Wakeboard pulling with AVON S3.40 Help?

[Sea Rider]

Re: Wakeboard pulling with AVON S3.40 Help?

If correctly adjusted, it's a nice reliable engine with punch. Being 30A4 the last update of the 30's, check spare parts for availability before buying if you haven't done so.

Happy Boating

 

[kiteguy23]

Re: Wakeboard pulling with AVON S3.40 Help?

thanks for the reply

 

[kiteguy23]

Re: Wakeboard pulling with AVON S3.40 Help?

what do you guys recommend to help planning? Hydrofoil fins on the motor, what else?

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Wakeboard pulling with AVON S3.40 Help?

For less and near instant work, could place a Jr Stingray Hidrofoil to help, nice but are garbage collectors too if boating on polluted waters.

Happy Boating

 

[nobrainsd]

Re: Wakeboard pulling with AVON S3.40 Help?

Hydrofoil attachments help keep the bow down during the hole shot, if you have the outboard trimmed in (forcing the bow down). If you don't have electric trim you won't be able to adjust the trim out when on up a plane. The hydrofoil at that point will create a lot of drag because of the angle and lower your top speed.

Gas cylinder auto adjusting trim tabs (smart tabs) will aid in keeping the bow down and then move up as your speed increases. That is what I run, even though I have electric trim on my outboard. I think they are more efficient and they don't catch a lot of kelp. I ran lifters for a while, but had some issues with them breaking off. That may have been specific to my use, but I don't ride with them anymore. The lifters removed easily and still might be an option for those who roll up their boats.

 

[kiteguy23]

Re: Wakeboard pulling with AVON S3.40 Help?

hey nobrandsd what can you hook to your transom to pull a wakeboard?

 

[nobrainsd]

Re: Wakeboard pulling with AVON S3.40 Help?

The easiest way is to install eye bolts on both sides of the transom.The eybolts should be forged and rated stainless steel. Do not use bent eye bolts from your local hardware store.

A tow harness bridle attaches to the eyebolts. It has a float to keep the harness out of the prop. Your tow line attaches to the bridle (necessary because your outboard is in the way).

Here are links to two examples.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...toreNum=10102&subdeptNum=10161&classNum=10169

http://www.wholesalemarine.com/pc/K...w+Harness/Airhead+Heavy+Duty+Tow+Harness.html

I ran like this for a while and then added a short ski pole to my aluminum floor inflatable. The higher tow point helps you get up and gives a more even pull, but the bridle system works just fine.

 

[kiteguy23]

Re: Wakeboard pulling with AVON S3.40 Help?

Thanks for the reply sir! There there a bracket that can go over transom so we wouldn't have to screw into it?

 

[nobrainsd]

Re: Wakeboard pulling with AVON S3.40 Help?

Well, I suppose anything is possible, but I would never consider using a clamp or bracket. The last thing in the world you want to have happen is for your mounting bracket or clamp to come free and travel back at your rider. Whatever you fasten to should be permanently and securely fixed.

Wrapped my foil in the tow line yesterday after losing control on a gainer. Instantly stopped rotation, got jerked big time and the boat started to tow me when I splatted (how long can you hold your breath?). Fortunately the line had a weak spot at a knot and parted. I own a Comptech release, but was riding behind a different boat. I recommend Samson bullet releases at the least (cheaper and uses a shear pin design). They are small and just install on your tow line. It is not required to run with a release (particularly if you are just cruising), but the incident highlights how much force you might apply to a transom mount. No one intends to wrap or stick their arm through the handle. I big time tested the tower mounts on the boat I was riding behind! Fortunately the tower was well secured. Don't underestimate the need for a proper eyebolt or u bolt installation and never use unrated hardware.

I assume that your comment regarding "screwing into" the transom is just an imprecise description. You do not want to screw into the transom. You absolutely want to drill a hole all the way through and bolt your assembly together (use some Marine caulk and seal it while your at it).

 

[kiteguy23]

Re: Wakeboard pulling with AVON S3.40 Help?

Anyone have any pics on this? or their RIB pull mount systems? What is the release also?

 

[nobrainsd]

Re: Wakeboard pulling with AVON S3.40 Help?

Okay. I have to admit that your request for pics and your clamp concept lead me to wonder whether you should be making modifications to your boat on your own. If you aren't comfortable with drilling through your transom, the eyebolt bridle concept is not apparent or you aren't aware of the risks in any towed sport, then maybe you should enlist the assistance of someone with a little more experience. I'm not making fun of you here. Sometimes it is good to get a little hands on guidance. Just a suggestion.

However, I will post two pictures showing the eyebolts with the bridle attached. I still use this set up when pulling tubes. You can see how the bridle clears the outboard.

A release is not required and is not used by many recreational users. However, a release of one kind or another adds a level of safety to towed watersports. They are designed to separate the tow line from the boat if there is excessive strain. Some come with a manual release option. That helps when doing tricks that might result in a wrap (like 360's). Your spotter can release the line before the tension spikes. Here is a link to the Samson Bullet release. The stress pins are a consumable item, but the bullet is relatively inexpensive and installs seamlessly on your tow line. This release will work with a bridle set up since it attaches in the tow line itself.
http://www.samsonsports.com/bullet_release.html
Here is a link to the Comptech release. It is adjustable and has a manual release function. Very expensive, but reliable. This is what I run with since I use a short pole and I do tricks.
http://www.skyski.com/node/98
Here is a link to a Cinch Strap release that uses velcro. It has a limited lifespan, there is some fluctuation of the release point if it gets wet and it is a trial and error deal to find your set point (no strain level markings or measurements on the release). Widely used, but also does not work with a bridle.
http://cinchmax.com/id3.html

For just cruising behind your inflatable these are not often used, but I personally like to have some form of release when I'm being towed. My point about the danger of wrapping or hooking the handle was more to highlight the strain that can be applied and the need to permanently install your tow points. Be safe out there!

 

[kiteguy23]

Re: Wakeboard pulling with AVON S3.40 Help?

Very excellent explanation sir! You are very helpful. Will look into the below and let you know what happens. Our 25 hp 2009 yamaha is getting here in a few days. We bought it new -15", 2 stroke.

 

[nobrainsd]

Re: Wakeboard pulling with AVON S3.40 Help?

I'm am sure you will have lots of fun with your inflatable. Deciding to wakeboard and foil behind mine was an after thought. I purchased an inflatable for it's lightweight so I could tow it over 4 wheel drive dirt roads in mexico. It has been fishing, surfing, poaching concerts on the bay, wake boarding, foiling, chasing America's cup yachts, sightseeing on the bay, observing the navy seals training on the bay and taking photos of tall ships. I am sure you will find unexpected pleasures to be enjoyed! Please be sure to post a few pics when you get your boat on the water.

 

[kiteguy23]

Re: Wakeboard pulling with AVON S3.40 Help?

by the way where did you get a towing post?

 

[nobrainsd]

Re: Wakeboard pulling with AVON S3.40 Help?

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...001&storeId=11151&partNumber=361420&langId=-1

With the proper rake the stress is distributed. I have my ski pylon pinned at 36". The higher you go the more leverage exerted. My tow rope just clears the outboard cowling.