Newbie......simple pylon question

Yes. Dont let anyone sit in the back seat when pulling someone.

Chris,
I'd say at least 90% of the boats CC have made through the years are ski boats. The center pylon is the normal position for a ski boat. If you are concerned, then you should be looking at an I/O.

If youre more concerned about everyone having a comfortable seat than you are about the skier's experience, then Im guessing you'll be doing some (very) recreational skiing?

If so, then a v-drive would be your best bet- or like Pete said, possibly an I/O.

Use the rear lift ring if the boat is full

Great idea!

Ive seen more than a few CC's with cracked gel around the lifting ring.

Why not have people sit on the floor on either side of the engine box (facing the skier)?

clattin wrote: What's a v-drive? Pardon the ignorance.....

A v-drive is an inboard boat, but the engine is in the rear of the boat (like an inboard/outboard) but the engine is mounted drive shaft forward. The drive train goes through a "v-drive" gear box that reverses the direction of the drive shaft out the bottom of the boat.

Popular with wakeboarders because of a larger wake and popular with anybody because there is an open cockpit for passesngers (like an I/O) and the ski pull is behind all the passengers. Down side is they are not as good ski boat (due to larger wake) and since they are a relatively new phenomena, they are newer and pricier.

not sure of your priorities. If its a fun filled family day on the water with comfort for all with pulling folks around, an I/O migth be better. If its water sports (skiing/boarding) then you might want to stick with the inboard and get an open bow or v-drive or a boat with both.

All food for thought.....thanks again for the great info!

Decisions decisions!

Dreaming wrote: I don't see why it wouldn't work for skiers too.

Fly-Highs are not supposed to be used for skiing or tubing as the lateral pulls can be excessive and not what they are designed for. Of course if its rookie skiers that arent going to be pulling much laterally, it would probably be fine.

It is a trade off. Skiers prefer small wakes and adding people adds ballast creating a bigger wake. Wakeboarders love this so the more the merrier as far as passengers go.
Either opt for the less comfortable floor seating or leave a couple people on shore during the skiing and put them back in the comfy seats for crusing if you want a mid engine boat. Otherwise go for the V drive which will have a less desireable wake but ability to have company on board while skiing. Alot will depend ond your skiing, whether strictly recreational or more aggresive.

I've been using my high pole, a Flightpipe, for a few weeks now. I've pulled some kids and adults on 2 skis attaching not at the top, but the adjustable 2nd tow point maybe a 12-14" down from the top, people could still sit in the back with plenty of rope clearance. Based on what I see and feel for side loads, I would not pull anything but a learning slalom skier on it.

Could the rope be attached to the pylon, but routed thru the lift ring? I wouldn't think the resultant side load would be detrimental.

Chris - get the Southwind, not a VDrive or I/O.

Direct drive inboards are a pc of cake to maintain.

The others are harder to access the mechanicals.

Warning - if the SW is all original, it will be due for new stringers - a $1500+ endeavor.