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Ski tow link needed for 2023 Bennington

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Tgarland

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Looking to add the following ski tow / tow bar whatever you want to call it but having a hard time finding it online. Needs to fit a 2023 Bennington 18 foot picture of back of line is the blue one with backseat and the picture of maroon boat is the ski tow I’m looking for. Links would be nice if anyone has it. Thanks
Part number ? Ski Tow Bar (17/18/20) 904354
 

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Depending on your model and motor size ,some tow bars may not work. Google Turbo Swing or you can search in the upper right corner for it. Several members have added one .
 
There are a variety of options for those ski bars, mainly different styles and strength ratings, particuarly in regards to allowing the motor to trim up underneath it. Often not a one size fits all kind of deal - particularly if you have a higher HP motor with a bigger motor cowl.

I personally would look into a Turbo Swing as mentioned above. Much easier to add, and stronger rated. Do a search in the upper right hand corner to see discussions on this topic.

If you prefer a more traditional ski tow bar, I’d really talk to local boat dealerships and check on options for your motor and rear boat configuration.
 
BigKahuna said:
Have you checked with your Bennington dealer?
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Yes checked with my local Bennington Dealer and they want $1,800 for the one I have posted on here. Thats not an acceptable number for what that is that’s not even installed that’s just the price of the part.
 
Jack M said:
Depending on your model and motor size ,some tow bars may not work. Google Turbo Swing or you can search in the upper right corner for it. Several members have added one .
Click to expand...
2023 18 foot Bennington and I have a jump seat in the back so I’m looking for a Tow bar that is off the platform and not a turbo swing
 
Tgarland said:
Yes checked with my local Bennington Dealer and they want $1,800 for the one I have posted on here. Thats not an acceptable number for what that is that’s not even installed that’s just the price of the part.
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That's crazy!
 
Cost to add one on my boat was a consideration so I just went the redneck route and use the aft cleats and a tow bridle. I run it through the lifting rings at the transom and it distributes the load. I know you want the bar, just suggesting if you're wincing at the price from one dealer it likely won't be much better elsewhere. You'll want to have a plan B in place.

And before anyone gets on my case YES I know you shouldn't use cleats for this purpose, but I've towed a 10,000lb sailboat using this method so I'm pretty sure a few 100lb kids aren't going to stress things! You gotta roll the dice in life sometimes... just yesterday I ate some yogurt past its expiration date. I'm a daredevil I know.
 
Is it possible? Can you mount a ski towbar on your transom? I have a 2020 SFV Bennington pontoon
 
matt gould said:
Is it possible? Can you mount a ski towbar on your transom? I have a 2020 SFV Bennington pontoon
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I don’t know for sure, but I see what you are thinking. However, even if structurally you would be fine (probably?), my guess is it would interfere with trimming the motor up. Some people have issues sometimes even when they’re mounted on aft deck further away from the motor if they don’t have a big enough tow bar to accommodate larger motors. If it were further back and slightly lower on the actual transome, I’d think it could be in the way of motor trim. I’d certainly pre-measure EVERYTHING very closely with that in mind.

Separately, I’m a total fan of the turbo swing that Jack recommended. We have a turbo swing, and its better rated for weight tow capacity than most tow bars, and mounts off the back on the motor brackets. Totally out of the way of the motor, aft deck, transom, etc… See pic. Turbo swing is the rounded bar behind my motor. Tubes and ski ropes attach to it.

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That price is crazy high. It may be due to shipping costs. Was looking at a used Bennington and the cost to ship the tow bar from Indiana cost more than the bar.
 
While the Turbo Swing is amazing for tubes, I would think less so for ski and wakeboarding - though probably marginally as our Benny's don't throw much of a wake to take advantage of (I have not skied/boarded behind a TurboSwing). I definitely notice a difference when boarding on my buddy's boat with the Arch Tow Point vs Above the Engine Tow Point - the higher tow point provides better control, IMHO. When I did a search for Pontoon Tow Ski Bar - up popped a dozen suggestions, though most seemed to be similar in the $400 to $700 range. The only way to get the Benny Model is from Bennington unless they use a 3rd party - I have yet to see such. The Origin below seems your best bet, though I like the Aerial better:
aerialwakeboarding.com

Ski Tow Bar for Pontoon Boats - Polished

Aerial's ski tow bar for pontoon boats is a universal fit that bolts on to swim deck platforms. It's a simple and affrodable DIY installation.
aerialwakeboarding.com aerialwakeboarding.com

304 Stainless Ski Tow Bar - Height 38in -SKBB - Origin

304 Stainless Ski Tow Bar - Height 38in -SKBB,Made from 304 stainless steel, shining polished, height 38in exlcuding the tow eye.All hardwares are included for quick installation.
www.originwakeboard.com
 
Good Turbo Swing points on skiing and wakeboard. Here’s our experience in those regards:

Skiing:
Overhead pull points are nicer. No doubt. We have rarely had anyone ski. Just a couple times. It is fine once you’re up. However, the lower attachment point with a Turbo Swing vs having a higher one (especially like off a sport arch) does increase the challenge of getting started and pulled up and out of the water on the skis. Our experience is it takes more muscle/stamina because the low pull point. It’s not pulling you up and popping you up quickly.

Wakeboarding:
What’s this? :D I don’t know about wakeboarding as we have never done it. But I suspect you are correct here.

Since we almost exclusively tube, it’s great for that. So considering based on intended usage is a great suggestion.
 
Tgarland said:
2023 18 foot Bennington and I have a jump seat in the back so I’m looking for a Tow bar that is off the platform and not a turbo swing
Click to expand...

I can understand that. I don't care for the turbo swing myself.
I would try a different dealer and see if results are better. Your dealer may simply be trying to 'make it worth their while'?
 
Vikingstaff said:
Good Turbo Swing points on skiing and wakeboard. Here’s our experience in those regards:

Skiing:
Overhead pull points are nicer. No doubt. We have rarely had anyone ski. Just a couple times. It is fine once you’re up. However, the lower attachment point with a Turbo Swing vs having a higher one (especially like off a sport arch) does increase the challenge of getting started and pulled up and out of the water on the skis. Our experience is it takes more muscle/stamina because the low pull point. It’s not pulling you up and popping you up quickly.

Wakeboarding:
What’s this? :D I don’t know about wakeboarding as we have never done it. But I suspect you are correct here.

Since we almost exclusively tube, it’s great for that. So considering based on intended usage is a great suggestion.
Click to expand...
I have my eye now on WakeFoiling.....

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