So my Ski Tow Ring loosened up, and did a little damage. My fix.
Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2021 1:11 pm
So,
I was crushed last weekend when my new to me 2016 Cobalt 220 had the tow ring loosen up (unbeknownst to me) while towing the kids. Yes, it was tight when I put the rope on. Frankly, I'm not sure why it loosened up. (note to all, check the bolts on occassion). Last week we were pulling 1 tube with no more than 300lbs on it.
When I discovered it in my driveway while putting the cover on, I was crushed and worried further damage could have been done. When I talked to the Cobalt dealer, he did try to get Cobalt to cover the gelcoat reapir as that ring shouldn't have loosened up. But Gelcoat only covered for 3 years, and something about can't be sure as to why it loosened up etc. So, no coverage (estimate of $300-$350 for the gelcoat repair). (I still have a little left on my 5 year, and this wasn't hull related for the lifetime).
I have an appt to get the gelcoat fixed at the end of the season in a few weeks. But, I really felt that the small support behind the ring on the backside of the Transom was bent, and frankly pretty flimsy. So... I decided I wanted to use a bigger backing plate, and nylock bolts instead of bolts and lockwashers. Just seems more reasonable given the vibrations. Should spread out the load, and the nylock just makes more sense to me.
I drew up a template and had a local machine shop laser cut some pieces out of slightly thicker stainless. One for the backside (the transom back there is not flat, it's the same "shape" as the front. Also thought one would be good on the front. Maybe forever, but at least until that gelcoat is fixed. I actually have a couple extra pieces, I may have one polished up. Part of me says skip the gelcoat fix and just do that.
Anyways, here are some before and afters. Not sure if others have had this issue. Seems to me that the plate on both side makes sense, and frankly looks better if I were to have it electropolished.
Thoughts?
I was crushed last weekend when my new to me 2016 Cobalt 220 had the tow ring loosen up (unbeknownst to me) while towing the kids. Yes, it was tight when I put the rope on. Frankly, I'm not sure why it loosened up. (note to all, check the bolts on occassion). Last week we were pulling 1 tube with no more than 300lbs on it.
When I discovered it in my driveway while putting the cover on, I was crushed and worried further damage could have been done. When I talked to the Cobalt dealer, he did try to get Cobalt to cover the gelcoat reapir as that ring shouldn't have loosened up. But Gelcoat only covered for 3 years, and something about can't be sure as to why it loosened up etc. So, no coverage (estimate of $300-$350 for the gelcoat repair). (I still have a little left on my 5 year, and this wasn't hull related for the lifetime).
I have an appt to get the gelcoat fixed at the end of the season in a few weeks. But, I really felt that the small support behind the ring on the backside of the Transom was bent, and frankly pretty flimsy. So... I decided I wanted to use a bigger backing plate, and nylock bolts instead of bolts and lockwashers. Just seems more reasonable given the vibrations. Should spread out the load, and the nylock just makes more sense to me.
I drew up a template and had a local machine shop laser cut some pieces out of slightly thicker stainless. One for the backside (the transom back there is not flat, it's the same "shape" as the front. Also thought one would be good on the front. Maybe forever, but at least until that gelcoat is fixed. I actually have a couple extra pieces, I may have one polished up. Part of me says skip the gelcoat fix and just do that.
Anyways, here are some before and afters. Not sure if others have had this issue. Seems to me that the plate on both side makes sense, and frankly looks better if I were to have it electropolished.
Thoughts?
gg44. Great documentation for the site too. Appreciate ya’ my friend. 