If you have an iPhone 14-16 non-Pro, I highly recommend a vibration dampener. If you have an iPhone 14-16 Pro, you may want one, maybe not. iPhone 13 and earlier doesn't need one.
Adding a dampener will improve the constant "background vibration," though it may slightly worsen the momentary "rope snap shake" when the skier hooks up out of the buoy. It's a $15 solution, so feel free to test and decide based on your own results.
Materials:
- Vibration dampener ($11) - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MGIZSMY
- 2 of 1/4"-20 thread nut or locknut similar to these - https://www.amazon.com/4-20-Nylon-Insert-Stainless-Steel/dp/B08HWQ7T54
- 1 of 1/4"-20 thread, 3/8" length machine screw similar to these - https://www.amazon.com/20-20-Stainless-Button-MonsterBolts/dp/B07CNSC1KR
- Zip-ties or strong string
Assembly:
1. Attach your camera mount to the dampener by running the screw from the inside of the dampener out the center hole of one of the dampener plates. Put the rubber washer that comes with the Ski-Doc between the dampener and the mount, and screw down the mount. You can run your screwdiver/allen wrench (depending on your screw head) through the center hole in the opposite side of the dampener to tighten it down. (note in the images there is an additional metal washer, but that's because my screw is actually 1/2" and a bit too long).
2. Attach the dampener+phone mount to your pylon mount by running the mounting screw through the center hole on the other plate of the dampener, and slide the nut onto the screw. You will need to use a pliers or wrench from the side to hold the nut in place as you screw in the mounting screw from below.
3. Attach zip-ties or pieces of string between the top and bottom plates of the dampener. Why? If a ski rope gets wrapped around the phone in a fall and pulls (very rare but possible), the top plate of the dampener will completely separate from the bottom plate (it slides off the rubber feet), leaving the top plate and your phone flying through the air. The ties/tring keeps it from going out the boat.