Towing Rig for 2 Jet Skis
A mechanical attachment system designed for a pontoon boat to tow two jet skis simultaneously, with a secondary operating mode enabling emergency tow-back support. Built with a focus on robustness in real lake conditions, safe load paths, and user-friendly setup.
Overview
The goal was to develop a towing solution that is safe, modular, and easy to use for recreational boaters—while still holding up under dynamic conditions like acceleration, braking, and wave-induced relative motion.
The final approach emphasized clear load paths, corrosion-conscious material choices, and a design that can be assembled / disassembled quickly by a single operator.
- Dual towing of two jet skis while maintaining clearance and stability
- Emergency towing mode (jet skis tow pontoon to safety)
- Compatibility with real attachment geometry + marine handling motion
- Durability in a harsh environment (water, UV, wear)
- Simple operation and minimal loose parts
My Role
I contributed across the full design cycle: translating requirements into engineering targets, supporting analysis for towing and wave loading, iterating mechanical concepts, and helping validate the final assembly through simulation and physical prototyping considerations.
I also focused on clear documentation—so the design intent, assumptions, and safety margins were transparent and easy to review.
- Force estimation from operating scenarios (start, steady towing, decel)
- Wave/relative motion constraints informing allowable articulation
- FEA checks for deflection / margin verification
- Iterative concept selection against specs + usability goals
- Prototype/manufacturing thinking for scalability
Highlights
- Enables a pontoon to tow two jet skis in a controlled, stable configuration
- Supports an emergency tow configuration for returning the pontoon to safety
- Handles dynamic motion via joints/articulation rather than over-constraining the system
- Designed for quick setup with user-friendly hardware choices
- Start from real usage → define worst-case loading
- Design for safety margins and marine deflection limits
- Prioritize robustness without unnecessary weight/complexity
- Make it buildable and repeatable (not a one-off rig)
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