Anyone regret adding or not like their Wakeboard tower?

[SeaNile]

I've spent a good amount of time searching all the various wakeboard tower threads but there was nothing that really summed up the satisfaction of having one vs not having one. I've got a new to me 240 Sundeck and will be using it a lot to teach friends and kids how to wakeboard. Can't say if we will board a lot or not at all but I am tempted by the idea of adding a wakeboard tower.

For those with a tower, are you happy with it? Do you find it gets in the way of things? Did you add the tower and regret it, etc? Just looking for general comments on these Sundecks with and without the towers.

Thanks.

JK

 

[zboaterctf]

Looked at adding an aftremarket tower to my 290 SD because the lines are always dragging in the water for watersports with smaller kids based on where the ski eye is located. After talking to a lot of aftermarket and custom shops - some things to consider. If you want to keep your current bimini/canvas the tower needs to be tall and wide (which may look strange). Many people opt to put the tower on the SD's in the rear of the boat for this reason as well as because it is easier to get the boards on/off vs. if it is in the center of the boat. Different after market towers attach in various ways - make sure you understand how it will be mounted (especially if you tow the boat a lot and long distances on the road as this vibration is very tough on the towers). If you rack/stack your boat, consider extra cost due to new hight requirements if you do not have a fold down tower. Lot of vendors out there - I was most impressed with these guys when discussing the topic a year ago - they have some images of towers they have put on Sundecks on their site. http://www.dbgconcepts.com/ Good luck and have fun this summer on the water.

 

[Tonka Boater]

Looked at adding an aftremarket tower to my 290 SD because the lines are always dragging in the water for watersports with smaller kids based on where the ski eye is located. After talking to a lot of aftermarket and custom shops - some things to consider. If you want to keep your current bimini/canvas the tower needs to be tall and wide (which may look strange). Many people opt to put the tower on the SD's in the rear of the boat for this reason as well as because it is easier to get the boards on/off vs. if it is in the center of the boat. Different after market towers attach in various ways - make sure you understand how it will be mounted (especially if you tow the boat a lot and long distances on the road as this vibration is very tough on the towers). If you rack/stack your boat, consider extra cost due to new hight requirements if you do not have a fold down tower. Lot of vendors out there - I was most impressed with these guys when discussing the topic a year ago - they have some images of towers they have put on Sundecks on their site. http://www.dbgconcepts.com/ Good luck and have fun this summer on the water.

Great reply! I was considering these guys for my 240SD (http://www.monstertower.com) ....particularly the MTK series because it looks sporty and has the lines of a radar arch.

http://shop.monstertower.com/p-149-mtk-universal-wakeboard-tower.aspx

 

[magstang1]

I had a cuddy cabin that I added a collapsible pylon to once. There was a deck plate that you mounted on the floor and the pylon sat on top of that. From the top of the pole there were three cables. Two of them attached aft on the port and starboard side. These were fixed length. The third attached to the bow eye and had a turnbuckle in it.

You sat the pole on the deck plate, snapped the cables on the rear eyes, snapped the cable on the bow eye and tightened the turnbuckle. It took under 5 minutes to install and stowed away very compactly when not needed. The pole was tow sections that just slipped together. It was rock solid when it was up, and I didn't have to modify any canvas.

I think it was all under $200.

 

[texxmark]

Ordered my SD with the tower and have no regrets. Sure I have to drive to the taller section of a couple bridges to pass but not a big deal...It's all about the ride anyways. Of course the tower is good for watersports and keeping the rope up but there are many benefits I didn't expect. While riding I can stand up and hold onto the tower while under way (I know I know...keep seated while underway), and when my parents or kids board the boat at the dock it gives them something very sturdy to hold on to. Actually we all use it while boarding from the dock but for my folks it's especially helpful. It would also make a great place to clamp a grill on if you're into cooking on the boat.
-Mark

 

[zboaterctf]

I had a cuddy cabin that I added a collapsible pylon to once. There was a deck plate that you mounted on the floor and the pylon sat on top of that. From the top of the pole there were three cables. Two of them attached aft on the port and starboard side. These were fixed length. The third attached to the bow eye and had a turnbuckle in it.

You sat the pole on the deck plate, snapped the cables on the rear eyes, snapped the cable on the bow eye and tightened the turnbuckle. It took under 5 minutes to install and stowed away very compactly when not needed. The pole was tow sections that just slipped together. It was rock solid when it was up, and I didn't have to modify any canvas.

I think it was all under $200.

Yes - looked at that direction as well. Also looked at a custom retractable pole like Malibu and others do. Found some 3rd party solutions, but most will only carry a 500lb load and extend 6-7 inches. Looked at a custom removeable pole with mount under deck and secured further down by stringers. Still trying to decide what to do - unfortunately the factory tower for the 290 (which looks great) requires completely replacing the windsheild and all new canvas ... and not sure I like the look of having and aftermarket tower in the rear ...

 

[magstang1]

My pylon was about 7 feet tall. It broke down into 2, 3 1/2 foot sections.

 

[SeaNile]

I like look and the ones that allow you to retain the OEM bimini top and snap on cockpit covers. Sounds like the Monster Tower sister company that makes the OEM towers is the way to go. Didn't think it would be so expensive, $2000 for tower, $400 for wakeboard racks and $400 for shipping.

Glad to hear that the tower does not interfere with movement around the boat and getting on and off the boat. Always nice to have a sturdy structure to hold one to as well.

JK