Ski Rope...where to tie it? 1964 starcraft

[jdwilliams1]

Hi My starcraft has handles on the back but I am sure they are not beefed up enough, How do I go about installing the necessary eye holes for this in a safe manner and in a way that is ok for the transom.

thanks

 

[Samvq1]

Re: Ski Rope...where to tie it? 1964 starcraft

Instead of drilling holes, you could use the transom tie downs. there is a harness available that attaches to the tie downs and has a hook or loop to attach towables or a ski rope.

 

[jdwilliams1]

Re: Ski Rope...where to tie it? 1964 starcraft

Instead of drilling holes, you could use the transom tie downs. there is a harness available that attaches to the tie downs and has a hook or loop to attach towables or a ski rope.

Thanks for the tip, I gues what I am saying is I do no have transom tie downs, it is an old boat. All I have are handles on the back. Can I install transom tie down rings?

 

[Samvq1]

Re: Ski Rope...where to tie it? 1964 starcraft

If the transom is solid I don't see why not. I would not be the person to ask about that though. the restoration thread may have information.

edit: do you trailer the boat? Transom tie downs would be good to install for that reason. if not look into a tow ring or a ski pylon. Outboard may require a pylon where i/o could use a ring.

 

[skibrain]

Re: Ski Rope...where to tie it? 1964 starcraft

Do your transom handles look like this?
I wonder what they were intended for in the first place?

If the handles are tight, I would try attaching a bridle type harness to those. A ski rope to the bridle. The load of a skier spread between both of the handles seems like it would work fine. I would NOT recommend pulling a tube from those.

If they seem loose and you have pretty easy access to your transom like the one shown in the photo, installing some transom eyes that bolt through the transom and use larger washers or backing plates would be pretty easy to install on either side of the motor in that splash well area.

 

[jdwilliams1]

Re: Ski Rope...where to tie it? 1964 starcraft

Do your transom handles look like this? View attachment 108685
I wonder what they were intended for in the first place?

If the handles are tight, I would try attaching a bridle type harness to those. A ski rope to the bridle. The load of a skier spread between both of the handles seems like it would work fine. I would NOT recommend pulling a tube from those.

If they seem loose and you have pretty easy access to your transom like the one shown in the photo, installing some transom eyes that bolt through the transom and use larger washers or backing plates would be pretty easy to install on either side of the motor in that splash well area.

Yes! That is almost my exact boat. Would really want to pull a tube so transom eyes it will be. How high from the top of the transom should I go do you think?

 

[skibrain]

Re: Ski Rope...where to tie it? 1964 starcraft

Oh, just looking at it I might keep them about in line with the handles but 3-4" closer toward the motor. Lower and wider might be stronger, but if you go too low the bridle tends to drag in the wakes. After you drill, I'd recommend some silicone sealer around the eyes so water doesn't get inside the transom.

 

[inthedirtagain]

Re: Ski Rope...where to tie it? 1964 starcraft

I have the exact same handles on the back of my 66 Holiday. The material looks to be the same as the stern/bow cleats. The PO's son pulled tubes from these cleats right before I got the boat, and one is ripped off, the other is cracked pretty good. The material doesn't appear to be useful for pulling, but could be used for tying up to the dock.

I couldn't find any decent u-bolts locally that were thick enough (hardware stores), and the boat dealers wanted mint for their stainless steel stuff (I'm too cheap). I ended up installing 1/2in galvanized eye-bolts rated for 2800lbs each. I used 3in x 1/4in washers as backing plates liberally coated in clear RTV. Just make sure your transom is solid.