Water sport towing apparatus and method

Abstract

The aerial performance characteristics of a performer using a water sport implement such as a wakeboard, and being towed by a vessel while maintaining stability of the vessel includes a first relatively rigid vertical support fitted to one side of the, a second relatively rigid vertical support fitted structure to an opposing side, and a horizontal bridging portion extending between upper extremities of the first and second vertically extending supports, at a height substantially above a level of the operator station for the vessel. A tow rope is attached to the horizontally extending bridging portion for towing the performer from the horizontally extending bridging portion while operating the vessel in a body of water. By pivotally attaching the first and second supports to the respective sides of the vessel, they can be rotated downwardly so that the vessel may pass underneath a bridge or into a boat house.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTIONThe present invention generally relates to towing of a performer by a vessel, and more particularly to enhancing performance of the performer using a water sport implement while maintaining stability of the vessel.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONWakeboarding has become one of the fastest growing sports in the world. In the sport of wakeboarding, there is an ever increasing need for the tow boat to create a larger wake to ride. Unlike waterskiing, the performer on a wakeboard is looking for as large a wake as possible. Further, by anchoring the tow line at a high elevation above the boat deck, the greater the ability of the performer to lift higher into the air, whether with a ski or wakeboard.Tow rope pylons are known in the art, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,893,577 to Jennings and U.S. Pat. No. 4,641,597 to Paxton. A typical skiing and wakeboarding pylon has a height of approximately three feet to eight above the floor of the boat. Pylon heights have incr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of the present invention to improve the aerial characteristics of a performance by a performer using a water sport implement, such as a wakeboard or ski, by way of example, and being towed by a vessel while maintaining the stability of the vessel.

Problems solved by technology

This wire interferes with movement inside the boat.

Further, these extended height pylons have not satisfied wakeboarders with their performance.

They do give the performer the ability to get bigger air on the jumps, but the extended pylons flex too much when the performer cuts away or to the wake.

During these cuts, the boat heels to a point of instability for the boat and a hazard for all concerned.

Filling the liner full of water by use of a bilge pump with hoses, wires and clips, can add weight to the back of a boat.

However, this process is awkward and cumbersome.

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