Almost every boater, whether they’re watersports fanatics or enjoy it casually, has the idea to take someone tubing, skiing or boarding behind their boat. But not all tow points are created equal, and the right type of tow point depends on the sport you’re pursuing. Tubing, skiing and wakeboarding all have different requirements. Here are three common types of watersports tow points for your boat.
Tow Tower: Monster Tower MTK Wakeboard Tower
The Pull: Towers are the best choice for wakeboarding, with the goal of elevating the tow point at least 6 feet above the water line. While pylons and towing eyes typically pull a boarder down after an aerial move, a line attached to a higher point allows the rider to elevate upward, catching more air. The elevated tow point also helps keep the rope out of the boarder’s way during tricks.
The Snag: You should absolutely never attach a tube to a tow tower because it could cause the tube to flip or catch way too much air. They’re also not recommend for skiing.
Price: $1,889; amazon.com
Tow Eye: Sea Dog Transom-Mounted Stainless-Steel Ski-Tow Eye
The Pull: Mounted on the center of the transom, a tow eye is the ideal spot to tether a tow rope for tubing. You’ll typically find tow eyes on sterndrive boats or inboards, where the transom is unobstructed. It keeps the towline centered and above the water, so it’s ideal for tubing and serviceable for water-skiing. It can be used for wakeboarding but is not ideal. Make sure the eye is mounted into a backing plate and secured to the transom with through-bolts.
The Snag: Doesn’t work for outboard boats, and its low mounting point limits the ability of wakeboarders to catch air.
Price: $30.44; amazon.com
Read Next: High vs. Low Tow Points
Tow Pylon: Pro Deck Adjustable Ski-Tow Pylon
The Pull: Pylons work best when mounted in the center of the cockpit to elevate the rope above the engine compartment and transom to give the skier a wide swing on a slalom course. Many boats have the option for a ski-tow pylon that mounts in a base along the transom, which elevates the towline above the transom or an outboard. There are also aftermarket pylons with a “pyramid” pylon that mounts on the cockpit deck.
The Snag: Pylons typically don’t raise the tow point high enough for high-level wakeboarding and are not recommended for towing tubes.
Price: $503.99; overtons.com
