DIY for a Ski Pylon

A ski pylon is a necessity for water skiiers. This metal bar is attached to the back of the boat and it extends up vertically like an antenna. The ski rope is attached to the top of the pylon, giving the skier some leverage and control as he carves and turns behind the boat. Taller pylons provide the best option for skiers, and even these can be made by knowledgeable do-it-yourselfers.

  1. Pylon Materials

    • Pylons must be made from strong steel pipes because they take a lot of stress. The pylon should not be overstressed, and care should be chosen in which types of materials you choose. Stainless steel pipes with a diameter of 1 1/2 to 2 inches are best suited for this application. When possible, use marine-grade piping, especially if you plan to ski on salt water. This will cause corrosion, and untreated pipes will rust very quickly in this type of environment. Take precautions when building your pylon and it will last longer.

    Heights

    • The height of the pylon does affect the performance of the skier. Taller pylons allow for extra leverage for the skier and thus provides a smoother ride. However, taller pylons must be supported by steel braces angled backward toward the stern, where the force is applied. Taller pipes are more apt to bend under strain. Large-diameter pipes (2 inches and wider) are more suited for building a tall DIY ski pylon. In addition, you should provide more bracing for these types of projects.

    Braces and Supports

    • Any braces (and the pylon itself) should be supported by high-grade, galvanized or marine-grade collar flanges bolted into a subsurface or brace that is secured to the boat frame. A layer of marine plywood, or a 1/4-inch metal sheet is a good brace material. Installing the pylon straight into the deck of any boat may not be sufficient to support the weight of a skier.

    Clips and Attachments

    • The pylon needs to have a clip to secure the tow rope. One idea is to use a swivel clip, so you can simply and quickly connect and disconnect the rope. The rope may be tied directly to the pylon using a double Beckett or sailors knot, however some sort of lip or swivel should then be installed on the pylon itself. This prevents the rope from sliding down the pylon and rubbing across the deck. A swivel collar or flange welded to the pylon will suffice for most DIY projects.