An improved pylon clamp for a boom assembly is disclosed for use in conjunction with a skiboat having a pylon. The clamp is attached to the pylon and supports a boom so that it extends laterally outwardly from the boat. The clamp includes a first portion adapted for connection with the pylon and a second portion adapted for connection with one end of the boom. The first clamp portion has a pair of arcuate legs with an inner surface which flatly abuts against the pylon and a threaded fastener which, upon tightening, compresses the arcuate legs together and clampingly engages the pylon. The second portion of the clamp includes a pair of spaced apart legs which are adapted to receive one end of the boom therebetween. A fastener extends through the spaced apart legs to secure the boom to the pylon clamp.

A convertible water ski tow apparatus for a ski boat is disclosed. The apparatus includes a main tube and a bracket which are attachable to the conventional fixed ski tow pylon found in virtually all ski boats. The bracket affixes the main tube to the tow pylon and permits the main tube to positioned in either of two positions. In an upright position, the main tube acts as a vertical extension of the pylon, so as to facilitate and enhance wakejumping on conventional wakeboards, water skis, or other devices. In a horizontally extending position, the main tube extends outwardly from the boat, where it can be used for instructional skiing, barefoot skiing, and other applications. The apparatus is readily convertible in the field from one position to another, and is stabilized with adjustable rigging extending to the bow of the boat.

A shaft of water ski boom has a grip portion comprised of a tapered subsection around which is a somewhat compressible polyvinyl chloride sleeve having a thickness tapering in the opposing direction to the shaft, to provide a constant diameter grip. Another shaft subsection has a harder vinyl sleeve where the shaft contacts the boat gunnel. A resilient polyester coating covers the rest of the shaft. The polymer layers are applied by liquid and powder processes using combined curing cycles.

A method and apparatus are provided for positioning and securing a seismic float alongside a tow vessel, utilizing a docking cone to secure one end of the float and to raise that end of the float above the water, thereby submersing the other end of the float beneath the water, and thereby damping out movements of the float with wave action. Having so positioned and secured the float, a saddle or other attachment means may then be lowered onto the float for retrieval of the float to onboard the tow vessel.

A pivot is coupled to a water craft. A lever arm is pivotally coupled to the pivot at one end. A tow spool is coupled to the lever arm at an end opposite the pivot. The tow spool is configured to provide an attachment for a towline. A recoil device is coupled to the water craft at one end and coupled to the lever arm at the opposing end. The recoil device stores energy as a towing drag force is applied to the tow spool to cause the lever arm to move from a first position to a second position. The recoil device then provides a restoring force to cause the lever arm to move from the second position to the first position as the towing drag force is reduced.