Line questions

chiizus · Newbie Joined: 15 Jun 2011 Posts: 1 City: Seattle

My boyfriend and I just bought a boat and some accessories, including a wakeboard (and skis and a tube). Our boat is a 18' (I THINK) Bayliner Capri Runabout with a tow ring in the middle of the rear. I've been seeing things called bridles on various websites. I'm under the impression that those are only necessary for boats with the tow rings on either side. Is that correct? So should we just attach our ski/tubing lines directly to the tow ring? Also, would it be of any real benefit for us to install a ski pylon? I hear it's easier to get up when the line is attached higher, but I think once we actually figure out getting up, it won't really matter much. I doubt we'll be doing any big tricks or anything. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

Okie Boarder · Ladies Man Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 10056 City: Edmond

Yes, attach to the ski ring for now. An extended pylon or tower helps a lot but isn't necessary. Get a no-stretch rope for wakeboarding.

gswake · Posted: Jun 28, 2011 7:41 am Post subject:

I'm not familiar with that boat, but I'm guessing it's an i/o (or sterndrive - engine inside, but propeller behind on a turnable mount) since you say the tow point is in the center. You would need bridles if it were an outboard motor. (Since the engine is at the center rear, the rope can't attach there. The bridles allow attachment at the sides but a central pull.)

Wakeboarder3780 · Posted: Jun 30, 2011 4:34 am Post subject:

IF you have a tow ring in the middle in the back I'd use that. Yes a tower does help new people get up - no doubt about that. Especially if you throw them an extremely short line (like 30' and have a tower, they'll pop right up) That being said you can and will be able to get up without a pylon or a tower. I'd say use what you got until you feel you want more Smile

If you go the pylon / tower route, I would very much consider getting a tower. My dad got a pylon for his 87 bayliner and with the side supports necessary it really closes the boat in a lot and you have to clamor over the side supports to get in and out. Towers just give you extra space with no hassle. Yeah they're more expensive.. They're also worth it IMO.

Enjoy the new boat! Hopefully you catch the wakeboarding bug!

fotoshark · Newbie Joined: 11 Jul 2011 Posts: 42 City: Toronto

This topic has been helpful. I just recently took a wakeboarding lesson and directly after bought a board. But our boat is only a bowrider outboard no tower.