Sturdiest back plates- stern cleats or transom tie-downs?

[Glock Diver]

Was wondering about this the last time I was towing a tube.  On my Osprey, I really only have a couple choices for hooking in the rope: the U-bolts on the transom, or the cleats on the stern.  I've been using the transom tie-downs, but they keep the tow rope so low to the water, it makes it almost impossible for the rider to steer.  The rope is usually IN the water.  

I'd prefer to use a point higher up, like the cleats, but not sure if their backing plate is as sturdy as the tie-downs.  Anyone been down there to see?  

[gran398]

The transom eyes are the strongest. Stern cleats next. We always used the stern cleats to pull anchors from deep water.

For tubing....go with ease of use. Not much stress...its the electric-slide

[bball4364]

Glock,

We use the stern cleats on the 225 explorer.  The transom tie downs are to low in the water and have even pulled the tube underwater.  Also spray from the rope make for an unpleasant ride.  We have not had any problems, have even pulled adults skiing (that's me a little chunky) with no problem.

Here is a link to a video of pulling our kids on the tube.  Puts out a pretty good wake.  My 10 year old wants to add a tower to the explorer to wakeboard.  Not sure I want to go that route.
http://s529.photobucket.com/albums/dd338/bball4364/?action=view&current=tubingwipeout.mp4

Best of luck....

[fitz73222]

Hey Bball,

Where did you move too? I thought I saw your boat sitting next to A1A a couple of weeks ago on our way up to the Hammock. Good video towing the kids. I thought it was filmed on Diaz, Wildcat or Kerr till I saw the higher clay banks; water looked spring fed so maybe somewhere in the forest? I used to know all those lakes from bass fishing days, just testing myself...

[bball4364]

Mornin Fitz,

Still around in Flagler,  Yes that was the AS 225 on A1A.  Tested the waters to see if anyone was interested, had alot of calls, but no one saw the value and alot of low offers.  Made the decision to not sell and enjoy the boat more.

The tube ride was in Lewis Smith Lake, Alabama.  Just north of Birmingham.  It is a dam lake and is clear a lake as I have ever seen.  Had to get out of Florida freshwater lakes as the admiral wanted to enjoy a nice clean lake without any gators.

Have you made any trips to DAB lately.  Saw your post here on the AS.  Like the boat with the tower.  Should be used to catch all those Cobia off the beach.  Have you made a run out of Matanzas lately.  Let me know if you ever need a fishing partner.

BBall

[fitz73222]

Planning a trip to DAB in about two weeks. Scott (gran938) is coming down the first of June; were planning on fishing the Scott (Skoot) out of his 19-6 over in Tampa for a day or two and then back over here Saturday the 4th for a night run in my 22-2 down to Caribbean Jacks and or yacht club for dinner. Probably put in at Hershel King. Join us if you want to. Will do an easy slow ride back since me and Scotty might be having to much fun! I'll put him up in the tower and let him howl at the moon!

[Glock Diver]

Thanks for the replies, fellas. I will use the cleats next time!



And sounds like the makings of an Aquasport Gathering!!  

[gran398]

Aaaaa-Woooooo!!!!

(Just practicing)

     

[pete]

Here you go Mike,sounds like you need a 5 person towable bananna......

http://spacecoast.craigslist.org/boa/2382405287.html

Towable Banana 5 person - $350 (Indialantic)

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Date: 2011-05-15, 12:55PM EDT
Reply to: sale-2w9fe-2382405287@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
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Fun in the sun! Like new, Giant 5 person Banana for towing or just floating in the sun. 17 ft long, easy to store and a blast to enjoy. Teri Eno 321 956-7656              321 956-7656