using center cleat for pulling skiers or for tubing?

[simple]

Is it ok to use my center cleat for doing such a thing, or would it be better to use a tow harness/ski bridle as shown here? I've heard using the cleats might put too much stress on them. I thought this type of harness was for people with outboards, and not I/O's. <br /><br />Also, if I use the bridle, should I attach it to the cleats on each side of the boat, or my transom tie-downs?<br /><br /> http://www.overtons.com/modperl/overtons/detail/pdetail2.cgi?r=detail_view&item_num=10420

 

[QC]

Re: using center cleat for pulling skiers or for tubing?

I have used both with an I/O and frankly it simply depends on the quality/strength of the cleat mounting job. Can you see behind the cleat?<br /><br />I have ripped out complete Pylon assemblies, so I am a firm believer that a solid mount is the only way to fly. The answer to your question about cleats or stern eyes is the same . . .

 

[KRS]

Re: using center cleat for pulling skiers or for tubing?

bridle, attached to transom tie-downs, that's what I do.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: using center cleat for pulling skiers or for tubing?

This is what we use to have on the back of our I/O setup. I have snaped a couple of ropes but never pulled these tow eyes out. The trick to any bolted on hardware is to have sufficient backing.<br /><br /> Ski Tow Hook

 

[kywildcat]

Re: using center cleat for pulling skiers or for tubing?

I have a Bayliner Capri also with the center cleat on the back. I've always used it to tow without any problems yet. It appears to be much larger and heavier than the other cleats on the boat, so I just assumed this was the purpose. As well as I can tell, the backing is reenforced with a metal plate. But you can sling people around alot better with the harness!

 

[simple]

Re: using center cleat for pulling skiers or for tubing?

Originally posted by QC:<br />Can you see behind the cleat?

No, I cannot.

 

[simple]

Re: using center cleat for pulling skiers or for tubing?

Originally posted by Reel Poor:<br /> This is what we use to have on the back of our I/O setup. I have snaped a couple of ropes but never pulled these tow eyes out. The trick to any bolted on hardware is to have sufficient backing.<br /><br /> Ski Tow Hook

How is this any different from a regular cleat?

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: using center cleat for pulling skiers or for tubing?

Only in design. It is easy to install and remove the rope. It is also made out of stainless steel rod. "Some" cleats are not made of solid steal, "some" like these are made from casting metals and are not as strong.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: using center cleat for pulling skiers or for tubing?

Isn't that "center cleat" made for skiing and pulling? Works for me and I pull a three person tube with it.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: using center cleat for pulling skiers or for tubing?

Yep

 

[rwidman]

Re: using center cleat for pulling skiers or for tubing?

A "cleat"<br />

<br /> <br />or a "towing eye"? <br />

<br /><br />The towing eye is made for this purpose. It should have a backing plate inside the transom. If your boat came equipped with this eye, use it.<br /><br />Don't use the transom tie down eyes, they are too low. They could easily tangle in your prop.

 

[Terry Olson]

Re: using center cleat for pulling skiers or for tubing?

Years ago I used the transom tie-downs with no problem. I bought a device that connected to both tie-downs with a float in the center that kept it from sinking and getting tangled in the prop. It was really just a piece of rope with clips on the ends and a float in the center where the ski rope connected. Of course that boat didn't have a tow eye and that was just the way it was done before they became available. This worked fine for water skiing, knee boarding, and pulling tubes although we weren't very serious about it. <br /><br />I'm sure they're still available for those who aren't otherwise equipped.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: using center cleat for pulling skiers or for tubing?

I have the towing eye and not the cleat as per rwidman's pics. I interpreted your "center cleat" to be the towing eye...