ski tube

[aviatoreb]

I have been browsing the internet and also this forum for signs of a ski tube stc.  I am not finding much.  Such a simple mod - and I would think generally desirable.  Surely there is something out there.  Any ideas?

Erik

[sleepingsquirrel]

Do you want internal or external ?

[M016576]

I have my wife's skiis and mine in a large ski bag from Eddie Bauer that cinches tightly and has pole holders.  I Put the bag in the hat rack area with the tips facing backwards.  I put the bag in through the baggage door.  Just so happens the rear bench seat is the perfect height to lay the skiis across.  To keep it from sliding forward, I fasten the rear seatbelt and cinch it down on the side I have the skiis on, and I put a strap through the seatbelt and over the bindings.  The rear binding keeps itself anchored into the back of the bench and the strap ensures they won't bounce over if we hit turbulence.  I don't have a pic, as I left our sticks up in Sun Valley over the holidays, but can show you once I get them back (in a couple weeks).  The rest of the hat rack is stuffed with my winter cover and cowl plugs, so the skiis can't move side to side, either.

I know that's not really a ski tube per say, but works very well (even with our car seat and baby in the back!). I typically use the "fourth seat" for a big parachute bag full of clothes anyway (which also conveniently is about the height of the rear bench), so it's easy for me to "recoup" that space with skiis.  I also use that trick for my golf clubs.

All bets are off if you have the split seats back there... I guess that's the one (and probably only) "advantage" of the bench, you can lay things from the hatrack across it!

[KSMooniac]

I've also managed to carry a couple pairs of skis without a tube... it is perfectly doable, just make sure they are lashed down!

[PTK]

How illegal would it be to make a round opening in the back of the baggage compartment under the hat rack. Just big enough to fit a tube for skis. It could be secured back above the equipment rack so it doesn't move. It would not extend beyond the equipment rack by much. The tube could be of a very light material or probably don't even need a tube. Just an opening to slide the skiis into and secure them. I've often thought about it but hesitated.

Or how about a ski rack on top. Sort of like the one they had for the shuttle on top of the 747!

[jrwilson]

I think Cessnas had something like that (tube from baggage, not on top).  Like a big pvc pipe going back into the tail area.  Good idea, you should stc'it, make some cash.  Oh, wait, aviation.  You should stc'it, and probably lose some cash... 

[jrwilson]

Yep, I was right, such a smarty 

Optional Ski Tube STC: SA00642SE The Optional Ski Tube is designed to compliment our EXTENDED BAGGAGE COMPARTMENT KIT. SKI TUBE PRICE: $280.00 Plus shipping/handling and applicable sales tax. Approved Models: Cessna 180-180H, 182-182D, 185-A185E Need a place for those skis? Want to protect your fishing pole? Our OPTIONAL SKI TUBE is the answer!

[jrwilson]

Found this one from "sipes aircraft."  It doesn't really specify what aircraft it would fit in, says, "give 'em a call for your aircraft needs."   It is 72" long and holds 40lbs.  So if it would fit, maybe a 337? 

Might be good for smuggling stuff too.  False cover over the front?  Just sayin'...

 

Disclaimer, I am totally kidding and in no way endorse smuggling anything, unless it is very profitable    I think I am having a sarcasm disorder today.

[PTK]

Quote: jrwilson

I think Cessnas had something like that (tube from baggage, not on top).  Like a big pvc pipe going back into the tail area.  Good idea, you should stc'it, make some cash.  Oh, wait, aviation.  You should stc'it, and probably lose some cash... 

[Shadrach]

I thought there was a Ski-tube STC for Mooneys.  I always wondered how you would get around the step retraction mechanism in the 60's birds...

[jrwilson]

This is from the 2004 Mapa log classifieds...  So maybe ask Jim Shaw...seems like his 62 M20C had one...

1962 M20C
4600TT, 720 SMOH, annual 6-10-04, panel refurbed in 2002, new PMA 6000 audio panel, Narco Mark 12E Navcom w/GS, Narco Mark 12D, Foster LRN500 Loran, DME 890, AT150 transponder, accutrack B11 autopilot, new alternator, ski tube, always hangared at GYR, NDH, Red/blue over white, $45,000 OBO
Jim Shaw MAPA #12345 602-821-4987 email; jshaw@att.net

[aviatoreb]

Quote: M016576

I have my wife's skiis and mine in a large ski bag from Eddie Bauer that cinches tightly and has pole holders.  I Put the bag in the hat rack area with the tips facing backwards.  I put the bag in through the baggage door.  Just so happens the rear bench seat is the perfect height to lay the skiis across.  To keep it from sliding forward, I fasten the rear seatbelt and cinch it down on the side I have the skiis on, and I put a strap through the seatbelt and over the bindings.  The rear binding keeps itself anchored into the back of the bench and the strap ensures they won't bounce over if we hit turbulence.  I don't have a pic, as I left our sticks up in Sun Valley over the holidays, but can show you once I get them back (in a couple weeks).  The rest of the hat rack is stuffed with my winter cover and cowl plugs, so the skiis can't move side to side, either.

I know that's not really a ski tube per say, but works very well (even with our car seat and baby in the back!). I typically use the "fourth seat" for a big parachute bag full of clothes anyway (which also conveniently is about the height of the rear bench), so it's easy for me to "recoup" that space with skiis.  I also use that trick for my golf clubs.

All bets are off if you have the split seats back there... I guess that's the one (and probably only) "advantage" of the bench, you can lay things from the hatrack across it!

[jackn]

Skis & Bags fit well in my K. Pilot seat is all the way back in thi picture. Not so sure x-country skis would fit

[Steve65E-NC]

Give Lasar a call.  They may have a drawing or something.  Seems I recall they installed at least one ski-tube in a Mooney.

[jwilkins]

Here is a link to a 337 approved and filed for fabricating and installng a ski tube for a Bonanza. 

It always seemed like it would be a great way to carry fishing poles without damage, too.

I'm fairly certain Lasar has done some Mooney Ski Tubes, but I may be mis-remembering who did them.

Jim

 

[jwilkins]

Rats. Forgot to paste the 337 link. Sorry

http://www.beechcraft.org/vtail/337p2.gif

 

Jim

[Ned Gravel]

Here is a set from a 337 for a K model that I have planned to use, but never got around to doing.

For those of you ruled by the FAA and not Transport Canada, you will have your own regulatory requirements to meet to do this, I suppose, just as we have ours up here.

Enjoy.  YMMV.

[flyby201]

I have a 77 "J" and have flown ASG to APA (3 & a half hrs) with 3 adults, baggage for 3 adults for a week, one set of skis, boots, poles and a snowboard and snowboard boots without a problem.  The backseat guy said he was comfortable and not crowded.  We were near gross on takeoff, if you needed that seating space for another person you would probably be well over gross unless you weren't going far or planned fuel stops. No sense going to the trouble of adding the ski tube if it's not necessary.  Skis and snowboard were arranged similar to the picture posted by Jackn above.

[M016576]

Quote: aviatoreb

I need to try it - but I am doubtful it will work.  I bet you are talking about downhill skis.  I cross country ski and my boys and I do races so the equipment is particularly light but particularly long.  My skis range from 198cm to 208cm from my shortest skate skis to my longest classic skis.  I bet my poles are even longer than a lot of down hill skis - my poles are 175cm and I am 6'4''.  But I am need to try just what you said with the hat rack and a ski bag.  Race XC skis are surprising light compared to downhill and if a few 10's of centemeters need to stick into the tail inside a ski tube, then I bet it would be only a matter of ounces past the baggage compartment station.

When I was shopping for Mooneys starting about 2 years ago I saw a picture of one of the Mooneys on controller that had made a ski tube - it looked as if it was a round tube like a big PVC pipe.  I bet they did a 337, or maybe they just did it quietly.

[jrwilson]

So my new to me, super duper awesome M20K has a ski tube installed with 337.  Its pretty cool, you don't even notice it, just a little hatch in the back wall of the baggage compartment.  If anyone is interested I'll email a copy of the 337.

[M20F]

Skiing is dangerous

[AndyFromCB]

Skiing is dangerous

 

In more ways than one. About 7 years ago or so, I met this girl. We've had a good time for a couple of months. I decided we should go skiing. We had a good time the first day, but during the evening she snapped. We argued in the hotel lobby. We were sharing a room with another couple so going back to the room to continue the argument was not an option. We found a little utility room. We screamed at each other for good 30 minutes. I went to the front desk to get another room. None were available. I decided to maintain some sort of civility for the rest of the evening, catch a flight back home next day and promptly break up upon our arrival. 

 

Well, we were civil towards one another next day, decided since we're still here, we might as well ski another day before our flight back. Well, on the first run of the day, she promptly crashed, went over the cliff and by miracle landed on a ledge about 6 feet lower instead plunging to her death. She broke her tail bone. I had to be nice to her for a few days after our visit to Keystone ER. Could not break up with her while she was still on pain pills. 

 

Seven years later, that woman is now my wife ;-) To this day we still have no idea what we argued about. But yes, skiing is dangerous. 

 

BTW, since then, broken tail bone and all, she's become quite an accomplished skier and can work the Garmin 430/530 better than I can ever hope to learn. It's a struggle flying IFR solo.

[The-sky-captain]

Skiing is dangerous

Yes, must snowboard... I've had 4 adults and 2 boards in my J. Backseat guys were on the small side and had the boards in between them. I've used this configuration several times

[PMcClure]

Skiing is dangerous

 

I heard the drive to the slopes was more dangerous than actual skiing.

[carusoam]

Can you post the 337?

I think I have seen one before.

It would make a nice downloadable file...

Best regards,

-a-