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Ski pylon
Feb 27, 2022 14:06:26 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by tripper66 on Feb 27, 2022 14:06:26 GMT -5
Question… is the factory ski pylon ok to pull a tube??
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Post by hookedup on Feb 27, 2022 14:19:07 GMT -5
On my 245DC I regularly pull a "Big Mable" with 2 kids weighing about 100 lbs each. Never had an issue, but I don't know how other pylons are supported.
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Post by DMBekus on Feb 28, 2022 11:26:42 GMT -5
I pull with no issues on my 245DC
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Post by nickbhw on Sept 8, 2022 12:56:06 GMT -5
I thought that I would bump this thread up to see if there are any more experiences with using the ski pylon for tubing. I have a 245DC. I took the kids out a few times and used the stern eyelets. It certainly would be a lot easier to tie them off on the tow bar. I also don't like the idea of having the pulley system so close to the motor and trim tabs.
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Post by hookedup on Sept 8, 2022 15:44:09 GMT -5
Just my opinion, but on the 245DC the ski pylon is fairly substantial. If I'd do some complex math I could figure it out, but 2 - 100 lb kids at 28 MPH with the boat turning about 10-30 degrees per minute and them at a 45 degree angle to the boat (I put them over the wake regularly. They love it.) would probably equate to well over 300 lbs. No strain, no noise from the pylon, or at least I can't hear it over them screaming. And, when they go airborne I'm sure when they re-enter the water the weight goes pretty high too. In the boat I can sometimes feel the jerk of them landing, but no complaints from the pylon. I don't think I'd try it with 4 - 150 lb adults, but it's pretty well constructed. I do wish they'd put some guidance in the owners manual so we'd have a better idea of what's safe. Of course anyone watching our antics would say we're crazy, but I started them as toddlers just coasting along and built up to banging them around once they were strong enough to hold on. Their mom is the spotter and she lets me know when to slow down.
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Post by footy3 on Sept 8, 2022 19:24:27 GMT -5
I never really gave it any thought, but it's a ski pylon, it should be designed for this and I would assume pulling a skier. I would bet a pretty good amount when I am coming out of a turn on my slalom ski and pulling hard for the next buoy, I'm putting a ton more pressure on the pylon than 4 people in a tube skipping over the surface. Not scientific, but my real world observation.
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Post by hookedup on Sept 8, 2022 20:17:29 GMT -5
I never really gave it any thought, but it's a ski pylon, it should be designed for this and I would assume pulling a skier. I would bet a pretty good amount when I am coming out of a turn on my slalom ski and pulling hard for the next buoy, I'm putting a ton more pressure on the pylon than 4 people in a tube skipping over the surface. Not scientific, but my real world observation. It was crazy but on my Robalo the ski tow (not a pylon) said for skis only not for towables. Go figure.
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jerryk
Captain
When not online I'm likely on Knot Online
Posts: 599
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Post by jerryk on Sept 8, 2022 21:30:18 GMT -5
I would expect the tow pylon to tow skiers or tubes without issue. If there is a concern I would expect a warning sticker or note in the manual about towing tubes. Any boat I've owned (not my SF, just haven't had a need to do so yet) that had a tow hook was used for occasional tube towing and I've never had any problem. If the pylon can't handle a tube I sure wouldn't want to be doing slalom turns, I agree on that point with footy3!
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Post by nickbhw on Sept 9, 2022 6:34:31 GMT -5
Thanks. My concern was that the tube can be pulled down under the water which can add a lot of stress and weight. We started using one of those big ball things in the middle of the line to keep the rope out of the water and the tube from submerging. So, I feel more comfortable with that. We only do 2 kids at a time. The adults mostly don't have interest in tubing, so I'm going to try it next time and see what happens.
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Post by wesley8808 on Sept 9, 2022 10:08:29 GMT -5
Thanks. My concern was that the tube can be pulled down under the water which can add a lot of stress and weight. We started using one of those big ball things in the middle of the line to keep the rope out of the water and the tube from submerging. So, I feel more comfortable with that. We only do 2 kids at a time. The adults mostly don't have interest in tubing, so I'm going to try it next time and see what happens. I regularly pull a tube with my 245DC, and have had up to 3 kids (in a three seater tube) at about 100 lbs each on it. Never had an issue, but I throttle up slowly always watching the tube. There are times the front of the tube begins to submarine, but I immediately throttle back and wait for the tube to "rock" the front up and I start again.
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Post by nickbhw on Sept 13, 2022 14:28:43 GMT -5
I regularly pull a tube with my 245DC, and have had up to 3 kids (in a three seater tube) at about 100 lbs each on it. Never had an issue, but I throttle up slowly always watching the tube. There are times the front of the tube begins to submarine, but I immediately throttle back and wait for the tube to "rock" the front up and I start again.
Thanks. It seems like there are a number of people doing this, so I'm going to give it a shot. I keep the speed under 20, so I think I'll be ok.
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