8 in the boat, where do you ski from?

[Livindadream]

I typically have a loaded boat, mostly VERY recreational skiers. I would consider myself low-intermediate and completely recreational, and never running a course. That said, I am by far the best skier in the boat. Most will even be on two skis. Curious where, in a similar scenario, you guys ski from? If from the pylon, it cuts off the entire back of the boat and puts way too much weight up front, not to mention being crowded. I have never owned a boat with a tower before, until I bought this Mobius. Can a beginner on two skis ski from there? What about the grab bar on the back? Is it made for that? Getting fired up. Water around here is finally bearable, and heading out today.

[purplepower]

There are advantages to towing from the pylon for skiing:

- The lateral pull from a skier cutting hard is less likely to pull the boat off course (or track)

-The rope is elevated so it does not drag in the boat wash when a skier is outside the wake

-The spotter can visualize the rope to the skier better because the transom does not hide it

For recreational skiing, you are fine to tow from suitable hook on the transom. Never have people close to or aft of the point of attachment to the boat. These boats are well designed so this is not much of a compromise.

[ARLINGTONMOBIUS]

I don't know what the technically correct answer is. However, I own a 2003 Mobius LS, and we have skied several times from the tower with lower ability level skiers. Towing from the tower with a skier who is learning to come up on a slalom ski actually gives you the advantage of a higher tow point to give the skier some lift to help them out of the water. I personally do not ski from the tower, as I am about 240 pounds, and can cut pretty hard. A skier on two will not pull as hard as a large wakeboarder who is cutting hard into the wake. You should be O.K. pulling from the tower, as long as you are not too large, or cutting too hard.

[Livindadream]

Thanks guys. The grab handle on the transom also has what looks like a spot made for a tow rope. Is that correct? Never seen anyone use it, but looks like it would be ok. I am too big for the tower, as like Arlington I am 6'6 and tip the scales around 220lbs. Thanks again....Tracy

[TheBeeZ]

You will be fine pulling from the grab handle. There is a little hook in the middle. You will find that the pull from the pylon is much better for the reasons already stated. I understand the loaded boat issue we often have a full boat. I try to sneak in a last run once we let some out for the day.

[Inliner]

I generally pull all level skiers as well from competition to recreational. I had a serious problem in my Outback with "spectators" who wanted to sit in the back of the boat in the bench seat provided by Moomba especially with rec skiers. I got really tired of telling people they couldn't sit there while I was pulling a skier from the pylon so I removed the seat and put it in the attic. Now I can only carry about 5 or 6 spectators, but I no longer have the problems with worrying about someone getting their head taken off by the rope. I still use the "student's seat", but that is the only time anyone sits back there. (The "student's seat" is behind the engine cover with their back to the engine cover and head just below the top of the engine cover so they can better see the skier in the water who is doing the demonstration. Usually I will have them rest their feet on the clamshell storage at the rear.) Ironically, I have a friend who also has an Outback and he had the same problem with rec skier spectators and did the same thing with his back seat after he asked me why I took mine out.

As for skiing from the tower, you can do it as long as your skier isn't an advanced skier who pulls the #$%^ out of the rearend. The tower will transmit more lateral force that can cause the boat to roll and when rolling to the left, can actually roll the speedo paddle out of the water. It can also crack the gel coat around the tower base if too much lateral force is put on it.

I generally use the tower to pull kneeboards, wakeboards and beginning level skiers (combos only). It provides beginning level skiers the opportunity to get pulled up, which makes it a little easier on the starts. Everyone else gets attached to the pylon.

[Catdog1]

We tie off the back, like we did in the old days, when we have a boat load.

Works fine!

[zabooda]

From someone elses boat. Just a little humour.