www.iFourWinns.com

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:



Our boat:




What do you guys think?

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1996 205 Sundowner
"Comin' in Hot!"

It is what most boats I have seen around here use to tow tubes. Might not be appropriate - but it is what it is.

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2008 Four Winns h180 Bowrider
3.0 Volvo Penta

2013 Dodge Durango HEMI

I do not know for sure, but I would bet there is a backing plate behind the fiberglass.

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NEW - 2000 Cobalt 246 w/454 Magnum 385HP | SOLD - 2000 FW Horizon 180 LS w/5.0Gi 250HP Volvo Penta

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

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1996 205 Sundowner
"Comin' in Hot!"

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.

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2008 Four Winns h180 Bowrider
3.0 Volvo Penta

2013 Dodge Durango HEMI

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...

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

Yes


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.

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"Knot Easy" 2000 Horizon 240 Volvo 5.7GS /SX
tow: 2017 Honda PILOT EXL-AWD
prev. boats:
'87 Chaparral 198CXL 4.3 OMC Cobra
'69 Jetstar 16ft Ski Boat, 115hp Yamaha
'68 Aluminum Jon Boat, 3hp Sears
'64 Water Wings

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.

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--2002 3880 Regal Flybridge | Twin Merc 8.1HO **Seven**
--2003 AB 13 VST Console Inflatable | Tohatsu 40hp TLDI **Phish'n ski**
--310 Mercury Inflatable | 1982 9.9 Johnson

My 1990 Horizon has the double post hook.

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1990 Four Winns Horizon 200
2005 GMC Sierra

So does my '88 H-200

https://www.dropbox.com/s/e0lcg8kglsone ... 2.jpg?dl=0

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

My 93 has the same hook that you posted for your 96. Have had no issues pulling 2 tubes, skiers, etc.. with it.

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2008 H200 Frenzy Edition 5.0 GXi

1993 Horizon 190 5.0 EFI (Sold)

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.

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1996 205 Sundowner
"Comin' in Hot!"

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.

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Surface Interval: A scuba diving term for that time between dives to relax and prepare for life's next great adventure.

Current boat: '02 FW 268 Vista
Previous boat: '95 FW 190 Horizon