[LIL WAKE]

So I am wanting to add a tow eye to the transom on my mini jet boat.

When I converted it from an outboard to jetboat I removed all the rotten wood from the transom and replaced with 6 layers of glass. I didn't use wood because it wasn't going to be supporting the weight of an outboard anymore.

Now I am wanting to add a tow eye and am wondering how thick the fiberglass should be to support the weight of skiers, wakeboarders, and tubing.

Right now the glass is about 3/8" thick. Should I reinforce or is this enough? If I should reinforce, should I do this just round the tow eye location, or the entire transom?

My other option is to put the tow eye on the swim platform that will be fabricated in the next couple of months, or use the tie down loops that will be welded onto the swim platform. (see rendering below).

Swim Platform rendering. The (6) blue spots are the mounting points.

Thanks!

 

[hihosilver]

mounting a ski eye low dorsn't work good as the rope is in the water mount it high like a wake boat

 

[cubegenie]

Is it possible to use/ modify some type of engine mount ski tow. Not sure if you have an engine cover or how low the motor sits but I'd go for engine mount before transom. Imo

 

[Last Mohican]

Put the tow point on the top of the tower when you build it.

 

[Sleek Freak]

Put the tow point on the top of the tower when you build it.

X2 )THumbsUp

 

[schick]

I dont think that little boat has enough mass for a tow hook on a ski tower. When you floor it with a person in the water it might flip. Is there room for a spotter and a skier in that? (CA law) I ski off the eye on my jet ski with no issues. Be safe, schick

 

[JWT]

Not to go off topic, but dang you did a nice job!

 

[LIL WAKE]

I appreciate all the feedback, but I should have specified...I still will be using the wake tower for pulling skiers and wakeboarders. The tow eye will be used for tubes because I don't want to bend the tower. I think it would be way too much drag for an aluminum tower, especially if the tube submarined. I want to reinforce the transom enough to use a tow eye for the tube only.

That said, my original question is still in need of an answer. How should the transom be reinforced (i.e. how thick of fiberglass, or should a stainless steel or plywood plate be mounted on the inside of the transom to displace the pressure over a larger area, etc)

Thanks guys!!



JWT, Thanks man!

schick, The boat will put just fine with the tower. There are smaller lighter jet skis with custom towers pulling wakeboarders and even when they cut hard outside the ski hardly budges. About seating, the boat seats 3 across on the bench. I also believe MN law allows boats with a factory installed mirror to tow without a spotter. I will just say it's factory installed. It will be hard to believe it's not when this boat is complete

 

[Budweiser]

If there's any way to do it, I'd try to install something right behind the back seat. Maybe a removable pole like a tournament style ski boat.

There's a reason they are mounted in the middle of the boat. If you tow from the rear you lose a lot, if not all steering at low speeds, depending on what you're towing. There are other benefits, but a closer to center mounting point will offer benefits if you can make it happen.

As far as 3/8" thick fiberglass, my gut tells me it would be plenty stout. However, if it were me, I'd probably back it with something more than a fender washer. Maybe glass in a strip of 3/8"-1/2" plywood... Just so I never have to think about it.

Something like this, even shorter (don't need to clear outboards), would be the hot ticket.

Good luck!
-Seth-

 

[Budweiser]

Another good option is to put 2 eyes in, one on each corner of the transom, and use one of these for towing toys 'n such. It should help you be able to steer correctly.

 

[sandeggo]

How thick is the floor and the transom?

 

[LIL WAKE]

Another good option is to put 2 eyes in, one on each corner of the transom, and use one of these for towing toys 'n such. It should help you be able to steer correctly.

That's a cool little thingamajigger! I will definitely check those out! What's it called?

How thick is the floor and the transom?

Most parts of the transom are 3/8" and I would say the floor is probably about 1/4" in most areas. The area around where the pump sticks out of the transom is probably close to 1/2" thick and around the stringers and the seam where I bonded the jet ski hull section to the boat is probably even thicker than 1/2".

 

[sandeggo]

If it was me, I would get a piece of flat bar and weld about a 6" piece of pipe to it. Bolt that piece to the inside of the transom. Drill a hole in the top of the transom and slide this into the pipe bracket.
http://shopping.rexmar.com/Merchant...&Product_Code=457145&Category_Code=skipoles24

Orrrrrr.

Bolt one of these on the back and call it golden
http://shopping.rexmar.com/Merchant...t_Code=456255&Category_Code=skitowstransombil
You could use a piece of aluminum plate to spread the load out, instead of relying on fender washers

 

[Budweiser]

That's a cool little thingamajigger! I will definitely check those out! What's it called?.

I thought it was called a Ski Devil, but that must be the old school name. They're now called a Tow Demon. Airhead Tow Demon.

Looks like they have a new school version, which I think better suites your boat. It's also by Airhead, "self centering tow harness".

You may have to shorten either to have it work properly with your narrow beam.

For the first time EVER, I think I stumped YouTube. Can't find a video for it :|err

 

[LIL WAKE]

Sandeggo, That second option is more of what I'm looking for to tow the tube. I think you are right about putting in an aluminum plate to disperse the load over a large area than just fender washers cold provide. I think the 3/8" glass should be plenty strong even if a tube takes a plunge.

Budweiser, thanks for diggin that info up for me. I think the best option will be to add two loops to my swim platform and use that "Tow Demon". The platform will have 6 mounting points like shown in that rendering I did. on the inside of those mounting points I will just use a aluminum plate about 4"x6" or so to give the transom some extra strength. I'll put some RTV Silicone between the plate and the transom before I tighten the bolts down.

 

[sandeggo]

I'm curious as to why you're fabbing such an extravagant tubing support bracket for your swim step. Is there another purpose for it? Most swim steps have triangulated L brackets. Your transom is plenty thick for it in my opinion.

 

[LIL WAKE]

I'm curious as to why you're fabbing such an extravagant tubing support bracket for your swim step. Is there another purpose for it? Most swim steps have triangulated L brackets. Your transom is plenty thick for it in my opinion.

It's not very extravagant. It's just a bar bent to the shape of platform I want with Triangulated brackets. Then there are two bars that support the ride plate. Not far off from what you are describing.

The other purpose the swim platform would serve, other than climbing in and out of the water, would be to have eyelets for tow straps to strap it to the trailer. Maybe I'll place those eyelets in a spot that where they serve a dual purpose for hooking up a Tow Demon for towing tubes. That way I don't have to drill extra holes in my transom. Just the 6 holes for bolting the swim platform on.

 

[sandeggo]

You are definitely a man with a plan, as evidenced by your renderings. Good luck with the project.