This 78 Dyne belongs to the Alton Ski Club and, from what we can tell, was used up until the late 80's or early 90's. The boat was in storage since then but brought back to life this year. We are using it for Alton Ski Club's new show team the River Road Renegades. It's powered by 2 Merc 175 XRI's and has plenty of get up and go. From looking at other 18's on the site, I noticed the pylon location on our Dyne is in the center of the boat and others are closer to the back. We haven't pulled anything big off the dock yet but what we have pulled hasn't been an issue. Any idea why it is mounted towards the middle and what benefit if any that would have?
It will track better with the pylon mounted there. I saw that boat perform when it belonged to Alton. The driver/owner was very good and knowledgeable. The boat was a real workhorse. Those are great motors and light. jim
I also believe the theory is it will help keep the nose of the boat down on big "heavy" pulls. Love the way you guys repowered a 18 footer, and gave it new life. "Great Boat" !!!!!!!! Bob
I agree with both Jim and Bob, center poles track much better and the boat stays a lot flatter. The photo doesn't show the top of the pole but a center pole can be shorter than a rear pole and the rope will still clear the motor. A little bit shorter is a lot better from a leverage (strength) perspective. The further the bracing moves down from the top of the pole, the more forward force will be on the boat floor at the base of the pole and the more the pole will want to bend at the brace. Conversely the higher the bracing is up the pole, the more work the bracing is doing and the less the pole and floor is doing. Your solution is not by design weaker than a rear pole. What really matters is how strong each load point is. Given the age of the boat, you'd have to inspect it to be sure. What is under the floor, how strong are the braces, how strong are the attachment points, what is the pole made out of and how thick is it etc. Is there any rot in the stringers etc?
maybe must ski can chime in on this one. But i beleive boat will track better with pylon more rearward. That way more boat weight is ahead of pylon to keep the bow down. having pylon in center of boat does help with around the boat skiers so the spotter does not have to lift rope over the driver.
I must admit every outboard I've been in with a center pole also has a tracking fin. A rear pole with a tracking fin is nowhere near as good as a center pole with a tracking fin.
My experience has been that an 18 Dyne tracks better with the pole more forward. The pylon in my boat is quite a bit further forward than the new boats. It tracks better. I have driven both. jim
