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DIY tower guys, lets see pics of your mounts

 
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Hogger
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PostPosted: May 31, 2009 12:59 pm    Post subject: DIY tower guys, lets see pics of your mounts Reply with quote

All you guys that built towers. I would love to see some pics of how you mounted the tower to the boat.
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Brit Rider
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PostPosted: May 31, 2009 1:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Have you checked DIYTOWER.com? Great resource....
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PostPosted: May 31, 2009 5:35 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

you migth be able to see the mounts here: http://forums.wakeboarder.com/viewtopic.php?t=81607&highlight= they are from DIY wake.
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Hogger
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PostPosted: Jun 01, 2009 4:35 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've checked out DIY, but most people seem to be using the pre-made mount kits. Or are able to do a direct surface mount. I'd like to be able to fold it down, or at least make it easy to dismantle.
I'm basically looking for other options, but may have to go with the pre-made kit also.
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kartman
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PostPosted: Jun 02, 2009 7:50 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

mine isnt foldable, but it only takes 4 nuts, and the whole thing comes off. really easy. still need to send it to the powdercoater.
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JeffreyCH
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PostPosted: Jun 02, 2009 9:36 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I installed this one, it was fairly cheap and works fine so far. 2 bolts and it folds down easy.
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wrenchmonkey
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PostPosted: Jul 08, 2009 1:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Here's a couple I just got done fabbing up. Still waiting on the Heim joints to show up.

The rear brackets are very simple, because the Gunwale at the back of the boat has a nice flat surface that I can mount to very easily, and I don't have to worry about clearing the windshield for folding.





I still need to finish the backing plates for these mounts.

The front mounts are slightly more complicated, but not by much. I just welded a 1/2" bolt through a steel plate, at about a 45 degree angle, because the gunwale up at the front sits at about a 45 degree angle, at the point that it's wide enough to clear the windshield, to be able to fold down.

The Heim Joint will be threaded into the end of the tower, and will bolt over the end of the bracket. backing plates have been completed for these mounts.





Still trying to figure out which type of tubing will be the best to use for the actual tower... Once I figure that out, I'll start bending and welding some more.
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Brit Rider
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PostPosted: Jul 09, 2009 1:30 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Use aluminum, about 2" OD with a good 1/8th" wall thickness.

Steel is to heavy!

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wrenchmonkey
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PostPosted: Jul 09, 2009 6:37 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I can't weld aluminum. I only have a MIG, and I don't have Argon... It's steel or nothing for me, unfortunately. I'm thinking I'm going to use 1-3/4" Electric Weld Tubing, in about 13 gauge... Shouldn't be too heavy, and should be plenty sturdy...
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kartman
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PostPosted: Jul 10, 2009 8:01 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

2" exhaust tubing should be good enough. you can get it in stainless also.
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wrenchmonkey
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PostPosted: Jul 10, 2009 3:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I went and picked some up today. The Smallest they had was .090! It'll bend alright, and be SUPER strong, but the tower is going to weigh like 70 lbs... Was hoping to get some .060, but they didn't have it...
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stinky_1
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PostPosted: Nov 14, 2009 8:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

it just means you wont need as much ballast in the front of the boat. Will bring the bow down a bit, or allow more weight in the rear.

Looking good so far!

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wakemads
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PostPosted: May 10, 2010 1:12 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Mine is a hybrid between a pole and a tower.

Have just installed a real tower this winter, but the pictured setup have been used for 5 seasons without any problems.

Its basically a Aluminium tower / with a alu bar going out to the lifting ring. The tied down to the waterski pole. takes 2 min to install and vice versa.

reason for change wanted to save 2 min every time i go out as well as hauling around from the garage to the boat. plus wanted board racks, so i have less stuff lying around in the boat.

But it is easy to build and works without a hitch. and it distributes the pull/weight like a tower but goes in a ski boat as easy as a pole.
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