Tow Bars, Gantries & A-Frames
The tow bar transfers all canopy load into the hull. Get the rating wrong and you risk transom failure — even on a brand-new boat. Here's how to pick the right structure for your platform.
Typical price range: $1,200 – $8,500
Overview
Parasailing tow structures fall into three categories: low A-frames mounted directly to the transom, gantries that arch over the swim platform, and full davit-style towers that integrate with a hardtop. Each has its own load path and mounting demands.
Working-load ratings should be at least 3× your maximum expected canopy load. For triple-rider commercial operations, that means a 2,000 lb minimum WLL — and 5,000 lb breaking strength.
Material matters: 316 stainless steel is the corrosion-resistant gold standard, but powder-coated 6061 aluminum is lighter and cheaper. Avoid mild steel — it will pit through within 18 months of saltwater service.
Tow bar styles compared
| Spec | Low A-frame | Mid gantry | Full davit tower |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical height | 3–4 ft | 6–8 ft | 9–12 ft |
| Working load | 800–1,200 lb | 1,500–2,500 lb | 3,000–5,000 lb |
| Best for | Single rider, private | Double rider commercial | Triple rider commercial |
| Mount points | 2 (transom) | 4 (transom + deck) | 6+ (transom, deck, hardtop) |
| Material | Aluminum | Stainless or aluminum | 316 stainless |
| Price installed | $1,200–$2,500 | $3,000–$5,500 | $6,000–$8,500 |
Top tow bars on the market
Hand-picked models commonly used by commercial parasailing operators.
Centurion Marine
Centurion Marine TG-2400
316SS mid-gantry, 2,400 lb WLL, fits 22–28ft hulls, integrated rope-guide.
$4,800 – $5,400
- Pros
- Bolt-on installation; matches Centurion winch geometry perfectly.
- Cons
- Limited to specific hull layouts; not universal.
Ocean Pro
Ocean Pro Davit Tower D5
Full davit tower, 5,000 lb WLL, 11ft height, integrated hardtop tie-in.
$7,500 – $8,500
- Pros
- Triple-rider rated; clean rope launch angle.
- Cons
- Requires hardtop integration; permanent install.
Apex
Apex A-Frame 1200
Low aluminum A-frame, 1,200 lb WLL, fits any 18–24ft hull.
$1,400 – $1,800
- Pros
- Affordable; easy DIY install with backing plates.
- Cons
- Single-rider only; not suitable for commercial flights.
Tahe Marine
Tahe Marine GA-2000
Aluminum gantry, 2,000 lb WLL, modular leg kit fits most hulls.
$3,200 – $3,900
- Pros
- Modular fit; corrosion-resistant; powder-coated finish.
- Cons
- Requires fitter to spec leg lengths per hull.
Buying tips
- Always install with full backing plates — never just deck-screw a tow structure.
- Verify the WLL and breaking strength on a stamped plate or certificate before paying.
- Match the rope launch angle to your winch drum height — too low causes excessive bending fatigue.
- For commercial use, get the structure inspected annually and after any hard stop or grounding.
- Specify 316 (not 304) stainless if you operate in saltwater year-round.
Frequently asked questions
What working load do I need for a triple-rider parasail?+
Plan for a peak load of around 800 lb during gust spikes, then multiply by 3× for the safety factor. That puts the minimum working load at 2,400 lb, with 5,000 lb breaking strength being the commercial standard for triple-rider operations.
Can I retrofit a tow bar onto a center-console fishing boat?+
Sometimes — but only after a marine surveyor confirms the transom and stringer system can handle the localized load. Most fishing boats need additional backing plates or a stringer reinforcement kit, which adds $800–$2,000 to the install.
How often should I inspect the tow bar?+
Visually inspect after every flight day for cracks at welds and bolt loosening. Get a structural inspection every 12 months, and replace any structure that has been involved in a hard stop, line snap, or grounding event.
Aluminum or stainless steel for a tow bar?+
Aluminum is lighter and cheaper but less stiff and more prone to weld fatigue. 316 stainless steel is the long-life choice for commercial operations, especially in salt water — it costs 30–50% more but lasts 2–3× longer.
Explore other equipment
Ready to spec your next boat?
Pair the right tow bars with the right hull. Our buying guide walks through budget, financing and inspection.
Read the new-boat buying guideCited from Parasailing Boats editorial research.