Pulling a Tube - New Boat w/ Kicker

[Watercross]

I have a 2003 Lund Tyee 1950 Limited with a 225 yam four stroke and a T8 kicker. This weekend was the first time I used it to ski and tube with the kids. Skiing worked well as I have a swivel-ease ski pylon, however tubing presented more of a challenge due to the tow harness not clearing the kicker motor adequately. I am looking for any and all suggestions on how to make this work without risking damage to either motor.

Thanks in advance for assistance!!!!

[perchjerker]

I had a similar problem. I used a ski bridle from a pontoon boat, its longer than a regular one, and it clears the kicker since the angle formed in the bridle isnt as sharp.

[Keith S]

I am also looking for an answer to this problem. I have created a extra long bridle (using two normal bridles) and I still have a problem with it hooking on my tilted kicker motor.

Please tell me someone has solved this issue????????

[Huntindave]

Question for you: Since the ski pylon works without problems, can you tow the tube using the ski pylon? If not, why not? I'm not trying to be a smart a**, I really want to know the answer.
Take care, Huntindave

[Watercross]

I thought the same thing in the beginning (use the pylon) however, there is a warning on the plyon not to use it to pull any inflatables, including tubes or you may risk physical injury or damage to the boat. Think the stress and torque from the tube maybe too much for the pylon.

[Dman]

I find it hard to believe the pylon could not handle a tube. Heed the warning for warranty reasons but a slalom skier is going to put more torque on the plyon than a tube.
Just my opinion.
Dman

[SR]

Last weekend I tried pulling a tube with a ski harness setup, it didn't clear my kicker either (1850 tyee). Last night I installed a swiveleze adjustable ski pylon on the boat, I'll see how this works this weekend.

I think the ski pylon is plenty strong to pull a tuber, the warning is on it because if your not careful, you could spin the tube in front of the boat, since the rope can actually spin 360 degrees on the pylon.

Steve

[Tiny_Guy_SD]

I have a 1850 with a kicker, I installed a ski pylon and it works great for tubing....Only way I would go

[jigtugger]

Ditto on the pylon to pull tubes. Works great for me on my skeeter. The warning is in my interpretation just a CYA statement for the manufacturer.

[icatcher1700]

SR;

I want to install a ski pylon in my 1700 Fisherman.

Would you be able to provide details and e-mail me or post any pictures of your installation?

It would really be appreciated.

Thanks

[SR]

No problem, give me your email and tonight I will snap a few pics and send them to you, it's fairly straight forward, for me it was a pain trying to get the nuts on the support bracket clevis' in the rear of the boat, my 1850 doesn't have any access holes back there, two person job for sure.

Steve

[icatcher1700]

Thankyou SR;

My e-mail address is brucen@lynum.com

Thanks for your help.

[Chemical guy]

SR, Will you send me a copy of those pics also. I also have a 1700 Fisherman and would like to install something for tubing. I would greatly apperciate it. My e-mail address is jleach1@wi.rr.com

Thanks

[LundNut]

Same here if ya don't mind...I have 2000 Fisherman but should be similiar. lundnut@yahoo.com

Thanks,
LundNut

[Chester]

I've used one for years on my 196 Crestliner and it works great for skiing or tubing. The nice thing about tubing is that the rope is high in the water and won't get cought in the boat's wake. It also helps to keep the front of the tube up on take off because you are pulling it an and angle.

Chester

[REW]

Go ahead and use the pylon to pull the tube. Just use your head.
The thing about tubes, is that if you make a sharp cut, jump a boat wake, and have the tube all crash at the same time - there is one heck of a pull on the rope and ropes attachement. This could allow the pylon to be pulled loose if not adequately braced, or could jerk the boat badly - if the driver is not ready for it.

If you have gunnel braces running to your pylon, you should have no problem. If you have a free standing pylon, with no braces, I would either add braces, or not use it for tubing.

When I had my custom made pylon made for my boat, the folks at Swiveleze asked that I measure the height of the motor from the pylon mounting area and then add 9 inches. This means that the ski / tubing rope will be 9 inches above the top of the motor to allow plenty of clearance under all conditions.

Take care
REW

[Das Boot 3]

I would be careful about using a ski pylon to tow a tube. I have a small tube (single person) that would be OK but anything larger could be dangerous/damaging. My second tube is a two seater sit in type. When that thing noses into a wake and takes water it is like a HUGE sea anchor that would just about stop my Superhawk 1600 with a Yam 80 :o. I had a 2K tow rope that I had to throw out after one year due to broken strands and get a 4K "tube" rope. With tubes, smaller can be better.
DB3

[icatcher1700]

Thanx SR.

The info was great and exactly what I was looking for.

If ever in my area, look us up.

Thanx again.