Rope getting stuck/Hung up on Racks

[sgtsandbagger]

What's the trick for not getting the rope stuck on the racks on a illusion X during turns?

When i'm driving it's not really a problem since I slow down to no wake speed and pull the rope down while turning. When I let other people drive (usually to pull me) they always seem to have problems getting the rope stuck. I've used a bungee with limited success.

Anyone figured out a trick solution??, or am I the only one?

[TrickyNicky]

What's the trick for not getting the rope stuck on the racks on a illusion X during turns?

When i'm driving it's not really a problem since I slow down to no wake speed and pull the rope down while turning. When I let other people drive (usually to pull me) they always seem to have problems getting the rope stuck. I've used a bungee with limited success.

Anyone figured out a trick solution??, or am I the only one?

I just pull down to no wake speed and as the rope slacks drops I turn around and head back to the rider. this way the rope is low and gets "caught" underneath the rack instead of in the forks. So when i straighten out again he rope stays free. I also like to turn to the side where I put the surfboard so when I turn I have a whole extra obstacle for the rope to get caught "underneath" and avoid tangling in the racks. Just put the surboard fins forward so they don't catch the rope either.

[Malibudude]

Well one option that I've been using is by Wakejak. The product works and keeps the ropes from entangling in the wakeboard bindings or racks themselves.

[TEXWAKE]

Well one option that I've been using is by Wakejak. The product works and keeps the ropes from entangling in the wakeboard bindings or racks themselves.

Only thing is that its gotta get in the way when you have people standing up in the back while your not boarding. Do you leave it on or is it easy to break down?

I just leave my boards on my tower to stop the rope from getting tangled.

[Malibudude]

Doesn't seem to really get in the way as I've got the extended biminy and the WJ doesn't project further than that. It's a bit tough to put on when your in the water unless you stand on the gunwale or dock. It takes just a sec longer to adjust rope lengths, there are some improvements that could be made to make it quicker to install and deal w/ rope length but overall works well.

[sgtsandbagger]

That WJ idea looks pretty cool. Maybe I can find a Kick-back protector with a Malibu logo on it to see if that helps weigh it down. Might be able to rig an old CB antenna to do the same thing as the WJ?

[CedarLakeSkier]

if you have an experienced rider, they will know that when they get the rope they can hold on until it gets tight (before they even get the handle) and give the rope a quick flick to get it unhooked from the racks/wakeboards/skis, or whatever it's hooked on

[skyskier]

When the rider drops, I don't go to neutral. I go to an idle and make a slow (no wake)turn around and a little wider circle than most. That keeps the boat moving and keeps the rope from dropping into the racks. I also keep the boat moving at the upper end of no wake speed and make a wider than normal circle when I pick up the rider. If the rider keeps some tension on the rope once it is in his/her hand that helps too. If there are no boards in the racks on the driver's side, I swing the racks in.

[TEXWAKE]

I was wondering maybe putting a little weight in an area of the rope might make it droop enough so that it goes under the racks rather than in them? I might go to the local fishing store and look at some fishing weights you can screw to the rope.

[idaman]

Simplest solution is how you pick the rider up. If you make a wide turn around you should have no problems with the rope. I have never had a issue, but everyone I let drive my boat has been taught how to pick me up without running over the rope, getting water in the front of the boat, and getting rope caught in the rack.

[skyskier]

I was wondering maybe putting a little weight in an area of the rope might make it droop enough so that it goes under the racks rather than in them? I might go to the local fishing store and look at some fishing weights you can screw to the rope.

Even if it worked, I suspect those weights would beat your boat up pretty good.

[WakingMeHappy]

It happens sometimes. I finely learned to go slow and not turn so sharp. It also help keep the water calm.