Building a tower

AC505 · Newbie Joined: 14 Feb 2003 Posts: 30

I've researched buying a universal tower and I've come to the conclusion that them are very much a second class option as opposed to a fully fabricated tower. I'm going to have a go at building my own tower (get to put my mechanical engineering degree of old to use at last!). Anyway, I'm comfortable with the design I'm going to use which admitably is a bit of a rip off of a Nautique but what the heck... For those out there who have constructed their own towers, what kind of tower to hull mounts did you use? I want to use a non rigid mounting foot similar to that on many production towers, the only problem I have is locating the mounts, any ideas??

Doug · Posted: May 16, 2003 9:03 am Post subject:

Have you seen the new Monster tower. For the money it's a nice looking tower. 2.5" 6063 aluminum tubing. Swoop styling.

Steelerguy · Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 518

Dont Do it.... Unless you got lots of time on your hands.... Bending the tube exactly right is a pain in the ars.... Not to mention Welding. you best be pretty good at it.... But as for your mounts we just welded ours to a steel plate. its not foldable or removeable.... sure is sturdy though.... After you done you will say your time was worth more than 1200 bucks that you would have spent for a prefabed one...

GOOD LUCK THOUGH

boehnkew · Outlaw Joined: 26 Mar 2003 Posts: 112 City: Kennewick, WA

The Monster tower is very high quality and far from second class. If you must do your own tower, use rod end joints (http://www.nationalrodends.com/) at the mounting points. Also check out http://diytower.com for more info.

What kind of boat do you have? Post some pics for recommendations on the mounting points.

Hopefully you have some good welding/machining skills and access to equipment and/or friends to do this for you. I was desiging my own tower as well (I'm also an ME), but it turned out to be too expensive to build what I wanted.

Good luck.

Matteo · Newbie Joined: 02 May 2003 Posts: 17 City: San Diego

Ditto's; "lots of work!!!"

If you don't know EXACTLY how you are going to accomplish all the different steps, don't start.

If you think you do know how to do it all, its a great project and very rewarding.

www.inboardtalk.com/tower/tower.html is my stab at it.

jedsterr · Soul Rider Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 291 City: Star Idaho

Go for it. If you have any ingenuity at all, you will be able to complete the task.

The monster tower does appear to be the best alternative when looking at aftermarket towers, plus, they're one of your possible sources for mounting hardware.

I chose to mimic the MC Zero Flex of '01. The last 6-8" of my tubing is actually solid stock & I just cut it to fit the deck & stuck one bolt through to a big backing plate on the other side (pic to follow)

Mine was not C.A.D. designed. I did all the bends in the garage. I had a friend weld it because I don't have access to a TIG set up for aluminum.

It is fully collapsable and removable.

I have since polished the entire tower to a chrome-like shine.

If I were to do it again I would probably build it in steel instead of aluminum and powdercoat it instead of polish it.

Fishmaster · Posted: May 20, 2003 9:33 am Post subject:

Jedsterr - VERY NICE.

If you have access to what you'll need go for it. Love to sell you a tower but I'm such a do-it-yourselfer myself I love to see people who have made thier own. The most innovative ideas I've ever seen on towers and accessories come from people who make their own.

At www.diytower.com there is a link to eTec Marine for mounting pads. Becuase of liability we can't sell components of our tower. I heard eTech Marine may not sell direct but they surely must provide a way for you to buy their product? If you find out let me know and I'll add it to diyTower.com.

Bill

projectely4 · Posted: May 20, 2003 10:19 am Post subject:

wow that is anice job on the tower but making a tower is real tuff and buy the end your season is almost over. the new monster tower looks good.

xxxl wake · Outlaw Joined: 19 Mar 2003 Posts: 138 City: Nor- Cal

jedster Nice job I have all the thing i need to make one in my shop and i still bought one sometimes your own time is worth more than you think.