Baller EFW Posted May 8, 2017 Baller Share Posted May 8, 2017 Paid $9 a bouy w/free shipping. They are 5" across so a little small but before I run down to the hardware store and rig something to attach the bungee do you guys have a tried and true method? (nothing but a hollow center hole top to bottom) Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Bruce_Butterfield Posted May 8, 2017 Baller_ Share Posted May 8, 2017 This method works well: Buoy ties If it was easy, they would call it Wakeboarding Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Zman Posted May 8, 2017 Baller Share Posted May 8, 2017 When I used this type of buoy we would fid a loop on the end of a short piece of poly rope, slide the loop about 3 inches into the hole in the bottom of the buoy, then push a galvanized heavy nail through the spongex and throup the loop. Use a nail not long enough to stick out the other side when the head is pushed flush. Quick n simple. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Marco Posted May 8, 2017 Baller Share Posted May 8, 2017 Like @Zman says... galv nail through the bottom, but we go through a short link of chain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Nando Posted May 8, 2017 Baller Share Posted May 8, 2017 We used PVC pipe caps- drill a hole, thread a rope loop through the cap, tie a large enough knot that it will stay, goop the cap up with epoxy, and push it in. The correct pipe cap will take enough effort to push in that it might stay with friction, but the epoxy keeps them in. Ours lasted for years without a failure, while the ones with nails sometimes worked loose over time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Chef23 Posted May 8, 2017 Baller Share Posted May 8, 2017 We do what @Zman said also. Quick cheap and reliable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller daryl Posted May 8, 2017 Baller Share Posted May 8, 2017 i haven't personally tried it but there is some info at Skiertoskier link looks like it might work ok. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller EFW Posted May 8, 2017 Author Baller Share Posted May 8, 2017 @Bruce_Butterfield Thanks Bruce, I was looking right at that and never even saw it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller EFW Posted May 8, 2017 Author Baller Share Posted May 8, 2017 @Zman now I know what that rusty metal was sticking inside Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller EFW Posted May 8, 2017 Author Baller Share Posted May 8, 2017 Thanks guys preciate it. Never had these before I'll give them a try. If these start disappearing I'll go back to rubber. The Price is Right Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Edbrazil Posted May 9, 2017 Baller Share Posted May 9, 2017 @Nando 's idea works well, and is relatively EZ to do. Just use a PVC endcap that needs a press fit to go in. Plus glue. I've used solvent glue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller EFW Posted May 9, 2017 Author Baller Share Posted May 9, 2017 @Edbrazil Thanks Ed. Appreciate it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Nando Posted May 9, 2017 Baller Share Posted May 9, 2017 Of course it works @Edbrazil , I learned from the master... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Edbrazil Posted May 10, 2017 Baller Share Posted May 10, 2017 I also have a way of fidding up a loop of line that goes over and through the buoy, but it is a bit time-consuming. Method needs to cut 2 notches in the buoy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BrennanKMN Posted May 10, 2017 Baller Share Posted May 10, 2017 I use those style buoys for boat guides on my course. I go to the hardware store and get 3/4" PCV and epoxy. Lather up the pipe with epoxy and slide it into the hole of the buoy. Then after it drys cut it to the desired length and drill a hole in the end of the PVC. I hate the ones with metal in them. I always take the metal out and replace it with some PVC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Nando Posted May 10, 2017 Baller Share Posted May 10, 2017 @BrennanKM, I think it's a MN technique... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller H2Oski17 Posted June 4, 2020 Baller Share Posted June 4, 2020 Glad to find this thread...1 month ago I installed a public course in Charleston SC and I’ve lost 12 bouys to gators (or maybe one gator w a taste for polyform bouys). Tried shooting GreatStuff foam into the punctured bouys w very limited success....the foam slowly soaks up water and bouys eventually sink anyway. So I purchased foam bullet bouys and will give them a try. Was wondering how I’d attach but the PVC/epoxy sounds good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ lpskier Posted June 4, 2020 Baller_ Share Posted June 4, 2020 @H2Oski17 Are you in fresh water? Lpskier Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Adam Caldwell Posted June 4, 2020 Baller Share Posted June 4, 2020 @H2Oski17 - Save yourself the hassle and come ski with us at Trophy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller DavidN Posted June 4, 2020 Baller Share Posted June 4, 2020 I use galvanized nails, plastic chain (3 links per buoy), and bungee cord with a plastic hook. Works perfect, is durable and installed in minutes. Measure where to put the nail, depending on how thick your buoy is (obviously it should not stick out the other side), push nail in an inch or so from one side, try to keep it horizontal and centered, insert chain links in buoy and push the nail in further. It obviously needs to catch the chain inside. Push it in completely and give it a tap with a hammer so the head disappears into the foam. Attach bungee and hook. Done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller mwetskier Posted June 4, 2020 Baller Share Posted June 4, 2020 Galvanized nails can leave a nasty gash in a boat hull if they work their way out even a little bit. Instead, we've always used a 4 1/2-inch piece of fiberglass driveway marker rod. Available at Lowe's, Menard's, home Depot, etc. Cut to length with a chopsaw, bandsaw, or hacksaw - then drill a 1/4-inch diameter starter hole in the same place you would have put the nail. Also, since plastic chain is so cheap, leave an extra half-dozen links below the buoy for a very easy way to adjust the buoy's depth to exactly what you prefer. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-48-in-x-0-375-in-Reflective-Rod/3027086 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BraceMaker Posted June 4, 2020 Baller Share Posted June 4, 2020 @mwetskier Bet you could run that rod in with a drill and then cut it off flush. With the nail if predrilled a bit of a recess for the head of it you could put a blob of silicone in that hole and then push the nail into it and it should stick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller H2Oski17 Posted June 4, 2020 Baller Share Posted June 4, 2020 @lpskier Yep secluded freshwater. Pic below. @adamhcaldwell Thanks for offer. With 4 skiers in the family, TL would be a bit spendy. We enjoy just being on the water and taking turns...despite the course maintenance involved. Conversely, if you have skiers that want low-cost, relaxed access to a course...let me know. @DavidN Thanks for the pictorial....simple and effective....Nice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ lpskier Posted June 5, 2020 Baller_ Share Posted June 5, 2020 @H2Oski17 Sweet! Lpskier Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller mmosley899 Posted June 5, 2020 Baller Share Posted June 5, 2020 @H2Oski17 is that public water? Looks nice, we ski on public water in Alabama. I get to Charleston every so often and usually drop by Trophy to ski. @DavidN has the right idea. Mike's Overall Binding USA Water Ski Senior Judge Senior Driver Senior Tech Controller Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller escmanaze Posted June 5, 2020 Baller Share Posted June 5, 2020 We have a setup that has worked well for us. Particularly with our varying water levels I really like it. I'll get some pics next time I'm out and post them here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller H2Oski17 Posted June 6, 2020 Baller Share Posted June 6, 2020 @mmosley899 About 15 yrs ago I skied a course in AL just S of Maxwell AFB. It was convenient but after rain the runoff from I-69 would really trash up the water. If you get to Charleston let me know. Pic is from yesterday. The new foam bouys should dress up the course nicely...The Clorox jugs are kind of Frankenstein but functional for now. It’s a stainless Accufloat ML w pregates. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Jmoski Posted June 7, 2020 Baller Share Posted June 7, 2020 I modified the skier2skier approach by using; 4mm dinghy line (32” section) 1/4 nylon thimble with ears 3” diameter cap cut out of 1/4” starboard I bought a sheet of starboard and cut out the disks using a hole saw drill bit, and then used a router to take the top edge of. Tie a barrel knot in the line after threading it through the thimble, tighten it up and pass the free end up through the buoy. We do put zip ties in the bottom for the metal clips to connect to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller condorpilot Posted June 8, 2020 Baller Share Posted June 8, 2020 Various sizes available. Ball on this may be a little small in diameter but may work if buoy hole is tapered or washer used. This length expands to 18” max when taught Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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