How to Build Your Own Ski Pylon

Other than the boat, the skis, the rope and a lake to ride on, the other most important piece of ski equipment is the pylon, the steel post or bar you attach the water skiing rope to. It is located on the back of the boat. You can buy a pylon at any marine store and install it in your boat or make one yourself. But do so only if you have metal-working knowledge and are familiar with strength and weight balancing.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2-inch stainless-steel pipe
• 1-inch stainless-steel pipe
• Arc or gas welder and filler bar
• Grinder
• Metal shaper

1. Cut the 2-inch stainless-steel pipe to a length of 30 inches or the length needed for your ski pylon. The ski pylon needs several inches of clearance above the motor so the rope does not get caught on it. It also needs clearance from other lights, cleats or flag poles on the stern of the boat. Generally, a length of three feet of pipe is substantial.

2. Place the steel pipe in the boat at the stern where the pylon is going to be installed, to make sure there is proper clearance. Next, extend your tape measure from 6 inches below the top of the ski pylon to the walls of the boat at an angle of 45 degrees. This is the length for support rods, which attach to the pylon and walls of the boat on either side of the outboard.

3. Cut two lengths of 1-inch stainless-steel pipe to this length for the support rods, adding two inches for the angle you are going to cut in the next step. They should fit flush against the upright pylon and wall of the boat.

4. Grind the ends of the support rods, which are used to support the pylon to a 45 degree angle.

5. Clamp one of the support rods to 2-inch stainless-steel pole and weld them in place, using a filler bar and gas welder. Do the same for the second support rod. Test the fit each time to ensure the pole is assembled correctly.

6. Weld two marine-quality mounting brackets to the ends of the ski pylon. They should meet your boat manufacturers specifications for attaching accessories to the deck frame.

7. Fit and weld an adjustable ski rope bracket on the top of the pipe.

8. Mount the pylon into the boat-deck bracket using the manufacturer's hardware. Line up the mounting brackets on the ends of the support poles and mark holes onto the boat walls for drilling.

9. Remove the pylon from the boat. Drill the holes where you just marked them. Re-install the pylon and mount the support pipe brackets to the boat frame using marine screws.

Tips & Warnings

• This solution may not be suitable for your particular boat. All hardware attached to your boat, especially a ski pylon must be mounted as specified by your manufacturer. If not, the ski pylon may break and cause damage to your boat. Check your boat specs for information on mounting a ski pylon.

Resources

• Ski pylon
• Larger ski pylon