Ski tow/pylon for Enchanter ob

[JV]

I'm running an '81 Enchanter w/235 Evinrude. Hooking the ski tow line to the stern eyes is a real pain(especially worrying about the line getting sucked into the prop..err..ahh..again) I'm looking for a removable pylon that will mount in the area behind the rear seat and infront of splash well, approx 6"(not floor mount). I've seen the Bass Boat Ski Tow in Overtons for $169.99. Is this a good sturdy set-up or is there a better way to go for a Checkmate? Also, is this an easy installation or does it take alot of beefing up under the decking to support the pulling weight. Any info would be greatly appreciated...

 

[JV]

I'm running an '81 Enchanter w/235 Evinrude. Hooking the ski tow line to the stern eyes is a real pain(especially worrying about the line getting sucked into the prop..err..ahh..again) I'm looking for a removable pylon that will mount in the area behind the rear seat and infront of splash well, approx 6"(not floor mount). I've seen the Bass Boat Ski Tow in Overtons for $169.99. Is this a good sturdy set-up or is there a better way to go for a Checkmate? Also, is this an easy installation or does it take alot of beefing up under the decking to support the pulling weight. Any info would be greatly appreciated...

 

[JW]

My Pulsare is rigged with the tri-pod style of ski pylon. The main pole attaches just behind the rear seat in the deck just in front of the splashwell, and the two support poles attach towards the rear of the splashwell on both sides. You may be able to see how it's rigged in the Picture This forum under my boat's thread. It holds the rope above the engine and is very sturdy. The mounts on mine are not re-inforced under the deck, and there's no sign of hull stress. I'd strongly recommend one for your 'Mate. You can find them online at all the boating sites.

1995 Pulsare 2100BR/1995 Mercury Promax 225 2.5 EFI/ 1.87:1 Torquemaster/ RapidJack Heavy-Duty manual 10.5" setback/ 23" Tempest worked for ski duty

 

[JV]

JW, Thanks for the info; this is exactly what I'm looking for. Which site would be the best to pick up the same rig as yours? Did the deck mount and all hardware come with it? Was it an easy install? Are there any worries about tilting and jackin all the way up and hitting the cowl when beaching or anchoring in shallow water? Oh yeah, most important..Sweet lookin Pulsare, the Merc color scheme onto the hull looks excellent...

 

[JW]

Overtons.com, BassPro.com, Cabelas.com, BoatingWorld.com, and probably a dozen others I don't know about. My motor gets withing a few inches of the ski tow legs, but never touches when tilted way up. What I like most about it is that you can remove it easily so it's out of the way for normal running, as it can rattle a little when there's no tension on it. It works great, love it. Thanks for the compliment on the Pulsare, I hated the colors at first but they're growing on me.

1995 Pulsare 2100BR/1995 Mercury Promax 225 2.5 EFI/ 1.87:1 Torquemaster/ RapidJack Heavy-Duty manual 10.5" setback/ 23" Tempest worked for ski duty

 

[Chris]

I've got the same one on my Mate. I also have another one on my other boat which isn't as good. I'm not sure where the factory gets the ones they put on, (the ones JW and I have), but they are excellent. Extremely strong, heavy and fairly rattle free. You could always try asking Mike at Checkmate how much they charge for theirs. I doubt you'll find many better ones out there.

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Webmaster
Checkmate-Boats.com-The Fanatics Home!

 

[ncst8er]

Unfortunately I haven't mounted mine yet, but it is a Swivl-Eze Runabout model. I spoke with Checkmate and they said they got theirs from a supplier in Texas, which is where Swivl-Eze is located (Lubbock, I believe). Actually they have a new Pro Adjustable model offers more height (which might be good if your motor is mounted high). Just about any major supplier carries them (West Marine, Overtons, etc.). Wish I could give a first hand report, maybe after I finish some repair work I can mount it and get the boat wet.

 

[JV]

Hey Guys Thanks for the info, it got me on the right track. I talked to Mike Combs at C-Mate and he orders the 922ADJS from Swivl-Eze in Texas. I talked to Swivl-Eze and they only deal w/ distributors. West Marine had it for a buck 79 + shp and tax..I should have it Saturday and hopefully towing on Sunday. My main worry was the 2.5" of mounting space behind the rear seat an splash well and the mount is 2"x4", should fit perfect...

 

[Z06]

Its a little hard to see, but this is how the others look like. This one is a bit short because the motor is up so high, that it hits the top of the cowl and sometimes stays. Not to often, and not to hard to fix, just mostly a pain. Mounts right behind the back bench, with 2 support poles going inside near the end of the splashwell. I don't know what ya call them, but they have those things that are also your keychain, so if needed, it can be taken off pretty quickly. He leaves it on all the time though. I see you've already bought it, I'm just throwing out stuff...

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Chevy Corvette Z06
Chris.Ellard9@sympatico.ca
http://pub37.ezboard.com/bchevycorvettez06personalforum

 

[ncst8er]

I'm glad it worked out. The 922-ADJ is the one that West Marine refers to as the Runabout Model (that's where I got mine), I just couldn't lay my hands on the Swivl-Eze paperwork at the time I was responding.

 

[JV]

The pylon is 23" and it looked a little close when I measured, maybe clearing by 4 or 5 inches; then I relized I had the jack plate all the way up. I'll be able to lower motor 5" and hopefully that will eliminate the cowl rub.