View Full Version : Has Anyone Installed a Tower?
The Governor
07-26-2005, 04:12 PM
I'm looking at ordering (and maybe installing) a Big Air H2O tower on my '91 PS190. Has anyone done this themselves?
Gov :toast:
AirJunky
07-26-2005, 04:23 PM
Yep, installed my Ichor Tower about 4 years ago. No problems so far.
Questions?
Just remember to measure twice & drill/cut once. There is PVC tubing up under the gunnels you will have to cut out carefully so the feet bases can sit on the inside of the glass flat. Inside the PVC will be wiring & speedo tubes.
For backing plates, I used 4"x6" soft pine (so it would conform to anything not flat) with aluminum backing plates. I'm tempted to go back & make a billet or carbon fiber top backing plate for between the foot & fiberglass to just spread the load a bit more.
The Governor
07-26-2005, 04:31 PM
Looks good AirJunky! Do you have any pics from the install?
AirJunky
07-26-2005, 04:45 PM
Sorry, I don't Gov. They'd be pretty tough to see. A lot of the install is done by feel..... reaching up into the gunnels, up by the glovebox, under the dash, etc.
Since these boats were never designed for this kind of install, use the largest back & front plates you can so the load is spread across the largest area possible.
Use brand new, very sharp drill bits & sand or Dremel the edges of the gelcoat so they don't crack later on.
AirJunky
07-26-2005, 04:49 PM
Another thing....... in hind sight, I'd consider trying to install the feet on top of the gunnells instead of on the sides like I did. I don't think it would be any different strength-wise. But with the feet hanging out on the sides, they are sort of out there to be hit by docks or boats your tied up to or even your own trailer guide posts.
Also, might buy you a couple more inches in height.
I installed a New Demensions tower to my 1996 prostar 190 this spring. Did a ton of research and really liked the look or the New Demension tower. Also spoke with the owner of the company. They custom build each tower for your boat type. If you look at the pics they have a very nice line with the boat. It was shipped with all mounting hardware, backing plates, even came with fiberglass resin. They were easy to work with and game me a great product, ready to install. If you have any questions just let me know.
T Scott
07-26-2005, 05:04 PM
Hey Gov.
I recently installed a Big Air tower and took about 4 hours to install. Big Air has great service and a quality product. I have been very happy with the tower so far.
The Governor
07-26-2005, 06:17 PM
Hey Gov.
I recently installed a Big Air tower and took about 4 hours to install. Big Air has great service and a quality product. I have been very happy with the tower so far.
T Scott, do you have any pics? Or advice on the install?
Thanks everyone for your replies.....keep 'em coming! :toast:
Gov
JKTX21
07-30-2005, 02:03 AM
I helped my buddy install a Monster Tower on his 88 Prostar. Getting it set up to drill was the hardest part... Also, I had large galvanized 1/4" steel backing plates made for the bracket mounts, that we put on the inside of the mount. If you go with Monster Tower, maybe consider mounting on top of the deck as opposed to the sides. You have to really watch the tower when loading/unloading, approaching docks, etc. when it's mounted to the side. Also, the plates did flatten out the fiberglass when all tightened down, so maybe another alternative would be best.
jimmer2880
08-01-2005, 06:15 AM
I installed a New Demensions tower to my 1996 prostar 190 this spring. Did a ton of research and really liked the look or the New Demension tower. Also spoke with the owner of the company. They custom build each tower for your boat type. If you look at the pics they have a very nice line with the boat. It was shipped with all mounting hardware, backing plates, even came with fiberglass resin. They were easy to work with and game me a great product, ready to install. If you have any questions just let me know.
Thx for posting this pic. I have the exact same boat (well - mine is a '95, but same hull & color scheme) and was wondering what it would look like with a tower. Sure looks sharp.
PointTaken
08-08-2005, 09:55 PM
Did you end up installing a tower? If so, do you have a pic you can send? I have the same boat and I am thinking of installing one myself.
The Governor
08-08-2005, 09:58 PM
Did you end up installing a tower? If so, do you have a pic you can send? I have the same boat and I am thinking of installing one myself.
I haven't done it yet....I'm thinking of having it professionally installed. Still up in the air.
Gov
PointTaken
08-08-2005, 10:38 PM
I'm sure I will have mine professionally done, hate to screw it up. Let me know which you choose and how it turned out.
You don't see many Cayman blue mastercrafts. You will love it. I have.
Point
The Governor
08-08-2005, 10:47 PM
I'm sure I will have mine professionally done, hate to screw it up. Let me know which you choose and how it turned out.
You don't see many Cayman blue mastercrafts. You will love it. I have.
Point
I'm leaning towards the Big Air tower.....but I haven't decided just yet.
Gov
6ballsisall
08-08-2005, 10:54 PM
My neighbor put one on his older Supra a year ago. He said it wasn't really that hard. I think it was a Monster Tower. His has an early 90's Supra and he thickened up the glass on the back side where the plates went thru to give it more strength. He said that he would highly recommend doing that on an older boat that was not intended for a tower. I would think on a 91' PS you would want to do that
PegLeg
08-09-2005, 10:14 AM
About three months ago I installed a Big Air Tower on my 93 Prostar 205, It was a hell of a lot harder than installing a Monster tower on my buddies 93 PS 205 that I installed last year.
FYI: Monster tower is a much better product, 1000 times better customer service, and the Monster tower does not creak and raddle.
You can install it on your own in about 3 days.