23 replies to this topic

[jpeezy]

What is the best way to pull multiple tubes? Where do you attach tow ropes to the boat? I've seen other people pulling as many as 5 tubes at a time. I just want to pull a couple. Is there special equipment? Any help is appreciated.

jpeezy

[thumper]

i would use a bridle per tube from your stern eyes - two tubes on ski pylon may bend it.

[jpeezy]

i would use a bridle per tube from your stern eyes - two tubes on ski pylon may bend it.

Sorry for being so green. What is a bridle?


jpeezy

[thumper]

its a y shaped rope that attches to both stern eyes and then to your tow rope

ill try and find a link

[thumper]

here ya go

http://www.wellingto...ts/towropes.htm

[thumper]

youll have to checkk that your stern eyes are above the waterline when under way before you use them tho

[jpeezy]

here ya go

http://www.wellingto...ts/towropes.htm

Thanks a bunch! Can you attach tow ropes to the side cleats?

jpeezy

[tda3]

here ya go

http://www.wellingto...ts/towropes.htm

Thanks a bunch! Can you attach tow ropes to the side cleats?

jpeezy

If you're only gonna tow two tubes, that's what I'd suggest. Just use the cleats as they're thru-bolted and have backing plates (at least mine do).

As for the load on the ski pylon, unless you're towing a big load, I seriously doubt two single tubes would bend the pole.

Actually, you may want to try both methods - towing from the cleats and towing from the pole. Both methods should produce a different ride experience since it'll affect the tube to tube spacing.

Have fun!!!

Tom

[thumper]

i would not advise towing from cleats - the manual says not to do it - backing plates are there to hold the cleats thru the hull.

[tda3]

i would not advise towing from cleats - the manual says not to do it - backing plates are there to hold the cleats thru the hull.

The manual also says not to make radical turns or maneuvers that would submerge the bow and a bunch of other stuff that we doo with these boats.

Your turn.

Tom

[tda3]

Seriously though.....I have little doubt in my mind that BRP says not to tow from the cleats in order to prevent some exposure to liability. However, from an engineering perspective:

1. The bolts that mount the cleats are 3/8" stainless and have a conservative tensile strength of 5000 psi and a shear strength of 600 lbs each. So we're looking at two fasteners with a combined capacity of 10,000 psi before they yeild (break). A single tube with a 250 lb rider presents a load no where near this figure.

2. With a backing plate or even a simple 1.0" dia washer the load distribution is such that a 250 lb rider load will not pull the cleat from the hull.

3. My manual doesn't say one way or the other about lifting my boat with either the bow eye or the transom eyes, but I've done it numerous times with no problems. In fact, the fasteners and fastening method for the eyes are the same as for the cleats.

I'm not trying to be a jerk here. Just trying to present sound logical engineering rationale for my position so one doesn't think I'm just shooting from the hip (which I've been known to do too ).

Oh....and yes YMMV.

Tom

[thumper]

mmmm beer - its friday - doo what you want just dont come running to me if it chops your legs off

[thumper]

the manual states - never use cleats to pull anything

use the stern eyes and bridle

the stern eyes are on the lower poart of the hull - which is designed to support the boat in and out oif weater - the cleats are aatched to the upper part of the hull - which is probbaly no where near as stron as the lower part and - they may have to same fixings and backing but becasuse of there position the load that you put on them from towing is not perpedicular to the fixings and they wont offer the same strength.

thats my five penneth worth anyway

[thumper]

your go

[tda3]

your go

You'll make a mighty fine wife there thumper.

I mean, what with having to have the last word and all that.



Tom

[thumper]

last word

[thumper]

moi

[BigDrap]

So let me get this straight. Where the hell do I tow a tube from?????? I have a 2 rider tube and want to know where to tie it to. What the hell are the stern eyes????

[tda3]

So let me get this straight. Where the hell do I tow a tube from?????? I have a 2 rider tube and want to know where to tie it to. What the hell are the stern eyes????

To answer your first question.....I woud tow from the back of the boat. If you try to doo it from the front, you are actually pushing the tube, not towing it.

As for your second question concerning "stern eyes".....that would be what my wife gives me whenever I give a smartass answer like this to her.



Seriously though, if you're just towing one tube, use the ski pylon/pole thingy that pulls up from between the rear seats.

The stern eyes are those stainless loop looking thing-a-ma-bobs that you use to tie the rear of the boat to the trailer.

Tom

[thumper]

from the front - like it - v funny