How do I tow a pwc behind my 26' boat?

[Andy Whittle]

You also have to kill the cooling water to the motor as the cooling lines
can fill the motor with water. I have this happen twice at about 30 mph. I
went to start my polaris 650 and 1 cylinder was full of water. I thing
sea-doo has a clamp they sell through parts for this.

Andy

[Steve+Tracy]

We want to tow our SL900 behind our 26' single engine cruiser at about
25mph.
Any input would be appreciated
Thanks in advance
Steve Parsons

[Rick]

Steve+Tracy <steve....@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:GD5d3.21225$5a.2...@news20.bellglobal.com...

I towed my 95 GTS behind my 30' cruiser for several years . Although I have
towed at the speed you mention (emergency situation) it is not something I
normally do. However I had no problem at all at that speed. All I have ever
used is a length of suitable size rope (the faster you plan to go then the
heavier the rope should be). Make the rope length long enough so that the
PWC is far enough back so that it does not wander from side to side. Oh
yeah, probably don't have to mention this but if your running 25 mph and you
come to a quick stop, don't forget what is on the end of the rope or it will
remind you quick enough when it slams into the back of the boat. Also you
should pinch off your water intake line.

Rick

[Wcadgm1]

>We want to tow our SL900 behind our 26' single engine cruiser at about
>25mph.>Any input would be appreciated
>Thanks in advance
>Steve Parsons

Steve,
One thing to keep in mind when you tow a watercraft that uses a jet pump is
that when you tow it (with the engine off) water will pass through the pump and
create pressure within the housing, this water pressure will be forced up the
siphon hose attached to the pump for the bilge system. The pressure will fill
the inside of the ski with water as you tow it . This will happen when you tow
for any distance but obviously the farther you tow it the worse it becomes. I'd
suggest you either clamp off the bilge hose inside the ski befor you tow it or
disconnect the line from the pump. Just remember to reconnect or unclamp it
before you ride again. We have towed skis long distances and have found using a
long enough rope to allow the ski to get back away from the boats wake is
important. You might check with the coast guard to find out if they have
restictions in your area for towing a ski.
Walter Cadman

[SHREADHD]

They also sell an attachment through Overton's (I think) that tows the ski...it
is about $250. I made one myself that is similar for about $40.
Get 2 10 ft sections of galvanized 1/2 tubing....run about 22 ft of heavy
poly/nylon cord though them...put rubber bushings at each end of the pipe to
eliminate the cord from freying.Tie 'boat snaps' on each end to attach to the
boat eyelets on either side of the transom and a larger one to attach in the
middle of the two pieces of tubing.
The result is a 'V' and you don't have to worry too much about the boat comming
back and smacking you in the ass on a quick stop. You may also want to attach
a float at the V so when you're riding the ski, the tow doesn't sink. make
sure you use galvanized, stainless and/or brass so it doesn't crap up. This
makes it a little more stable than just rope and only costs $35-$40.
I tow my 97 XP behind my 25' SeaRay. MAKE SURE YOU CRIMP THE WATER LINES WHEN
TOWING and just as important- UNCRIMP BEFORE USE.

[Mr Cash1]

Just be careful towing the pwc. I have a 99 Sea Doo GTX RFI and the owner's
manual states don't tow over 15mph or else damage will occur to the pump. Just
look at your manufacturers' owner's manual for towing instructions.

[Doug Couwenhoven]

Umm. Did you by chance tow the ski *backwards* ? Water flowing through
the pump as the ski is pulled forwards creates *low* pressure at the
bilge pickups. Thats why they work. I think what you meant to say is
that when the pwc is towed without the motor running, water is forced
into the cooling lines, which may cause the engine to fill with water.