Need tower help fast!!!!

snobo4rder08 · Criminal Joined: 08 Jul 2006 Posts: 59

okay my BigAirTower just came in today to the dealership and i found out that they are 2 weeks backed up and cant get it on any sooner...so i was wondering how hard it is to install myself? My dad is a carpentor so he knows a lot about using tools and stuff. Could me and him be able to do it?

Also is there a link to the directions on how to put the tower on?
and do i need to reinforce the boat where im drilling the tower in??

thanks

ontrider · Ladies Man Joined: 30 Jul 2003 Posts: 16491 City: Russia

Didn't it come with instructions?

snobo4rder08 · Criminal Joined: 08 Jul 2006 Posts: 59

What are these backing plates and where can i get them?

Also the backing plates, how would i put a backing plate on the inside of the boat if we cant get at it? because we have a small stoarage area on our boat where the front support would be screwed into the boat.

We have a 2005 Searay sundeck 220

ontrider · Ladies Man Joined: 30 Jul 2003 Posts: 16491 City: Russia

Backing plates are metal or some people use plywood. They distribute the pressure on the hull by speading it out where the bolts are attached. You should be able to get at the spots where the tower is mounted though, how are you going to turn the bolts on the other side?

It's difficult to tell though where the best mounting points are without actually seeing your boat. I would have thought that there would be some type of installation instructions to go with it.

This is not the same as your tower obviously, but I would recommend reading it as it has some basic information about how to drill holes and about reinforcing your tower properly.

http://www.monstertower.com/pdf/Installation%20and%20Owners%20Manual.pdf

snobo4rder08 · Criminal Joined: 08 Jul 2006 Posts: 59

on the monster tower install page it talks about 65lbs of pressure for the bolts...how are you suposed to determine that? is it that important?

Rhawn · Posted: Jun 27, 2007 12:11 pm Post subject:

The Big Air tower comes with elaborate instructions and said backing plates. I installed one by myself over 2 days. The biggest pain in the rectum is the drilling. Lots of drilling through stainless.

If the dealership won't give you the instructions, call Big Air and I am pretty sure you can download them.

I used a tie down in conjunction with the drill to get my holes drilled. Relying on your own arm strength will cause you much pain and grief. Trust me, the holes take a ton of pressure and time.

ontrider · Ladies Man Joined: 30 Jul 2003 Posts: 16491 City: Russia

The dealership should give the instructions if he wants them... he purchased the package, they have no right to keep the instructions from him.

sclick55 · Newbie Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 33 City: Fayetteville

Here, I found this tidbit on a sailing website:

snobo4rder08 · Criminal Joined: 08 Jul 2006 Posts: 59

it came with the instructions but i was just curious....

On my boat tho i think i am going to have a problem finding out where i want to drill into my boat..

Rhawn · Posted: Jun 27, 2007 4:31 pm Post subject:

It comes with 2 drillbits as well. I found that they sucked and the cobalt bits I already had worked better. You have to keep oil/WD-40 on the bit and go slow, or it will heat up and harden the stainless even more.

You have to pick a spot, find where its accessible, and commit to it. I suggest browsing the gallery over at bigair and see where other people have located their tower.

snobo4rder08 · Criminal Joined: 08 Jul 2006 Posts: 59

well im going to go ahead and try to install the tower today, ill let you know how it goes.

how long do you guys think it will take? my dad is highly knowledgable in building things

Zcaithaca · Soul Rider Joined: 21 Mar 2007 Posts: 251 City: Ithaca

few hours....

most of our time was spent removing foam though

Rhawn · Posted: Jun 29, 2007 4:49 pm Post subject:

Good luck, 4 hours max.

harddock · Newbie Joined: 14 Jul 2008 Posts: 38

Brit Rider · Posted: Aug 03, 2008 12:24 pm Post subject:

harddock, I think you misunderstood what he was asking. The tower comes with instructions, all the correct hardware and some tools to do the job properly.

The Bit Air is not the easiest tower to install but its not hard either.... the stainless drilling is the biggest issue.

Just follow the instructions and take your time - its very straight forward.

harddock · Newbie Joined: 14 Jul 2008 Posts: 38

Maybe, but it sounded to me like he couldn't get at the underside to through bolt it. I am not trying to bust anyones stones but I would hate to see someone screw the tower to the deck and have things get ugly. Reread the quote about How to get a backing plate in the storage area. I have extra holes from misinformation and was only trying to help.