Waterskiing/wake boarding

[solitaire]

Hi there, I took a friend across to the I.O.W. last weekend and now he is desparate to ski/wake board behind my boat.

I am keen on the idea and have towed skiers many times (I know what I am doing!!).

Only problem is that I havn't used my present boat (Yam 550 Rib ) for this yet and don't know where or how to attach the rope.
Any help would be much appreciated!

[woot]

when I spec'd my Humber last year I asked about ski-ing and they recommended having two towing eyes fitted on the transom as the best option which is what I decided to go for. A ski pole is a major undertaking in comparison apparently and towing via the A frame is a definite no go. I can mail you some photos of the rings if you wish.

[simmons0]

You need a bridle. Can be made up by anyone competent at rope work (not me).

1 carrabeena (is that how its spelt) on each side of the engine cliped to the towing eyes and a piece of rope between them.

The ski rope is then attached to a roller on that rope with a float on it and that roller allows the ski rope to go from one side of the engine to the other as the skier cuts across. Putting a float on it is pretty important tho or it tends to get stuck in the prop

mine was made up for me in a chandlers but you can buy them ready made for about a tenner.

Harry.

[Alan]

Unless you have a very strong A frame(!) then the best thing is to use the two eyes (towing eyes/ski eyes) fitted either side of the engine on the transom. Rig up a bridle from each eye with the ski line attached to the middle and Bobs your uncle!

[simmons0]

heres what your after:

[solitaire]

Thankyou all!! Everything posted seems to make sense and yes Woot I would appreciate a picture if poss!

Please mail me at: smartfit@btopenworld.com

THANKS!!!

[Bajan]

As per the other responses, the towing eyes on the transom will be fine for a skier or wakeboarder. The only time when this might prove to be a problem is if your wakeboarder is at a level where he wants to jump and perform tricks, then the eyes will be too low for him to get height.

Hope that helps!

[solitaire]

Thanks Simmons0!!

[solitaire]

Thanks Bajan.....I assume that strength of the eyes shouldn't prove a problem??!

[Bajan]

Originally Posted by solitaire

Thanks Bajan.....I assume that strength of the eyes shouldn't prove a problem??!

Should be no problem. The transom is as strong as you'll get.

Regards

[SteveHall]

I work at a water sports centre at weekends and we use this way to tow things, and its amazing what we have towed with a bridal on the transom

[GaryD]

Im intending to use my boat for towing a water skiier/ wakeboarder but also a ski biscuit. My transom only has one towing eye, because there is an aux engine bracket on the other side.

Whats the best setup for towing in this situation?

Cheers....