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Tow Valve

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BiXll

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I am guessing that next year my ski will end up being towed to where we will be hanging out for the day by my pontoon boat. I would like to install a ball valve in line to keep water from intake from being forced through the system. Can someone help me identify which hose I need to install the valve on to accomplish this on a 2001 GTX?
 
It's the hose coming from the top, port side of the transom... where the jet pump meets the transom.


In the past, we have talked about this on here. Be VERY careful if you install a valve. I would make sure it's over sized so you don't restrict flow. AND... I would add some sort of tag, or a clip to hold your lanyard. That way... you will be forced to look at the valve, before you ride.

Keep in mind... you can kill the engine if you go for a ride, with it closed. Your engine will overheat, and die before you hear the over-temp alarm.
 
It's the hose coming from the top, port side of the transom... where the jet pump meets the transom.


In the past, we have talked about this on here. Be VERY careful if you install a valve. I would make sure it's over sized so you don't restrict flow. AND... I would add some sort of tag, or a clip to hold your lanyard. That way... you will be forced to look at the valve, before you ride.

Keep in mind... you can kill the engine if you go for a ride, with it closed. Your engine will overheat, and die before you hear the over-temp alarm.
I did a search on Tow Valve and came up with nothing, I would love to read what people have to say about using them. I had planned on hanging the lanyard from the valve when its put in closed position so it would not be run that way. I was also worried about it being too constrictive when open. I was thinking a ball valve, but am not sure if the reduced diameter of the barb fittings to hook the hose to it would be too restrictive.
 
The hose is basically 1/2". But a 1/2" ball valve has a 1/4" hole. So... you may want to steep it up to a 3/4" ball.


I've actually been thinking about this myself. And I've thought about mounting a kill switch on the valve, so when it's closed... the ignition would be grounded. OR... just wire the switch into the over temp alarm. That way... when you put the lanyard on... the buzzer and light will be on. (and you will know)
 
I have a lot of other things ahead of this on my winter to do list, but I will be looking into this further and hope to make it happen. Most likely will not be towing over 15 mph, but with the frequency of it being pulled behind the pontoon, I would feel much better having it on there so long as I am confident it won't be too restrictive when open.
 
Thats exactly what I had in mind. I am thinking a 3/4 valve would have the barb fitting that should be real close to 1/2 to connect to the hose? Would there be a better, less restrictive way to connect the hose to the valve then a barb?
 
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Now that I think about this.... The topic comes up often on this board. Now that my shop is slowing down... maybe I'll make a valve kit, with a warning device built in. (also, I may want to tow a Spark next year)
 
Now that I think about this.... The topic comes up often on this board. Now that my shop is slowing down... maybe I'll make a valve kit, with a warning device built in. (also, I may want to tow a Spark next year)
Well then, maybe I will drag my feet on putting anything together until I see what you come up with! LOL
 
As far as pulling the craft, the idea in my head is some threaded rod with a little chain bolted to each end and carabiners. Two in a V pattern, two ends hooked to the boat, on on the jetski. Then put some pool floaties over the rods to keep them from marking up your ski or the boat.


At some point there was a company that made a similar kit, but it came with a bracket that bolted on the bumper.
 
As far as pulling the craft, the idea in my head is some threaded rod with a little chain bolted to each end and carabiners. Two in a V pattern, two ends hooked to the boat, on on the jetski. Then put some pool floaties over the rods to keep them from marking up your ski or the boat.


At some point there was a company that made a similar kit, but it came with a bracket that bolted on the bumper.
Thats something to think about! I was planning on just using a line but it would be nice not to have to worry about keeping ski from not running up on the boat. Thing is, would have to come up with something simple to hook up, simple to store. If its too labor intensive to use, or too expensive to put together, or too bulky to be able to store out of the way, some one is just going to have to be at the ready at the back of the boat with a boat hook!
 
I don't tow my ski's often but when I do I use a long rope, about 75', you need it long enough to get the ski out of the wake of the boat. If I towed it often something like what Nick's talking about would be nice.

Lou
 
I don't tow my ski's often but when I do I use a long rope, about 75', you need it long enough to get the ski out of the wake of the boat. If I towed it often something like what Nick's talking about would be nice.

Lou

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Hey now...a little off topic fun is always in order on sunday funday. Were out of bacon though..:( We got a meat market that has grand champion winning smoked bacon that is beyond ridiculously good. Its a few blocks from the Seadoo dealer so its the next stop.

Sammich, bacon, cheezey hashbrowns, pound of apple smoked ham, pint of loaded potato salad (its got the bacon in it...lol) 1/3 lb of champion jerky, and a few beef sticks. I never leave that shop without spending $50.


So please...buy parts from me. I need more bacon ;)
 
Now that I think about this.... The topic comes up often on this board. Now that my shop is slowing down... maybe I'll make a valve kit, with a warning device built in. (also, I may want to tow a Spark next year)

Hey doc, you may want to look into a simple skidoo kill lanyard. (90's ski-doos had them) They are about 15$. Then you could just make a little bracket and mount that under the ball valve handle. 3/4'' valve with reducers to 1/2'' ?
 
I'd be interested in a ball valve, only towed it twice but have a hose clamp in the front bin for that very reason. Pita to get on while in the water though.
 
You'll melt the resonator and exhaust hoses first. Then you'll seize the engine. :).

Not towing related, but if you lose cooling, that's the order of failure.
 
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