Ski-Wakeboard Pylon Question

[MelLandry]

I have a 19.5 ft open bow I/O. I'd like to install a Ski Pylon in the boat, but i'd like it to be as unobtrusive as possible. Boats that come with this equipment standard, often have the base of the pylon located at the front of the engine cover, with an extension that you add to the top of that when in use. This is exactly what I'm looking to install in my boat. However, everything I've seen has at least two supports that extend out toward the back of the boat. Has anyone had any luck installing one of these below the engine cover with the supports remaining below the engine cover? My cover extends the entire width of the beam of the rear of the boat, so with a standard add-on pole installed, I wouldn't be able to open the cover to access my engine if I needed to in a hurry.

Any help would be greatly appreciated... more so if it included pictures.

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: Ski-Wakeboard Pylon Question

You will definately need support ... why don't you think about getting a wakeboard tower, they look quite nice and won't be in the way ....

 

[MelLandry]

Re: Ski-Wakeboard Pylon Question

You will definately need support ... why don't you think about getting a wakeboard tower, they look quite nice and won't be in the way ....

I know it'll need support. My question is if any has had any luck locating that support below the engine cover, rather than over it.

I'd like to maintain the original look of the boat when just cruising, that's why I don't want a tower.

 

[hal2814]

Re: Ski-Wakeboard Pylon Question

I built my own 7' pylon that requires no permanent installation and took about 2 hours to complete. The rear support is accomplished by attaching support lines to the lift rings in the rear of the boat and there's a wooden base at the bottom with a 2" hole in it for the pole/jack to go into. Front support is a line around the bow like everyone uses. It's ugly as sin while in use, but I can completely remove all traces of it at any time. Most importantly, it only cost me about $50 of stuff I didn't already have (about $100 if I had to buy all the materials minus a circular saw, drill, and hammer). I can share the design and some pics if you'd like. I've been using it for about a month now with no issues.

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Ski-Wakeboard Pylon Question

Have a look at this link, I have something like it for my outboard but they say this will work for an I/O as well. The 24" is for I/O and the 47" is for outboard, they do show a picture for the outboard one.

Ski Pylon

 

[05GlastronSX]

Re: Ski-Wakeboard Pylon Question

There is my ski pylon that i had installed when i bought the boat new in 2005. The pylon is supported on the top part by screws and a bracket and in the bottom where you can not see, it has mount that is bolted down and is locked in by a pin so i can remove it if necessary. It has no ugly arms coming off of the sides either. the downside is that this was a hefty 600 dollar option to get the "tournament ski pylon" Pulls 3 tubes with no problem.

PS. Ignore the date, my camera was off...this was mid summer last year.

 

[MelLandry]

Re: Ski-Wakeboard Pylon Question

Have a look at this link, I have something like it for my outboard but they say this will work for an I/O as well. The 24" is for I/O and the 47" is for outboard, they do show a picture for the outboard one.

Ski Pylon

Help me visualize this... All that's holding it in place is the bracket at the bottom of the pole and the ring that passes through the transom?

Might almost work, but I can't pass it through my transom because my outdrive is in the way... I might be able to mock something up behind my back bench seat.

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Ski-Wakeboard Pylon Question

Mel...I'm really not sure if you would have to mount this in front of your engine or off to the side, I would shoot them an email and see if they can provide an I/O install pic or some more info.

05 GlastronSX...that's exactly the same pylon I have only I couldn't find a picture on the web for Mel, I have no idea who makes it but as soon as my delaer showed it to me I had to have it, previous boat had the tripod style and it was a PITA!

 

[Regal LE]

Re: Ski-Wakeboard Pylon Question

I'm going thru this same thing right now on my new Regal ....... the I/O pylons you see with no bracing are solid ....... not hollow like the ones with braces .....the base is screwed to the floor or in the bilge in front of motor .where it passs thru the deck. Boat mfg reinforces the deck with about an 11/2" of ply wood then the trim ring bolts thru that ,the extra support at the deck takes some pull off the floor bracket ...... works fine ...... the key here is to not have the pylon any longer than you need it ..... the one in the picure on the Glastron is made by Swivl -eze is 1 -1/4" in diameter and 42 " long ( cut to fit your boat) it comes with floor bracket and trim ring for deck find the spot where it comes thru your deck and bolt in a reinforcing block of hardwood or even a block of alunimun with a 1 1/4 " hole in it ...if you can a U bolt around the pole into something solid is an additional way to secure

Again this not a hollow pylon but solid .....somewhere I have the Swivl -eze pn, Coast Distributers stocks them and sells to boat mfg's not really a consumer item you wont find at Overtonsor here etcetc