due to the high risk of the tube digging in to the water at speed and basically creating a slingshot with a metal projectile.