www.iFourWinns.com
https://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/

Is this thing really suitable for towing a tube or skier?
https://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=14264		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  NickH [ Tue Jul 14, 2015 6:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Is this thing really suitable for towing a tube or skier?
So, I haven't towed anyone behind our 1996 Sundowner yet. I was raised around classic inboard ski boats with traditional ski pylons, but my Sundowner only has this dinky "loop" thingy. It doesn't have anyway to lock a rope on and it appears to be a single bolt with an extra wood backer on from the inside. The screw on top is just that, a screw, presumably for orientation to keep it from spinning since the visible "hook, loop" thing is also the bolt. I just don't know if I trust it or not...

From FW's parts catalog:

Image

Our boat:
Image

Image

What do you guys think?
Author:  fi.na.tine [ Tue Jul 14, 2015 7:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Is this thing really suitable for towing a tube or skier
It is what most boats I have seen around here use to tow tubes. Might not be appropriate - but it is what it is.
Author:  GottWhat [ Tue Jul 14, 2015 7:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Is this thing really suitable for towing a tube or skier
I do not know for sure, but I would bet there is a backing plate behind the fiberglass.
Author:  NickH [ Tue Jul 14, 2015 7:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Is this thing really suitable for towing a tube or skier
This is more the style I've seen on I/O boats: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Transom-Mount-Ski-Tow-Hook-59-3437-/111598411145?hash=item19fbc89d89&vxp=mtr
Author:  fi.na.tine [ Wed Jul 15, 2015 1:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is this thing really suitable for towing a tube or skier
Sorry nick - now that I see that I realize that it is what I have on my boat. The simple hook you have does not look right.
Author:  LouC [ Wed Jul 15, 2015 7:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is this thing really suitable for towing a tube or skier
Plus fore sure I'd carefully inspect the area of the transom where this mounts for reinforcement. If that upper part of the transom is 2 layers of 3/4" ply then it's fine but if not then I'd reinforce it with another piece of 3/4" ply about a foot wide and 6" tall. A few years back the owner of a boatyard I know well told me a tale of a boat that had this ski hook ripped out and needed a lot of glass work. I used a bridle hooked up to the stern eyes for tubes.
Recently I replaced my old VHF antenna and there was no reinforcement to speak of on the 'glass below the side windshield. I used a piece of 3/4" in ply as a backing piece bedded in 3M 4200, and thru bolted the antenna. Much more solid...
Author:  rpengr [ Wed Jul 15, 2015 8:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is this thing really suitable for towing a tube or skier
Quote:
Is this thing really suitable for towing a tube or skier?

Yes

Image
Somewhere between 1996 and 1999, FW changed the tow eye to a double post.

However, I would suggest that the single metal hook you have could withstand at least 4500 lbs of pull (if properly mounted). That's more thrust than you could generate at full throttle. For comparison, a competition slalom skier can be pulled with a 1300 lb rope.

Tow away.
Author:  babbot1 [ Wed Jul 15, 2015 11:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is this thing really suitable for towing a tube or skier
The single hook is what my 2008 has. I am not sure what the back looks like but I have pulled 2 adults on a tube with no issues. It is very sturdy. You just have to watch the line doesn't pop out when you stop and give the line slack. Once you are moving the force keeps in in place. I don't like this style either but its what's on there and a pain to replace since it is sooooo far back behind the engine.
Author:  Capt. Hoss [ Wed Jul 15, 2015 11:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is this thing really suitable for towing a tube or skier
rpengr wrote:
Quote:
Is this thing really suitable for towing a tube or skier?

Yes

Image
Somewhere between 1996 and 1999, FW changed the tow eye to a double post.

However, I would suggest that the single metal hook you have could withstand at least 4500 lbs of pull (if properly mounted). That's more thrust than you could generate at full throttle. For comparison, a competition slalom skier can be pulled with a 1300 lb rope.

Tow away.

My 1990 Horizon has the double post hook.
Author:  LouC [ Wed Jul 15, 2015 11:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Is this thing really suitable for towing a tube or skier
So does my '88 H-200

https://www.dropbox.com/s/e0lcg8kglsone ... 2.jpg?dl=0
Author:  zims1993 [ Wed Jul 15, 2015 2:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Is this thing really suitable for towing a tube or skier
My 93 has the same hook that you posted for your 96. Have had no issues pulling 2 tubes, skiers, etc.. with it.
Author:  NickH [ Wed Jul 15, 2015 3:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Is this thing really suitable for towing a tube or skier
Thanks Guys. I had the misfortune of having some off season 'glass work done on the transom last fall and got a good look at the back side of this hook. Like I mentioned in my original post, it appears to be backed with Plywood, though I cannot remember how thick or how many pieces. I have to believe the fiberglass in this area is not particularly thick, it sure wasn't below on the swim platform where I got whacked.
Author:  Surface Interval [ Tue Jul 21, 2015 10:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Is this thing really suitable for towing a tube or skier
My old '95 190 horizon had that single hook style. The only issue I ever had was the nut came loose once. I tightened it up and never had a problem again. Will it hold up? I have pulled a lot of tubes, skiers, boarders, including 2 kids on 54 inch tubes. The kids each weighed over 300 lbs. I'm sure you won't have a problem with it.
Page 1 of 1 All times are UTC - 6 hours [ DST ]
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group
http://www.phpbb.com/