Where to hook rope

[gride]

Where can I hook my rope up to skate behind this boat? It does not have u bolts like most outboards. I have not been able to check if the tower has any bracing. I'd prefer the bolts on either side ofnthe engine.
http://www.baycraftinc.com/custompag...onPhotoGallery

[tablecloth]

why not research on it, how to put or can you put bolts.

[gride]

i left a message with the manufacturer today. waiting for them to get back to me. i want to be totally non invasive if i can since it's not my boat, and my buddy doesn't ride, yet. i mean it won't be a big deal, but i'm just putting this out there to see if anyone has been in this situation.

[AirTool]

I'm thinking if that polling platform can support a XXXL fisherman, You could tie a rope to it to skate. Those aluminum structures are very strong and I "suspect" that the load spreaders at the gelcoat are just that and will be in compression on the stern. The load is only going to be high on the deep water start or crashing on not letting go of the handle. The biggest risk is tearing out the two connections on the deck. Those are usually in compression but won't be under tow. I'd look to see if they had a backing plate or BIG backing washers. If not, I wouldn't attach to the platform.


If you do attache, tie as close to the middle as possible or slip the rope around both sides and tie back to your tow rope to make a bridle to share the load.

[Texan1554]

Rode behind a hand full of bay and flats boats goofing off in my day.... just tie on to the Cleat. Just keep the driver mindfull and always turn to the side of the cleat your ropes on.

I would not tie onto his polling platform.

[gride]

thanks for the advice. next week i get to take it to the stereo shop to get the h/u installed and figure out the best way to mount the swt-65's.(either thru bolted or possibly to the tubing) when i get it i plan to check for any bracing and reinforcement of the platform mounts. depending on the fiberglass thickness and how it's mounted i'll either reinforce it if i need to or install u bolts, like on most outboards, on both sides of the engine and tow from there with a harness. not my boat so i am trying to not to alter the structure itself unless totally needed. same reason i got him to order tower speakers.

[AirTool]

My dad just bought a similar cc (center console not Correct Craft) with less of a deck and more gunnels. He also doesn't have the platform in the back.

I'm sure he'll tow the kids (if they'll get past the saltwater issue. They use to swim in it but now they are a bit spoiled.) He does have the lifting eyes on the transom so we'll probably just bridle if we go this year. Over the winter, I might consider an upgrade. Like you, I won't want to make a big deal out of it.

Notes:

1. Here is a tow ring that was on an I/O we use to use. It had either big backing washers or a plate. It was mounted in the drop in liner (above the rub rail) which didn't seem very thick to me but it held quite strong.

http://www.iboats.com/Attwood-Ski-To...-view_id.48189

2. Here are some other options you've probably seen before.

http://www.iboats.com/Rope-Mounting-...view_id.217683

3. I'm liking these reusable breakaway snaps I just noticed. I might consider those for some of the trainer handles I've used. You could also consider other breakaway methods. One concern here is that the driver/rider needs to understand if you sling somebody around the boat at a high speed and the unit opens/breaks, the rider will shoot off away from the boat and not be restricted to the rope length. You don't want to sling someone into a dock or the shore.

http://www.iboats.com/Ski-Rope-Snap/...view_id.239795

[AirTool]

3. I'm liking these reusable breakaway snaps I just noticed. I might consider those for some of the trainer handles I've used. You could also consider other breakaway methods. One concern here is that the driver/rider needs to understand if you sling somebody around the boat at a high speed and the unit opens/breaks, the rider will shoot off away from the boat and not be restricted to the rope length. You don't want to sling someone into a dock or the shore.

http://www.iboats.com/Ski-Rope-Snap/...view_id.239795

Thinking about this more, I'm thinking this thing only works as breakaway if both ropes are in the big section...and likely the snap will disappear because it will come off both ropes. If one rope is through the small hole, the other rope won't slip out.

Here is a true break away safety device:

I can't seem to find the breakway bullets that are one time use.

Here is a re-usable velcro model. Maybe the foil users here can comment. Looks like a good idea to me. Not sure it will release for kids.

http://cinchmax.com/sitebuilderconte...ReleaseNew.jpg
http://cinchmax.com/id3.html

[TX-Foilhead]

http://wakeboatoutfitters.com/produc...ullet-release/

I've never thought about using a release to protect the boat, but I don"t see why it wouldn't work. Wakeboarders are fine with the medium pin (400 lbs) a wake skate might even get away with the lite pin (200lbs) just no dragging on the rope when you fall. At $4 a pin you don't want the bullet opening very often, we switch to a different release when we know we need it to open learning new tricks. Cinch is adjustable as well, but they tend to not hold as well when they are wet, that might cause some issues using it there. No big deal on the tower where you can dry it real good before you put it back together.