Waterskiing - Towboats

Towboats are boats made specifically for slalom skiing. Most towboats have a very small hull and a flat bottom to minimizes its wake. A true tournament ski boat will have a direct drive motor shaft which centers the weight in the boat for an optimal wake shape. However, some recreational ski boats will have the motor placed in the back of the boat (v-drive), which creates a bigger wake. The boat has a metal ski pylon placed in the center of the boat in front of the engine to connect the skier. This pylon is mounted securely, since a skilled slalom skier can put a considerable amount of tension in the ski rope and the pylon.

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