sports tower question 290 SDX

2

280 Gator

Member
May 9, 2012
91
virginia
Boat Info
2018 290 SDX OB
former 280 Sundancer
former 220 Overnighter
former many Mastercrafts
Engines
Twin 250XL Verados with Joystick
i have a 290 SDX OB. anyone know the towing limit on the tower? i have not been able to find anything on it. there are no cleats or eye bolts on the rear so the tower is the only tow option.
it seems very sturdy but i dont want to over do it
thanks
 
Good question. I'm surprised that there isn't a sticker on it, or a note in the owners manual. TYPE of tower will be important. Folding tube? Fiberglass permanent arch? Most towers are for wake boarding and storing stuff on racks. I have never seen a tower rated for tubing. Most are not suggested for skiing. An adult doing a hard cut on a slalom will steer my 240 sundeck. The side forces are quite strong, and most arches are not rated for them. Some people do it...
 
thanks everybody. turns out there is a sticker on the tower--dumb me. it says one person.
kind of a shame for a boat like this with 500 HP!
i was going to make a harness to around the engines if i couldnt find a long enough one---turns out they didn't put any eye bolts or cleats on the transom. Seems like Sea Ray is missing something here
 
Check out Turbo Swing... it will do what you want... and then some.

Did you look under the platform for lifting rings/eyes? You'd probably need to use a booster ball, though.

I'm not a fan of using cleats, but many do it. You should have some cleats towards the aft end of the boat.
 
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Airhead makes a 16’ floating harness for this exact scenario (longer than the one above but same style). It clips to the eyes on the transom (same ones you would use to strap to trailer). It’s about $30 and works well.
 
thanks everyone. i ended up ordering the turbo swing for dual engines. it looked like the answer when i saw it and then i saw Lazy Daz response above and went for it. ill let you know how it goes
PS--i haven't looked under the platform for a lifting eye. i do have aft cleats on the side but didn't want to use them.
 
You'll be happy with that TS. It really is a nice unit - super strong, the pulley is robust as well, and comes off quickly if you don't want to keep it on there all the time. Pretty much the perfect height for all watersports, too... short of going after that 'big air' on a board... but then you have the tower for that.

Don't forget to post back after you use it! Pictures are good!
 
will do. been a while since i learned how to post pictures but im sure i can figure it out. I just looked and i do have lifting eyes under the platform--who knew. if i ever have to tow a small boat in to dock might reach under to use those.
 
Just found this post and wondering if 280 Gator or anyone else has successfully installed and used this on the 290 SDX. Was really hoping this would work on my boat but Turbo Swing website says this isn't compatible with twin Verados 2018 and later "over 250 HP". I really am looking for a solution to pull tubes. Don't like using the tower and the tie downs below the swim platform are just too low in the water in my opinion.
 
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