2024 G23 Paragon Lower Tow Hook (for Tubing) Gone?

[Renegrub]

Was thinking about upgrading my 2022 G23 Paragon to a 2024 G23 Paragon. But in looking at the new design, it seems like they ditched the low tow hook that I used to pull a three person tube. One video I watched looked like it had a tow ring in the steps, but the boats I see for sale don't have that. Am I supposed to pull the tub on the tower if I go with a 2024 G23 Paragon? Love many of the new features but I felt like I read you aren't supposed to pull tubes from the tower?

[GMLIII]

Been pulling tubes from my tower for years on my 2017 G23 with no issues. Don't believe all the negative press about pulling tubes from towers, it is all hogwash

[Scooter G]

I yank harder on that tower on my wakeboard (occasionally 2 wakeboards) than anything a 3 man tube can replicate. Maybe not 3 linebackers in a tube, lol.
In my mind, I always thought the tube vs tower was more of a company CYA warranty clause. Ditto GMLIII (for years...)

[FMSKI]

We are "pro" tubers running the HO Mavericks 3 persons. So we typically pull 2 tubes, 4 riders total. Have done 3 tubes and 6 say for dock parties.
Force wise, it's huge. Much more than any skier or rider could generate. That is why the ropes are heavier.

I would estimate 1500-2000 lbs loading during peak turns. There is a lot of surface drag in addition to the G's the riders pull.
Also the tubes submarine from time to time at slow speed and that is boat stopping force.

Unless it's kids (say <125lbs each), I wouldn't do it.

[core-rider]

Okay fine, I'll be the one to say it... Get those kids/adults off the tube and put them on a wakeboard!!! At the very least put them on a wakesurf board!

[Surfingfarmer]

No there is still a low tow hook, at least on my 24' G25. But, you have to open rear cooler lid to get to it. Bad design imo and the rear cooler has an opening in the plastic in that area for the hook so it doesn't keep ice for long at all compared to the old G rear coolers. Wait, you're right, Paragons don't have them. WTH?

[XBIGPUN66]

Pro tube edition. Haha. Need a decal for the windshield.

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[Renegrub]

No there is still a low tow hook, at least on my 24' G25. But, you have to open rear cooler lid to get to it. Bad design imo and the rear cooler has an opening in the plastic in that area for the hook so it doesn't keep ice for long at all compared to the old G rear coolers. Wait, you're right, Paragons don't have them. WTH?

I know! I caught it in a few launch videos. One video did show a tow hook in the center of the bottom step, but when I found ones for sale, none had it. So that was my concern. My daughters can surf and love it. But their friends tend to have never done it, so then it becomes a bit of a drag - where they just can't get up and we try over and over. Kind of a bummer vibe for guests at the lake. But the guests love tubing - I tend to have three 14 year old girls on one of the Wow tubes or two 18 year olds. So while I want to upgrade, I don't want to end up with a boat I can't tube with occasionally. And I don't want to downgrade from the Paragon. First world issues :-). All of my boat slips are taken so I need one to handle tubes/surfing.

[Scooter G]

What about the old school cable harness that we used to use back in the day, is that a viable option between the 2 stern eyes?
Seems doable

We are "pro" tubers running the HO Mavericks 3 persons. So we typically pull 2 tubes, 4 riders total. Have done 3 tubes and 6 say for dock parties.

Definitely not from the tower

[Renegrub]

What about the old school cable harness that we used to use back in the day, is that a viable option between the 2 stern eyes?
Seems doable






Definitely not from the tower

Yes I was wondering if that is ok. I imagine then I would need to use a rope with a floaty since the rope will be so slow, but that is fine with me so long as that is ok to use those stern eyes.

[MN Ryan]

My BIL actually cracked a weld on his X10 pulling a Big Mable. I call it the TuberCraft.

[Scooter G]

Correct me if I'm wrong, I've lifted boats off of the trailer using the stern eyes. No harm, no foul. Not a G or a Paragon, but all the same those are a solid mount. In addition to spreading the load between 2 anchor points.

If anything goes wrong, you didn't hear it from me

[BasaltRMK]

Oh man, that old-school stern hook cable harness brings back some serious tubing and skiing memories from the old 15' MFG outboard!!

- bob

[SilentSeven]

What does the factory manual say about tower loads?

I'd have to think that if there is a weight or device limitation, it would be covered in the manual.

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[Scooter G]

Great question SilentSeven
This is how the Manual reads for my '16:

"Never climb, sit or stand on a wakeboard tower. The wakeboard tower is intended for towing only as noted. It is designed to pull a limited number of individual(s), and in some cases only one (1) individual. Please consult the remainder of this manual and warning labels on tower for details. The wakeboard tower approved for use on your boat should be used only for water skis, wakeboards or recreational towables, and not for parasailing, kite flying or towing other boats."