How do I add a ski tow hook to a 1983 Sea Ray Seville

[Elrod74]

I just picked up a 1983 Sea Ray Seville 18.5' and will be taking the freshly rebuilt 140 out of the 1984 Four Winns Marquise 160 after I decided it was going to be a little small. The Seville had a 120 with engine issues and I'd like the additional power of the 140. This is going to be a family boat for my 3 kids and I to enjoy and I would like to be able to pull a skier or tuber (possibly 2). My question is where (and how) can I safely put a ski tow hook (or two) on the transom where it will be structurally sound when towing someone? I was surprised it did not already have one. Is there a wood frame near the ridge or do I need to add an aluminum plate or something on the inside of the transom to act as a large washer? Photo of the rear is attached. The Seville is on the right.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: How do I add a ski tow hook to a 1983 Sea Ray Seville

Welcome to iBoats!
Need pics of the inside of the transom.

 

[Elrod74]

Re: How do I add a ski tow hook to a 1983 Sea Ray Seville

I did not have the boat (was at my mechanic's). I compared with a Four Winns I have and it looks like they simply drill through the fiberglass and install an approximately 4" x 16" backer made of 3/4" ply to act as a large washer and distribute the stress. I may add a pic later....
Thanks.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: How do I add a ski tow hook to a 1983 Sea Ray Seville

As long as the transom is sound, that's 1 way to go. 1/4" aluminum would work too. If you use wood, even though it may be high on the transom, and probably not subjected to much, if any water, from the inside of the hull, you should consider using poly & glass or epoxy to seal the wood.

When you drill thru the transom, be extremely careful to not hit anything else that might be on the interior side of the transom. After you drill the holes, do your best to assess the condition of the inner plywood inside the fiberglass. Any amount of water running back out of that hole is not a good sign. If you have any questions or concerns about the condition of the transom, ask as many as you can think of, and post some pix as WOG suggests....

You will want to seal the wood inside those freshly drilled holes. The same for the plywood backer, seal the inside surfaces after you drill the holes.

When you drill, make sure you're drilling 90 degrees (perpendicular) to the transom's surface, not parallel to the ground.

Use an appropriate sealant to ensure that the thru bolts are water tight as you install them. 3M 4200 & 5200 are both often used for sealing around the bolt. It is extremely sticky, will probably make a mess and get all over your hands. Mineral spirits will clean it off the bolt & the ski eyes. Silicone will not hold up long term, and may hamper further efforts if it fails.

I'd suggest that you try to find a ski eye that is a loop, w/ 2 bolts, not an eye that only uses 1:

Not:

The 2 bolt style will better distribute the weight. And if you can find 1 that also has a little backing on the exterior (all of these examples do) and includes an interior backer plate (like the 1st example does) even better. But I'd still back that small backer plate w/ something more substantial, like a 1/4" plate or 1/2-3/4" sealed plywood like your donor boat. If you are satisfied w/ the hooks on the donor boat, and they still look good, you could use them since you're taking it's motor anyway.


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