Replying to Topic 'Skiing behind tower'
I've pulled people on a wakeboard for the first time that didn't know how to get up and they've really plowed water behind the boat with no problems to the tower. I don't know that I'd have a problem pulling a skier behind it. If I were to do it though, I would make it clear to them not to swing wide and cut really hard like you see the tournament skiers do. I think that the lateral force on the tower from a hard cut would worry me. As for a 5 year old that is learning I don't think you'll have any problems. Bottom line is that it's your boat. If you're not comfortable with it, just lay down the rules. They may not be happy with it, but they're not the ones that shelled out the money on the boat.
Replying to Topic 'Skiing behind tower'
I would not recommend pulling ANY adult skier off the tower, if they want to tell them to get their own boat.
Pulling a kid is a different story, I think it would be fine off the tower.
Replying to Topic 'Skiing behind tower'
Ive done it.. No big deal. there is less resistance from the skier. Or at most you would compare it to edging hard toward the wake on a wakeboard.
Replying to Topic 'Skiing behind tower'
I was thinking the same thing. I've done it. Are there any manufactures' recommendations not to?
Replying to Topic 'Skiing behind tower'
If you read your manual, it states "do not tow skiers, barefooters" and by doing so it can void your warranty.
Replying to Topic 'Skiing behind tower'
I wonder if its the kind of thing where they didnt test the towers with skiers so there is no data as to if it is good or not, so to be on the safe side they just say dont do it... Either way if it can void your warranty then I wont be doing it again!!
Thanks qb!!
Replying to Topic 'Skiing behind tower'
Quote:
No big deal. there is less resistance from the skier.
HOW ?
Wakeboard = 139cm x 30cm = 4170 cm^2
Ski = 170cm x 10cm = 1700 cm^2
That is 2.5 times the surface area! It is not just the problems of the torque arm while cutting hard that can tilt the boat or put strain on one side, but both the pull against the boat getting from bouy to bouy which is MUCH harder than any wakeboarder can pull, and the real problem is getting the mass out of the water with MUCH less surface area. It is that strain I woud worry about most. MAYBE if they got up on two, then dropped, - but the reason they want to use it is to aid in getting up on one.
I have no tower, but would never let someone test my gel coat because they suck at deep water starts!
-Joe
Replying to Topic 'Skiing behind tower'
I would be willing to guarantee I apply more force to the attachment point of the rope using my 68in ski at 220lb at 32 off / 34mph than any wakeboarder does.
My manual says don't do it - so I don't.
I don't see any benefit to it. I would think it would tend to stand you up to early.
If you are thinking that it might help keep rope from draging while teaching new skiers, you would be better off to start them at 15 off and use the pylon.
My 2 cts
Dave
Replying to Topic 'Skiing behind tower'
I am looking for pics of a person I know who towed a skier from a tower. it was not a good thing. A few things it was a factory installed tower and the boat was several hours out of break in service. The skier was about 200 lbs. Oh and the boat Co. did not warranty it. I would never do it. I will post the pics if I can find them.