How much can a tow hook tow?

[Big Chorizo]

If said tow hook was to pull a 3 person tube? I realize it doesn’t have the weight capacity of the floor or engine mount pole style. Just trying to prevent ripping it off the boat.

 

[rush1]

I've always wondered this myself.

 

[Gelcoater]

View attachment 664499 If said tow hook was to pull a 3 person tube? I realize it doesn’t have the weight capacity of the floor or engine mount pole style. Just trying to prevent ripping it off the boat.

Look and see how big the washers are on the back side. Does it appear there is solid core? What kind of boat?
I don’t think I’d worry about 3 people in a tube.
Not sure I’d pull another boat from that point.

 

[t&y]

View attachment 664499 If said tow hook was to pull a 3 person tube? I realize it doesn’t have the weight capacity of the floor or engine mount pole style. Just trying to prevent ripping it off the boat.

I've pulled a 3 person tube behind my cheetah off of that same hook. No issues. But like stated, it wouldn't hurt to use large washers, or even glass in a wide support board behind it to spread the load if it's something you are going to be doing a lot of.

 

[highvoltagehands]

It depends if it's mounted to Laveycraft or BayLiner. Look at mounting hardware and if it has backing plate.

 

[Backlash]

Not many boat builders use backing plates when installing their hardware. Sometimes you'll get lucky and have washers on the insides of the transom. Please check before you put a load on it. If there is nothing on the inside you could cut a piece of aluminum plate and secure that on the inside where the item is installed on the boat. Drill out the fastener holes a little larger to make installation easier. Spread the load as much as you can.

If you guys think that a three person tube doesn't put a lot of strain on a boat, try holding the rope as the driver puts a little throttle into it. I doubt any of us could hold on for long.

 

[Havalife]

This has me wondering what you would tow a boat from?

 

[LHC Kirby]

This has me wondering what you would tow a boat from?

I use a side cleat on both sides back to a triangle shape that goes to the tower vessel for long tow... short .. 1 to 2 miles I use one side cleat. Depending on weather, water conditions.

Number one rule / tow to closest ramp, take a driver WITH KEYS FOR TOW VEHICLE... to their home ramp. Let him go get the boat. (Exception would be if on Havasu and their home ramp is casino)

If I’m headed to home ramp, I may tow all the way if not in a hurry.

 

[RiverDave]

I use a side cleat on both sides back to a triangle shape that goes to the tower vessel for long tow... short .. 1 to 2 miles I use one side cleat. Depending on weather, water conditions.

Number one rule / tow to closest ramp, take a driver WITH KEYS FOR TOW VEHICLE... to their home ramp. Let him go get the boat. (Exception would be if on Havasu and their home ramp is casino)

If I’m headed to home ramp, I may tow all the way if not in a hurry.

I have towed countless boats off little cleats like that.. main thing is gentle and slow.. nothing over 1200-1300 rpm if even that

 

[2Driver]

I’ve had 4 big teens on a paparazzi tube for hours behind our Ultra on the same tow hook.

Like others said if you have any concerns make sure there is either a back plate or robust fender washers. I cant even tell you if my Ultra had them.

 

[spectras only]

I assume that's a billet aluminum piece, yet I'd trust my conventional s/s ring with backing plate on my boat, to tow another boat. Also, have the two s/s D rings for the tie down to use, that's even more suitable for towing a heavier boat since it's mounted on the transom.

 

[Dalton]

people, including myself, have towed other boats from the same type of hook

 

[Big Chorizo]

Look and see how big the washers are on the back side. Does it appear there is solid core? What kind of boat?
I don’t think I’d worry about 3 people in a tube.
Not sure I’d pull another boat from that point.

The boat is a 2001 Eliminator. I’ll look today to see if there’s any washers or backing plate.

 

[Mandelon]

The rope would likely break before the hook or its mounting would fail.

 

[HOOTER SLED-]

Just don't tow fat bitches....

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Just don't tow fat bitches....

Solid advice.

 

[spectras only]

The rope would likely break before the hook or its mounting would fail.

You've absolutely never read the article in Motor Boating, about a good guy, given a tow to a broke down boat. He offered his own rope attached to his cleat. The cleat ripped out of his boat and the swung towards the broken down boat, hitting the guy in the head while he was sitting on his deck. The good guy was sued for damages. I should dig out the article, it was quite a story. Make note, don't use your own rope to tow someone else and never use stretchable ropes to tow anything.

 

[Mandelon]

Please note I covered my comment with the term "likely" and did not make an absolute statement.

I have however towed things and had the rope break on several occasions though. The cleat was fine.

 

[Mandelon]

I think this would make a cool test video though. I couldn't find one on YouTube...

 

[Ziggy]

The rope would likely break before the hook or its mounting would fail.

The rope would likely break before the hook or its mounting would fail.

Yeah, yeah, we heard you the first time
.
But I agree, its highly likely something other than the transom will fail first.

 

[Trash]

If concerned there is a heavy tow bridle for larger tubes that connects to the two tie down rings on the stern.

 

[twocents]

Not sure how many boat builders test (or calculate) how strong their ski pylon (or ski hook/cleat) is but they probably should. I’m winding my memory clock back about 44 years ago when I was editor at Powerboat Magazine and we did an annual “water ski” evaluation/test issue each June.

One of the test criteria for each ski was how much pull was generated making a normal deep water start (all single slalom skis). I also wanted to find out what the maximum pull was by a skier when making a very aggressive slalom cut.

In order to measure this, we rented a torsional dynamometer (with a tattle-tail needle) and attached it between the end of the ski rope and the center-mounted ski pylon in the boat. We’d clear the reading and make two or three deep-water starts. The result was consistent – the gauge, which measured in pounds, was approximately 1.5X the skier’s body weight (i.e. a 150 pound skier would generate a pull of between 210 to 225 max pounds).

For these tests, we enlisted the services of world champion caliber skiers. In the slalom course a 120 pound female (Deena Brush) would generate approximately 350 to 375 pounds of pull just passed the apex of her buoy turn (line shortened by 22’ off at 34 mph). Bob LaPoint, who was a slalom world record holder, (he was a beast – about 6’3” and 200+ pounds) pulled as much as 750 to 800 pounds in the slalom course at 36 mph.

Not long after we published those reports several of the tournament ski boat builders started including information in their brochures about ski pylons tested to a certain level of strength – not sure if I’ve ever seen any info regarding the strength of ski hooks or cleats, but it might not be a bad idea.

 

[wsuwrhr]

UCHs tow hook is held on with 3 or 4 10-24 screws.....

Scary.

 

[Big Chorizo]

If concerned there is a heavy tow bridle for larger tubes that connects to the two tie down rings on the stern.

Yes, this was an option I was looking into. For $20 its worth not having to worry about, only bummer is it places the rope very low in the water.

 

[CJ_Donahue]

When I first got my boat I checked and not only was one of the two nuts loose but there was only small lock washers behind the nuts. I made a 12"x5" plate out of stainless and re-installed and still worry about towing a tube with three kids.

 

[was thatguy]

If concerned there is a heavy tow bridle for larger tubes that connects to the two tie down rings on the stern.

That’s what we always used when tubing behind my old glastron.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

I use a side cleat on both sides back to a triangle shape that goes to the tower vessel for long tow... short .. 1 to 2 miles I use one side cleat. Depending on weather, water conditions.

Number one rule / tow to closest ramp, take a driver WITH KEYS FOR TOW VEHICLE... to their home ramp. Let him go get the boat. (Exception would be if on Havasu and their home ramp is casino)

If I’m headed to home ramp, I may tow all the way if not in a hurry.

I actually think that's worse than the tow hook. There is almost NEVER any kind of backing of any substance below those cleats. That along with the fact that the rope is pulling them on an angle to the mounting bolts and surface, they are more likely to get or cause damage than a correctly installed tow hook in which there is likely some backing if it's not through the transom itself.

The bridle set-up would greatly reduce the potential damage but it's still much more likely to damage the boat from being pulled on the cleats than on the ski tow IMHO.

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[J DUNN]

I actually think that's worse than the tow hook. There is almost NEVER any kind of backing of any substance below those cleats. That along with the fact that the rope is pulling them on an angle to the mounting bolts and surface, they are more likely to get or cause damage than a correctly installed tow hook in which there is likely some backing if it's not through the transom itself.

The bridle set-up would greatly reduce the potential damage but it's still much more likely to damage the boat from being pulled on the cleats than on the ski tow IMHO.

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From what I understand the bridle splits the tow weight evenly 50/50 (if bridle is properly set up) between the 2 connection points which would reduce the load by half going to each point. If bridle is long enough it won't pull at that much of an angle, not enough that would pull the D or side cleat out sideways, IMO. You do make a good point about the backing.

My Dad had his 240 towed back to dock from a mile out of marina. He and I were both surprised to see the towboat side tie right next to him then motor in. Obviously provided great maneuverability right at the dock though.

 

[wishiknew]

I've pulled a 3 person tube behind my cheetah off of that same hook. No issues. But like stated, it wouldn't hurt to use large washers, or even glass in a wide support board behind it to spread the load if it's something you are going to be doing a lot of.

I towed a 26' playcraft from sand bar to pirates with that same style hook with my cheetah that was a long ride

 

[Gelcoater]

The boat is a 2001 Eliminator. I’ll look today to see if there’s any washers or backing plate.

Talked with a couple guys at the shop today.
Both said to look see what’s up on the washer and nut side.
Both said pretty much the same thing. If you’re going to do that they suggest fabbing a simple aluminum backing plate.
Kenny Smith added that in all his years he’s seen exactly two of those fail.
I think I’d find me a small piece of plate and address it personally.

 

[Bobby V]

Talked with a couple guys at the shop today.
Both said to look see what’s up on the washer and nut side.
Both said pretty much the same thing. If you’re going to do that they suggest fabbing a simple aluminum backing plate.
Kenny Smith added that in all his years he’s seen exactly two of those fail.
I think I’d find me a small piece of plate and address it personally.

I just changed out the tow hook, vent plate and handles on the back of my 98' Eliminator Eagle. Only a washer for each bolt on the tow hook. And nothing on the vents / handles.

 

[Gelcoater]

I just changed out the tow hook, vent plate and handles on the back of my 98' Eliminator Eagle. Only a washer for each bolt on the tow hook. And nothing on the vents / handles.

All I can say Bobby, is that was then and this is now.
They’re making some changes and shifting some employees focus a bit to make things brighter.
As good as they are now, I believe even the haters will be standing back and saying...Daaaaayum!

 

[Bobby V]

All I can say Bobby, is that was then and this is now.
They’re making some changes and shifting some employees focus a bit to make things brighter.
As good as they are now, I believe even the haters will be standing back and saying...Daaaaayum!

I have towed boats, skiers and tubes over the years without a problem. I don't ski or tube anymore so I'm not worried. lol

 

[DeltaSigBoater]

Personally I would never tow another boat from a ski-tow or pylon, but each to their own.

This is what the ski tow looks like on my 18' Hallett Mini Cruiser

From what I understand the bridle splits the tow weight evenly 50/50 (if bridle is properly set up) between the 2 connection points which would reduce the load by half going to each point. If bridle is long enough it won't pull at that much of an angle, not enough that would pull the D or side cleat out sideways, IMO. You do make a good point about the backing.

My Dad had his 240 towed back to dock from a mile out of marina. He and I were both surprised to see the towboat side tie right next to him then motor in. Obviously provided great maneuverability right at the dock though.

It kinda wigs people out at first, but that's what I've always done too.

 

[Big Chorizo]

Talked with a couple guys at the shop today.
Both said to look see what’s up on the washer and nut side.
Both said pretty much the same thing. If you’re going to do that they suggest fabbing a simple aluminum backing plate.
Kenny Smith added that in all his years he’s seen exactly two of those fail.
I think I’d find me a small piece of plate and address it personally.

Thanks for the info, here’s a shot of the back side, nothing special. I think adding a plate is a good idea. For now, until I get time, I will most likely grab a bridle strap for now.

 

[92562]

For towing another boat, you should only use the large D-rings on the transom if you have them. They are the strongest tow points on the back of the boat. And of course a bridle makes it even better. I have a tow rope for mine when it is towed behind the houseboat and it is a 5/8" braided nylon rope with a shackle on one end to attach to my front D-ring and I braided a loop into the other for the cleat on the houseboat. The 21' Chaparral that goes behind mine is on a 1/2" braided nylon rope from a D-ring on the back of mine to the D-ring on the front of the Chap. Maybe overkill but I hate it when stuff breaks!

 

[paradise]

Wow. Maybe we are in the minority but we’ve always towed multiple tubes without too much worry and never had trouble.

Just today we were pulling 6 people on 3 tubes. :0

 

[bagged97taco]

I think most people over think these situations. These “standard” tow hooks have been around forever and withstand the abuse. Just go have fun and pull away

 

[COCA COLA COWBOY]

The boat is a 2001 Eliminator. I’ll look today to see if there’s any washers or backing plate.

If it's Eliminator, I wouldn't worry about it. I just bought an Ultra and thought about the strength of the glass under there as it's not as beefy as the Eliminator.

 

[Backlash]

UCHs tow hook is held on with 3 or 4 10-24 screws.....

Scary.

You should take that sled to a masheenist and have him rig you up something slick!