Mount Ski Tow eye on Vista 248?

sb55 · **Joined:** Fri Jul 09, 2010 7:59 am **Posts:** 31

Hello,
I had a 2000 Horizon for the last 10 years, sold it and just got a 2003 Vista 248.
I did a search and didn't find any info.
Has anyone mounted a ski tow eye on this boat? It won't be used a lot, just to tow kids around. I tried a bridle on the tie down hooks under the swim platform, but they are below the water when underway.
I was thinking to add a backer under the rear seat and mount it INSIDE of the stern rope locker. When I want to ski or tube, I will open the locker and use it.
Any comments or other suggestions?

mcraigchr · **Posted:** Fri Jul 09, 2010 9:04 am

sb55 wrote:

Hello,
I had a 2000 Horizon for the last 10 years, sold it and just got a 2003 Vista 248.
I did a search and didn't find any info.
Has anyone mounted a ski tow eye on this boat? It won't be used a lot, just to tow kids around. I tried a bridle on the tie down hooks under the swim platform, but they are below the water when underway.
I was thinking to add a backer under the rear seat and mount it INSIDE of the stern rope locker. When I want to ski or tube, I will open the locker and use it.
Any comments or other suggestions?

The guy I bought my boat from installed one on the back lip of the swim platform with a thick piece of fiberglass block on the inside for support.

I don't use it ... I'm uneasy about it. It would seem to me to put too much pressure on the bars holding the swim platform in place.

You can see it here above the "Four Winns" Logo.

Craig C.

cougarcruiser · **Posted:** Fri Jul 09, 2010 10:37 am

Try a bridle off the stern cleats.

drballard33 · **Posted:** Fri Jul 09, 2010 11:52 am

bridle off the stern cleats. some people will say they think thats too much stress on the cleats but it is working perfect for me. At least it would be better then the hook thats on your swim platform, that cant be strong enough.

powellcrazy · **Posted:** Sun Jul 11, 2010 10:58 am

Here are links to past threads

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=5675&p=56270#p56270

viewtopic.php?f=22&t=5626

I personally use a bridal attached to transom tie down hooks. I too bought our boat used, previous owner add tow eye to swim deck, I refuse to use this or tie down cleats, but that just me.

sb55 · **Joined:** Fri Jul 09, 2010 7:59 am **Posts:** 31

Thank you for your replies, but what about my idea of where I WOULD like to mount a ski tow eye? Will it work?
I am not going to mount it to the swim platform and did try the stern cleats.

drballard33 · **Posted:** Sun Jul 11, 2010 8:27 pm

Ok so if I am reading your idea correctly you will open the Transom locker and leave it open while towing tubes? It would be nice to mount an eye hook there because you could mount some backer behind the seat and on the fiberglass side so it would sandwich the fiberglass to add strength and still be hidden but I see a few problems with it. First, my transom locker doesn't open at enough to let a line be straight across to a tube. Second, even if the door was open at a better angle I would be concerned that when turning with the rope tight that it could catch on the door and rip it right off.

sb55 · **Joined:** Fri Jul 09, 2010 7:59 am **Posts:** 31

drballard33 wrote:

Ok so if I am reading your idea correctly you will open the Transom locker and leave it open while towing tubes? It would be nice to mount an eye hook there because you could mount some backer behind the seat and on the fiberglass side so it would sandwich the fiberglass to add strength and still be hidden but I see a few problems with it. First, my transom locker doesn't open at enough to let a line be straight across to a tube. Second, even if the door was open at a better angle I would be concerned that when turning with the rope tight that it could catch on the door and rip it right off.

My locker opens all the way down and if I mount the eye high enough, it should clear the locker and the swim platform.

powellcrazy · **Posted:** Tue Jul 13, 2010 6:37 pm

I think that is a bad location, as there is no where to bolt the "ski eye" that has enough fiberglass to back it, like the transom does.
If you insist on a ski eye, i guess now I would recommend the back of the swim deck. The swim deck is very securely bolted to the transom.

I still highly recommend that you use a bridel that is attached to the transom hooks. Pulling a tube creates tremendous forces on hardware, probably double of pulling a skier. Do it right so you dont have any hardware pulling loose from boat and fling into kids on tube.

Mcbeeber · **Joined:** Sat Jul 28, 2012 7:22 am **Posts:** 1

Did you ever mount the ski tow eye? I am looking at doing the same. Just want to pull the kids tubing.

sb55 · **Joined:** Fri Jul 09, 2010 7:59 am **Posts:** 31

I never did do it. I used a tow bridle between the rear cleats. It worked fine for tubing or skiing.

powellcrazy · **Posted:** Thu Aug 09, 2012 7:34 pm

http://www.amazon.com/Airhead-Self-Cent ... ting-goods

For under $20. Then your using hooks on transom that can handle applied forces.

For $6k, buy a 4 stroke PWC made for towing, uses a lot less gas, and much more maneuverable than the Vista, also seconds as a dingy. Just another option...... No commentary necessary.

www.iFourWinns.com

Mount Ski Tow eye on Vista 248?

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