Tower?

smokinheels10 · Outlaw Joined: 10 Apr 2010 Posts: 100

I have been wakeboarding 4-5 years off and on (depending on whether or not I had time in the summer) behind an I/O. I can consistently land a w2w with 3-4 ft of air (maybe more occasionally, not sure) but I don't feel that I have enough hang time to do anything. I do not have a tower, I'm just using the tow point on the back of the boat. Would a tower be worth it? What will it do for me? More height or just a tad more hang time?

Thanks in advance for any input!

GnarShredd · Posted: Apr 12, 2010 8:49 am Post subject:

Depending on how your boat is set up, a pylon might be better (and cheaper!). Give us some details on what you're riding behind.

smokinheels10 · Outlaw Joined: 10 Apr 2010 Posts: 100

Its a 19ft stingray. No ballast or anything of the sort. The only thing I don't like about the pylons is the fact you have to have the ropes going to the corners of the boat. My dad likes to have the bimini top up when he is the one pulling me and I don't know if a pylon would allow that.

Don't really know what else to say about the boat..does that answer your questions?

Wakeboarder3780 · Posted: Apr 12, 2010 6:14 pm Post subject:

I can tell you I was riding in a bayliner when I was a kid and had to do a LOT of bargaining with my dad to convince him to put a pylon in the boat. After it was in honestly I couldn't tell a huge difference to be honest...

It also salted the wound that I had to pay for the whole thing myself. Anyways IMO I would worry about increasing the size of the wake before worrying about a tower if it were me.

Additionally you could just do what this guy does, he doesn't need a tower Wink

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8159472377447193948#

smokinheels10 · Outlaw Joined: 10 Apr 2010 Posts: 100

Wakeboarder, thanks for your honest response. That will save me a good bit of money now. I suppose I will look to the I/O thread to see how to properly increase wake size.

How does that guy do that? There is barely a wake at all back there and he is easily doing inverts.. Shocked

JeffreyCH · Posted: Apr 13, 2010 6:47 am Post subject:

He's Scott Byerly, that's how Wink

As far as towers go, I don't think it helped my air much, the main difference I noticed was pulling up seemed a lot easier, less stressful on the shoulders. As you can see from the S.B. vid hangtime and air is all about technique.

BWake · Newbie Joined: 23 Feb 2009 Posts: 20

Ill offer the opposite comment, i think it makes a huge difference. You have a higher pulling point and it makes getting air a lot easier, and you can get much more consistent.

A tower is great as racks are the perfect way to get all of your boards off the boat.

TnR6Rida · Posted: Apr 16, 2010 5:02 pm Post subject:

I like having a tower much better because of the upward pull. Doesn't feel like its as hard on you.

smokinheels10 · Outlaw Joined: 10 Apr 2010 Posts: 100

How is the tower on your gelcoat? Any additional stress cracks in the gel coat or anything of the sort?

VG6 · Newbie Joined: 23 Sep 2009 Posts: 48

I am just learning but I watched the old video with SCOTT BYERLY and it really inspired me that you don't need a huge wake, tower, or fancy boards and ropes to wakeboard like a pro. It takes practice practice and good technique.

Enygma · Soul Rider Joined: 26 Jul 2009 Posts: 356

I look at towers as MUCH more then just added support while wakeboarding. It really adds a LOT of looks and style to the boat. easy and accessible storage for the wakeboards, speakers and a light bar for some night time riding. Plus, I found it did a LOT in terms of height and consistancy.

I would go with either diywake.com who I got EXCELLENT service with or a monster tower.

smokinheels10 · Outlaw Joined: 10 Apr 2010 Posts: 100

I agree with the consistency part and the improved looks of the boat. We had a monster tower put on with speakers, board racks, and mirror. Just made the riding experience a lot more enjoyable. Took a lot of strain off my lower back and made riding feel more natural in general. Also seem to be much more consistent with w2ws. Will probably be adding some ballast fairly soon as well.

OperationROL · Criminal Joined: 11 Aug 2009 Posts: 92 City: Rockford

I ride behind boats with towers and boats without and will tell you that the tower makes a huge difference. With the tower, it is easier to get up on the board. You do not have to really do anything. It pops you right up. Also, with the tower, it is much easier to stick anything. The fact that the rope is above naturally wants to pull you back up. I have been looking to get a Monster MT1 for my boat because I think it will help with my progress.

smokinheels10 · Outlaw Joined: 10 Apr 2010 Posts: 100

OperationROL, I would say go for it. I def. think it is worth it. I got the MT1 myself and got the package with it. I think it was a very good investment. Like you said, it makes everything easier and more natural.

TRAXX822 · Newbie Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 1 City: Naperville

I think a tower makes a difference because it is not pulling you back down when you are up in the air. Yet Wake size is more important.

Christobull · Addict Joined: 29 Jun 2009 Posts: 898 City: Tulsa

You can get a bimini on a pylon or a tower, just fyi. If installed right, no stress fractures or gel coat issues should come up. I don't see a huge need for the tower as far as improved riding is concerned, but the convenience and overall appeal of one makes me say that it would be a good investment.