How to Mount Ski Poles on Hurricane Deck Boats
A ski pole for a boat isn't the same as a ski pole for snow. The ski pole for water skiing or wakeboarding, also called a ski pylon, consists of a pole, which stands straight upright on the boat's deck and two back supports, which lean back against the top of the boat's transom, where the outboard motor is mounted. While you can ski or wakeboard using the towing ring on the back of the boat, the ski pole holds the tow rope above the height of the outboard motor, keeping the tow rope from fouling the motor's propeller.
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Things You'll Need
- Circular saw
- Marine plywood
- Two-part marine epoxy
- Paint brush
- Screws, 1/2 in. diameter
- 1 in. metal washers
- Screwdriver
Instructions
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1
Use the circular saw to cut a 12 in. x 12 in. piece from a sheet of marine plywood. This will form a reinforcement plate for the existing deck.
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2
Mix enough two-part marine epoxy to cover the reinforcement place on all sides and edges. Use a paint brush to apply the epoxy to the plate, paying particular attention to the edges of the plate. Allow the epoxy to cure thoroughly.
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3
Use the screwdriver to screw the reinforcement plate to the deck of the boat with 1/2 inch diameter screws long enough to penetrate both reinforcement plate and deck, through 1 inch metal washers. While the ideal location of the ski pole is at the boat's pivot point, the deck configuration of Hurricane deck boats requires the pole be mounted in the rear of the cockpit.
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4
Use the screwdriver to attach the center pole (the one the rope ties to) to the decking with 1/2 in. diameter screws long enough to accommodate the height of the mounting plate on the center pole and to penetrate both the deck and the reinforcement plate.
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5
Use the screwdriver to attach the back supports to the boat with the screws that are included with the pole.
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Tips & Warnings
Inspect the condition of the reinforcement plate and the deck the ski pole is attached to before towing a skier.
This project involves the use of chemicals and power tools. Appropriate cautions are advised.
