1978 Southwind ski pylon
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: General Correct Craft Discussion
Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Discription: Anything Correct Craft
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=48572
Printed Date: March-06-2025 at 4:23am
Topic: 1978 Southwind ski pylon
Posted By: CTYSouthwind20
Subject: 1978 Southwind ski pylon
Date Posted: April-21-2020 at 2:42am
My 1978 Southwind restoration is going well, I've finally crossed the point of "no return' and recognized the project is going to be completed. My concerns have shifted from "is this worth doing" to worrying about things eternal, like the color of the new upholstery, and replacing that ski pylon that didn't come with the boat 22 years ago when I bought her.
I removed the sole and all the foam (and rotten original construction), and I've rebuilt a new set of frames and ribs for the entire boat, including a main frame for a ski pylon. My problem is, I don't have the dimensions of the original, proper pylon. I will fabricate a new one, whatever the dimensions are. I know the dimension of the socket in the bilge is 1", and the dimension from the bilge to sole, but I don't know the overall height, or the exact OD. I'm asking if any of you Southwind Owners might be willing to measure their original pylon. I'd like to know if the OD is 2.5" OD (as would be with 2.5" tube), or 2.375" OD (as would be with 2" pipe with an OD of 2.375"). I also would like to know the original overall height of the pylon.
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Charlie
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Replies:
Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: April-21-2020 at 9:11am
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2.5” diameter. Original pylon was solid aluminum. SW overall height was approx 53.5” from bottom of pin to top of ring (15”/38.5” above/below the flange at the floor). Most but not all had a bend a few inches above the flange.
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Posted By: CTYSouthwind20
Date Posted: April-22-2020 at 12:39am
Thank you TRBenj! Are those overall length dimension above the deck including the finger? And does the dimension below the deck include the smaller, turned-down section of the pylon that fits in the 1" socket? I'll have to make the flange to mount on the deck too as that was also stripped from my boat. I assume the flange ID is a little larger than 2.5", by perhaps an 1/8th?
I think I recall someone recently selling replacement fingers to weld in. Do you happen to recall or know that fellow?
I appreciate your help, thanks!
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Charlie
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Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: April-22-2020 at 5:46pm
Yes that includes the ring and the pin, I’m looking right at one.
The top flange is completely welded to the pylon, bottom flange hole is oversized.
The ring fingers were not welded in.
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Posted By: CTYSouthwind20
Date Posted: April-22-2020 at 11:15pm
Thank you Hollywood, can you snap a couple of photos for me? I presumed the ski pylon was easily removable, dropped into place when someone wanted to ski. But the welded flange makes me think it was a more permanent fixture? I've had my Southwind20 20 years, and I've loved every one of them, but the missing ski pylon has always been a mystery. Photos would be great!
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Charlie
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Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: April-22-2020 at 11:33pm
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It looks like all the other pylons from that era. They are bolted through the floor, certainly no in/out for skiing purposes.
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Posted By: CTYSouthwind20
Date Posted: April-22-2020 at 11:48pm
Thanks Hollywood, can you send a photo of your pylon? I'd appreciate it.
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Charlie
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