Grab handle / tow ring project begins...

[IDBoating]

As discussed previously, I want a tow ring on my 2009 24Ve. My initial thought was to have a grab handle made that has an integrated tow ring because there isn't much open space on the centerline of the transom:

I knew the battery isolator was mounted right behind the grab handle, but figured I could move the isolator and then strain relieve the tow ring using the Starboard which is already there. Unfortunately, this is what I found:

The top of the Starboard is in line with the grab handle. An integrated tow ring's mounting holes will thus fall right on the edge of the Starboard. If that isolator had been mounted just a little higher, or just a little lower... but oh well.

Presuming I move the isolator down and out of the way, I see two options. Epoxy another piece of Starboard immediately above the existing one and proceed with the integrated handle idea, or use a separate tow ring mounted below the handle, sort of centered on the existing Starboard. This latter idea may have problems with the transom's Tige logo so it might have to go.

I'll update as things progress. Thanks!

[JreisRZR]

this is interesting ive been wondering myself, if you have to tow someone where do you tow the other boat from, the pylon?

[skippabcool]

this is interesting ive been wondering myself, if you have to tow someone where do you tow the other boat from, the pylon?

Look at these threads, that topic has been beaten to death. Some pull from the transom hooks on the sides, some from the pylon, some have a middle transom hook, and some choose the tower. Bottom line is it seems to be personal preference.

http://www.tigeowners.com//forum/sho...=pulling+pylon

http://www.tigeowners.com//forum/sho...=pulling+pylon

[Timmy!]

Interesting that the isolator is on the transom. The boats I have seen have it mounted in front of the engine basically on the back of the seat in the engine compartment.

[skippabcool]

Interesting that the isolator is on the transom. The boats I have seen have it mounted in front of the engine basically on the back of the seat in the engine compartment.

x2.

Iwndr WAboating if you could relocate yours to the front of the engine?

If you need, I can take a picture of where mine is located.

[IDBoating]

WAboating if you could relocate yours to the front of the engine?

Good idea, except that would seriously lengthen all of the battery cables. My batteries are behind the port rear locker. The isolator is on the transom. The starter and alternator are toward the rear of the engine too. Moving the isolator forward would lengthen everything.

I picked up some Starboard today to experiment with installing a new mounting plate for the isolator, just above or below its current position. Then if I want to proceed with a handle+ring I can put another piece of Starboard on top of the existing one, sort of "extending" it upwards. A good aluminum backing plate and it should be fine.

The other option is to use a bow eye mounted horizontally below the handle. That would be incredibly strong but would require using a carabiner or something similar to connect tow ropes. It has the advantage of having very little vertical size, and might sit between the handle and the Tige logo.

[carcrz]

Isn't there a handle that is about the same size as what we already have w/ the tow hook on it? I could have sworn it was an option. I've been trying to figure out how we're going to hook the tube up when the water's rough.

[kko]

Just get the V harness that hooks to the D-rings. Why go through all the trouble and cost for something that can be done for under$20 and takes about 10 seconds to put on and another 10 to remove when your done.Its pulling a tube so the "KISS" theory definitely applies here.IMPO

[ajholt7]

Just get the V harness that hooks to the D-rings. Why go through all the trouble and cost for something that can be done for under$20 and takes about 10 seconds to put on and another 10 to remove when your done.Its pulling a tube so the "KISS" theory definitely applies here.IMPO

Totally Agree!

[IDBoating]

Just get the V harness that hooks to the D-rings. Why go through all the trouble and cost for something that can be done for under$20 and takes about 10 seconds to put on and another 10 to remove when your done.Its pulling a tube so the "KISS" theory definitely applies here.IMPO

I've explained this before.... Those "Y" systems dramatically increase the stress placed on the D-rings. Worse, that stress is sideways to the transom. This "Y" setup is a common mistake in rock climbing that kills people every year because of the stress multiplication effect. One nickname for using two anchors like this is the "death triangle".

Even BoatSafe.com has a comment about it:

If you don't think you can multiply a force in this way, I invite you to tie a line tightly between two fittings, then pull hard on the middle of it. Wait! On second thought, don't do that! You'll get mad at me when you jerk a fitting out of the deck.

Those "Y" adapters are required for outboards because the engine gets in the way. Otherwise they are a bad idea. In my humble opinion, of course.

[ajholt7]

I've explained this before.... Those "Y" systems dramatically increase the stress placed on the D-rings. Worse, that stress is sideways to the transom. This "Y" setup is a common mistake in rock climbing that kills people every year because of the stress multiplication effect. One nickname for using two anchors like this is the "death triangle".

Even BoatSafe.com has a comment about it:



Those "Y" adapters are required for outboards because the engine gets in the way. Otherwise they are a bad idea. In my humble opinion, of course.

While this may be true, I very seriously doubt you will ever damage your boat using the y system. It's your time and money, waste it if you want. Just don't try and convince other people that y system will cause damage until you can prove it.

[majestic]

We only tow a tube a couple of times a year and towing that low has the tow rope dragging through the wake. I actually tow from the tower it leaves for a more exciting time for the adults. The kids get towed from the pylon. Seems like a waste to me also but it's your boat.

[IDBoating]

While this may be true, I very seriously doubt you will ever damage your boat using the y system. It's your time and money, waste it if you want. Just don't try and convince other people that y system will cause damage until you can prove it.

I'm just going with the math. Also, if there were no purpose for the tow rings why would they be offered by Tige and other manufacturers as options or, in many cases, standard equipment? All trailered boats have transom hooks, yet tow rings are very popular....

Not trying to "convince" anyone, just explaining my reasons.

Thanks!

[tnvolgrad]

You can tow like 400lbs on the ski pylon - unless you are running a circus and towing 13 people on a tube why not simply tow with the pylon? 400lbs is the recommended max, but we all know that has a 20% b.s. factor on it. So unless you are hauling 500lbs; sounds like a ton of squeeze but no juice.

[skippabcool]

Good idea, except that would seriously lengthen all of the battery cables. My batteries are behind the port rear locker. The isolator is on the transom. The starter and alternator are toward the rear of the engine too. Moving the isolator forward would lengthen everything.

I picked up some Starboard today to experiment with installing a new mounting plate for the isolator, just above or below its current position. Then if I want to proceed with a handle+ring I can put another piece of Starboard on top of the existing one, sort of "extending" it upwards. A good aluminum backing plate and it should be fine.

The other option is to use a bow eye mounted horizontally below the handle. That would be incredibly strong but would require using a carabiner or something similar to connect tow ropes. It has the advantage of having very little vertical size, and might sit between the handle and the Tige logo.

If it lengthens them it might still be your best bet. As Timmy mentioned most boats have them on the front side and the batteries and starter are probably in the same location as yours, mine is. You could probably just get the correct size cables from your dealer. Add the new cables move the isolator drill your new holes and be done.

What is the weight limit for your carabiner? If it doesn't hold it could be a projectile or if it is too strong it might rip your bow hook idea.

I am not try to be mean just asking some questions. Are you planning to pull more than your young son on the tube? What speeds do you plan to pull at? What kind of tube or tubes do you plan to pull? How many tubes do you plan to pull at a time? You have mentioned in other threads that you are if memory serves both water skiers and wakeboards, wakeboards I know for sure. And you want to get into wake surfing. How much time do you plan on tubing? You are working on your ballast install, I assume for surfing and wakeboarding? You may find that you spend very little time tubing so this might all be for not. I know this is my opinion, and the dealers, my boat did not come with a tow hook where do they expect me to tow from or do they want me to reengineer their boat. I plan to tow from pylon. Here is the tube that I bought to use and it will be loaded:



On positive side good luck with your ballast install and what ever you decide on to pull a tube so that you and your family can get out on the water and enjoy it this summer making memories