Were to attach bridle for skiing and parasailing?

[tmh]

OK, may be a stupid question but I need to know....I have a new 9to me) 19' Bow Rider I/O and I'm wondering how strong a couple of fittings are for pulling skiiers or my parasail. Just a a frame of reference, a parasail requires about the same pull force as pulling a 200lb novice skiier so it's not too bad.

My boat has the U-Bolts on the back (transom) which I think are VERY strong so I could use them. However, for parasailing especially, it really helps to get the tow rope up as high as possible. I'm wondering if I can use the rear/side tie-off fittings to tow? Are they strong enough or just not designed for that kind of use?

btw, we started parasailing (family/friends) a month ago and it is great! no where near as dangerous feeling as I expected, IF one follows ALL safety precautions, especially concerning the weather conditions. About $1500 to get set up with all top-notch equipment and tandem-rider harnesses.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Were to attach bridle for skiing and parasailing?

No!

They are made for docking your boat. Some don't even have backing material and thru bolts; just screwed into the fiberglas.

Use the rear eyes, or get a tow eye like Correct Craft, Ski Nautique, or other ski boats that can be thru bolted to the stern of your boat above the transom. May require some additional reinforcing material (plywood) for the necessary strength/surface area.

But I'd look first to insure that you have enough material for attachment. Sometimes the cover behind the rear seat and transom is for decoration only and can hardly support the body of a human sitting on it.

Other thing, ski boats mentioned are full inboard so there is ample weight forward of the tow eye to keep the boat stable in the water. If you mount it on the deck between the motor cover and transom it might affect the boat's handling.

Transom eyes are the preferred spot for towing anything. That's what they are made for.......that and tieing your boat to a trailer; for trailerable boats.

HTH, my 2c,

Mark

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Were to attach bridle for skiing and parasailing?

agree with Mark, look at how the other boats that parasail, are set up..imho, you need a mid boat towing set up. towing a parasail from the stearn, with a good gust of wind, could possibly send you on a different course, you can't change easily (lifting the stern, enough you loose steering)

 

[tmh]

Re: Were to attach bridle for skiing and parasailing?

OK, thanks. I'll use those U-bolts on the back then.

It doesn't pull hard enough to "control" the stern, but I'd rather have a mid-boat set up also. It's just not realistic to have one right now.

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: Were to attach bridle for skiing and parasailing?

The U-bolts would be strong enough, but use the swivel rope on them so you have even resistance ....... I reinforced my skipole for parasailing as it wasn't strong enough, load lots of people in the back, as a gust of wind can pull your boats ass out the water .... lol ... have fun