cutting pylon

[todda]

Anyone tried to cut their factory extended pylon? I have the factory ext. pylon, and I have tried to trade with anyone for a standard pylon, to no avail. I was just wondering if anyone has cut theirs from the bottom, then turned the radius at the bottom for placement of the U-bolt for mounting?

Todd

[AbunDiga909]

RE: cutting pylon

The pylon is built into the hull of the boat, right? Wouldn't cutting it ruin the strength and integrity of it?

[todda]

RE: cutting pylon

AbunDiga-I should clarify, mine is on a 99 SNOB, and it is independent of the hull, but U-bolted to brackets that are mounted to the hull, as well as under the floor. I have taken it out before, and in theory could cut it to the standard pylon length.... BUT, I agree with you, I am not sure if it compromises the integrity/strength, and in all honesty, wouldn't have the first clue of what to cut it with (ie cutting torch, hacksaw, ???)

[AbunDiga909]

RE: cutting pylon

I know on another member's 210, long ago, they forgot to give him the optional pylon he ordered. CC had the dealer do it, and apparenly everything went well. If they could do that, I'm sure its possible, somehow...

[skijones]

RE: cutting pylon

The only concern I would have would be the angle of the pylon. Is yours straight? If so, shortening it should not be a problem. Take it to a fabrication shop and have them cut it off with a metal bandsaw. You would be days with a hacksaw and do not use a torch.

Make sure of your measurements and CLEARLY mark where you want it cut. Make sure whoever is actually doing the cutting is aware of what you want. A litte communication goes a long way.

[Hollywood]

Re: RE: cutting pylon

The only concern I would have would be the angle of the pylon. Is yours straight? If so, shortening it should not be a problem. Take it to a fabrication shop and have them cut it off with a metal bandsaw. You would be days with a hacksaw and do not use a torch.

Yes it's straight, and aluminum. I'd give it a try with a CORDED recipricating saw before finding a machine shop.

[Sbt3]

RE: Re: RE: cutting pylon

todda, how long is your pylon and how long do you want it to be? I have a pylon that I took out of my 97 super sport, not sure how long it is but it is sitting in my basement and I could measure it. I don't really ever forsee me putting it back it the boat since I put a tower on it. I would like a pylon for it though in case I ever sell it. I would be willing to trade you the pylons if it is the length that you want, all I would ask is that you cover the shipping costs involved. drop me a email if you want stan.tanner@techna-tool.com

[Quinner]

RE: Re: RE: cutting pylon

Todd,

Just curious why you do not want the extended pylon, I have ordered them on my last couple boats, I like having the other higher tow point and I slalom from the low point of the pylon not to mention it holds the cover up very well.
Have you approached the dealer on trading for a regular pylon?

[auskier]

RE: Re: RE: cutting pylon

I would agree that trading would be the best option, but if it comes down to cutting it I would consider going to rent a band saw for a couple of hours to do the job. Might be cheaper than taking it to a shop, I'd check on that first though. I've rented one for a day to do a job and it was definitely worth it.

[AbunDiga909]

RE: Re: RE: cutting pylon

Quinner, just curious... if you slalom from the low point, why would you tow anyone from the high point, and not the tower...

[Quinner]

RE: Re: RE: cutting pylon

Diga,

The trick release mounts at the high point, I also use it for novice skiers to give them a little more pull up. When you slalom hard from the high point it tends to give a softer pull whereas the pylon flex's a bit. Also on occassion if I am pulling the little ones using four tubes I put 2 on the tower and two on the pylon.

[AbunDiga909]

RE: Re: RE: cutting pylon

I see. I would do the same with the tubes. They seem to put way too much stress on the tower. Once we got to 3 people, its back down to the pylon..

[M3Fan]

RE: Re: RE: cutting pylon

I think the extended pylon would be quite useful for footing and tricks. I'd consider trading if the swap is easy. My concern would be whether there is extra bracing under the floor for the extended pylon. Seems like it could generate much more leverage. Anyone know?

[todda]

RE: Re: RE: cutting pylon

Quinner, good idea about approaching Pacific Nautiques up here where I bought it. I may just have to do that.

M3, it is nice for tricks and novice skiers too, but it is just kind of a pain for changing rope lengths with slalom. I really don't use the extended part for all intents and purpose, so I am really only using the pylon for strict slalom anyways. Thanks for all your ideas everyone, and Sbt3, I will drop you a PM to see if you wish to trade your standard pylon. I would be interested, and would cover the shipping if it works for my 99 SNOB.

Thanks!

[DRAGON88]

RE: Re: RE: cutting pylon

Todda, I'd bet that someone at Pacific Nautiques could help you out, those guys are awesome!