Installing a wakeboard rack without a tower on a Bayliner 17

keithm · Newbie Joined: 31 Oct 2009 Posts: 19

Enclosed is a step-by-step walk thru to install a wakeboard rack to a 2009 bayliner 175 without a wakeboard tower. My objective was to install a wake board rack that met the following criteria:
1. Was a robust system and could handle the various loads of the boat (not a wimpy design).
2. Could support 2x wakeboards.
3. Would not interfere with the Bimini (in deployed and/or stowed position).
4. Would not impede boarding/deboarding from the dock.
5. Would not interfere with docking the boat (cleat line obstruction, fender placement...).
6. Easy access to board.
7. Would not obstruct drivers view.
8. Functional and clean aesthetics.
9. Quick disconnect feature (no tools req'd would be nice).
I've looked at a few non-tower wake board systems and they are either too expensive or did not meet one or more of the criteria listed above. I bought, from e-bay a wake board rack at $120 sold by e-bay member "lipboating" and seen here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Quick-Release-RAIL-Mount-7-8-Diameter-Wakeboard-Rack_W0QQitemZ190328574528QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2c50779240

the wakeboard rack, from e-bay

closer view, seems like a nice item, aluminum made. The features I was looking for was the ability to attach to a 7/8 inch rod and fully adjustable mounting angles

the adjustable mounting bracket

close-up of weld

keithm · Newbie Joined: 31 Oct 2009 Posts: 19

7/8 clamp in vertical position

7/8 clamp in horizontal position

bracket removed from rack, quick disconnect

keithm · Newbie Joined: 31 Oct 2009 Posts: 19

bimini deployed on boat, the bimini brackets are 7/8.

attach rack bracket to Bimini aft vertical bracket

quick check of rack

Couple of issues:
1. wake board is too far back, would impede entry/exit of boat
2. aft bracket is not all that strong, worry about failure of bimini

keithm · Newbie Joined: 31 Oct 2009 Posts: 19

bracket as clamped to bimini rod

move board to middle bimini bracket

seems better. Can not exit/enter boat with wake board attached except:
1. seems board is too high
2. The bimini support rod system may not be able to support the rack and board
I'll need to fabricate my own 7/8 rod and attach to the boat about this location

stainless steel rod at 6 foot in length, $40 from marine west

keithm · Newbie Joined: 31 Oct 2009 Posts: 19

rod size

use a couple of these stainless mounting bases

vendor markings

mount one here

keithm · Newbie Joined: 31 Oct 2009 Posts: 19

they are pass thru style

mark the spot, center of rail

need to drill 1 inch diameter, need slight clearance size hole, where clearance = Diameter hole > diameter rod

first drill pass

keithm · Newbie Joined: 31 Oct 2009 Posts: 19

final hole size

close-up of 1 inch diameter hole

check base placement

drill holes for base fastener attach

keithm · Newbie Joined: 31 Oct 2009 Posts: 19

all 4x holes drilled

diameter of fastener Metric 4 = .153 inch

drill size .170 inch

use this tool to find grip

keithm · Newbie Joined: 31 Oct 2009 Posts: 19

need to make an Epoxy mix to close-out the exposed fibers of drilled hole

coat the hole with the Epoxy

coat fastener, work in the hole

view from bottom

keithm · Newbie Joined: 31 Oct 2009 Posts: 19

now to make the base, I'll need a non-pass thru style

trim lines

cut with band saw

check hole size with ball gage

keithm · Newbie Joined: 31 Oct 2009 Posts: 19

base plate done

cutting the 7/8 rod to manageable size

deburr end

pass thru rod

keithm · Newbie Joined: 31 Oct 2009 Posts: 19

secure base with stainless steel wood screw right into the boat floor, thru carpet

attach rack

add board

side view
Observations:
The upper bracket seems to be taking too much of the load. Seems to be carrying the moment as a short couple. I'll need to remove the upper bracket and replace with a aluminum guard

keithm · Newbie Joined: 31 Oct 2009 Posts: 19

aluminum sheet to make the guard

template size, based off the bracket

final size, after de-burr guard

installing guard

keithm · Newbie Joined: 31 Oct 2009 Posts: 19

as installed

trim rod again and de-burr

add wakeboard rack bracket to rod

attach wake board rack

keithm · Newbie Joined: 31 Oct 2009 Posts: 19

aft view with wake board attached

forward 1/4 view

forward view

from back left seat

keithm · Newbie Joined: 31 Oct 2009 Posts: 19

from drivers seat, little loss in visibility

rod and bracket with bimini installed

bimini with rack, plenty of room to enter/exit boat

view from back of boat, standing on aft deck

keithm · Newbie Joined: 31 Oct 2009 Posts: 19

wake overhangs enough so no wake drainage will get into boat

fwd 1/4 view

fwd view

side view, room to enter exit boat, does not effect docking of boat

keithm · Newbie Joined: 31 Oct 2009 Posts: 19

bimini stowed, no issues

bimini down, no issues
Review, observations and lessons learned:
1. The 175 does not allow wake board storage in ski locker
2. The final installed rod and attach system is very robust. I can pull my full weight on the rack without rack/rod deflection.
3. Little loss in visibility.
4. No entry/exit issues
5. Although I have not tried out the system, that review will need to occur spring/summer, 2010.
Enjoy,
Keithm

Okie Boarder · Ladies Man Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 10056 City: Edmond

Looks pretty good. The only issue I can see is in use when you approach docks and want to tie up with other boats. That would be something to be careful about.

What did your total cost and hours come out to?