www.iFourWinns.com

I assume the absence of a tow hook indicates probably not. But, has anyone tried with cleats or is that just a bad idea altogether?

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SOLD! 2006 30th Anniversary Vista 278
"Conch'd Out!"

http://vista278.com

ShanMan, in my opinion, it's a terrible and dangerous idea to use the stern cleats to tow anything behind the boat, especially with people in it! They simply were not designed for that. If one of those cleats come loose, it will act as a slingshot right back at the person behind the boat!!!

The lack of a ski tow ring on my 268Vista has been a real PIA for me as well. I wound up going in the water and securing a Y type harness to the tow/lift rings at the stern under the swim platform, and then I keep the looped end secured to my stern rail with a bungee cord. It's a bit of a pain, but much safer. When we are anchored out, and want to swim I use the looped end of the y harness to secure our floats and whatnot, so they don't drift away. Also by doing that it is not in anybody's way while using the swim platform.

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'04 FW 268Vista "Andiamo"

With a bridle there should be no problem. The stern cleats are through bolted and very secure. I've towed quite a few boats back to the docks using a bridle off the stern cleats.

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Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

So I have two possible towing locations. Thanks!

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SOLD! 2006 30th Anniversary Vista 278
"Conch'd Out!"

http://vista278.com

Shanman, I am having the same dilemma regarding towing a jetski behind the 248. I'm going to take it easy and try the bridle first. I don't need to go fast to get to my spot and I would avoid choppy days to tow it. I'm thinking just on plane will suffice and hopefully stress the hooks the least. I'm sure the tie down loops under the ESP would work but it would be a pita and probably get caught up in the outdrive. If it stresses with the bridle I'm going to reinforce an area for a towing hook.

J, any suggestions on bridles? Haven't looked at them yet but I'm hoping there is something out there with a length of a float attached so the rope sink down near the prop.

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V475
Chris Craft Catalina 23 w/ 300 G2
Previously-V338, 248 Vista, H210

Here are a couple http://www.wellingtoninc.com/watersports/towropes.htm

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Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

Thank you John! Just bought one, I'll report back if I rip out my cleats

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V475
Chris Craft Catalina 23 w/ 300 G2
Previously-V338, 248 Vista, H210

You shouldn't. They are pretty stout. I know from experience. We went one Jan to St. Augustine and a front stalled before we go there. Gale force winds, fist time I've ever taken a wave over the bow of my 288 IN THE ICW!

We reached the dock and can only imagine what fighter pilot must go through. We have to pull into a slip where the dock was pitching nearly 2 feet. Waves were coming over the concrete floating dock. I doubled up the lines. It was so bad you could not stand on the boat without holding on. I actually gotknocked out of the aft cabin at one point in the night. You know it's bad when a guy with a 85' yacht complains to the dock master that his boat is getting knocked around.

Based on the pounding the cleats took for a 12 hr period...you ain't got nothin' to worry about.

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Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

Holy smokes! Good story! I couldn't imagine taking a wave over the bow that must have been nuts! Yep I'm confident that I'd have issues with the bridle before the cleats. thanks again for your suggestions!

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V475
Chris Craft Catalina 23 w/ 300 G2
Previously-V338, 248 Vista, H210

Just be careful using that bridle with the metal hooks on the cleats. I don't know but I would worry about having something metal up there nicking up the gel. I use a 1/2 mooring rope as a homemade bridle and tie the tow rope to that, letting it slide back and fourth along the rope as I turn and it wants to. It works great and I have done it for a few years, pulling a +200# guy a few times.

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2005, 268 Vista, Table Rock Lake "Choices II"