How to pull a waterskier or tube behind a 97 2655 - no hook and too thin to install.-gctid392375

[Guest]

Hi:

Now that I have a new crate engine in her...Next question is almost stupid..

No ski hook installed from the factory...So bought a hook to install on the large flat area above the swim platform...Took a look here and found it was just a very thin fiberglass panel...Not suitable to install a ski hook on unless I get in there and put some wood and fiberglass in there to properly transfer the load from the new ski hook...

So has anyone put a ski hook on these cruisers ? If so, how did you build up the area?

1) Wood only

2) Wood and fiberglass

3) Large metal bracket

Or do you just use the two trailer tie down u-hooks on the transom to hook up a rope with a pulley and a float to keep the rope out of the prop....If so, how do you find it, is the rope too low for skiing or tubing. My previous boats all had ski hooks mounted fairly high on the back of the boat....

[LPurcell]

I had the same issue with my 2452. I solved it by using epoxy to glue a 1/2" plywood piece in the engine compartment across the entire transom below the rub rail, then used epoxy and 1/4" plywood to tie it to wood already in the transom. Note I had to cut a hole in the plywood for the fuel vent; otherwise it would be too thick. The whole thing was then covered with epoxy and glass cloth tabbed to the hull. Finally, I used a 1/4" stainless steel backing plate for the tow ring. Works just fine for tubing, skiing or wakeboards; haven't had a problem after many years of use.

Attached files [img]/media/kunena/attachments/vb/695996=28871-TowRing-web labeled.jpg[/img] [img]/media/kunena/attachments/vb/695996=28872-TowRing2-web.jpg[/img]

[Patrevan]

LPurcell wrote:
I had the same issue with my 2452. I solved it by using epoxy to glue a 1/2" plywood piece in the engine compartment across the entire transom below the rub rail, then used epoxy and 1/4" plywood to tie it to wood already in the transom. Note I had to cut a hole in the plywood for the fuel vent; otherwise it would be too thick. The whole thing was then covered with epoxy and glass cloth tabbed to the hull. Finally, I used a 1/4" stainless steel backing plate for the tow ring. Works just fine for tubing, skiing or wakeboards; haven't had a problem after many years of use.

Great job Larry. Top drawer.

[itsabowtime2]

Use a backing plate.

[Guest]

If you want an alternative, you could use a tow harness instead.

http://www.airhead.com/airhead/ahth1.php

We don't have a clip on the back of our 265. We use the harness and attach it to the side cleats.

[Cifyacan]

Does the harness rub on the boat fiberglass

[Guest]

Hi All:

Tried the "Floater" attached to the trailer Tie-downs....works but drags in the wake...Boat makes a high spot in the water between the TubeSkier and the rope gets stuck here...

So I need to put the ski hook on the thin appearance back cover, that my back seat folds down into....(this will let me add a ski hook up high enough.....)

Current Plan - Large Piece of Plywood installed as a backing plate, glued with 3M liberal amounts of 3M 5200 - slathered on both the inside of the boat and the face of the Plywood backing plate, then left for 5 days to cure....

Any comments on how big the backing plate should be.....put in a 2 foot wide backing plate, from the bottom to the top? 3/4" or 1" thick....?

Any experiences.....All help appreciated....

[Guest]

i have the same boat , get the 12' tow harness by airhead . Clips on to both stern cleats and works great . No issues.

[Cifyacan]

What about rub on the fiberglass