Tower decision..help me out here

[Ptownkid]

So i need to order a tower, racks, and mirror for my 1992 saltare and it's down to this

http://diywake.com/store/225-pro-wake-universal-wakeboard-tower-with-two-angle-mount-board-racks

and this

http://www.bulletlines.com/universal-wakeboard-tower-p/251.htm

I'm struggling with a few points...which do you think is stronger/more stable? My initial thought was that the DIYWAKE one would be, but it has more joints in the top section, so maybe not. I'm curious as to how the top section gets assembled on it as well. Genrally I like the Krypt one better as it looks similar to the supra tower, but I want to go with the stronger one in the end. I also like the diywake mirror arm MUCH better and need the ball adapter for the mirror i want anyway.

The racks are similar, with the krypt ones being quick release, but I'm not sure how important that really is...

The one catch is that the Krypt one ships free to Canada, that's a big plus.

Help me debate this out. Anything i have not considered?

[BGeorge01]

I just went through this also. Things to look at... How easy does it fold down? The first one says it takes 2 people, don't know about you but I don't always have 2 people available. How far does it fold Down, May be something you need. I needed mine to go below the windshield to fit in the garage. Does either of them come with backing plates? You will need these for the install for sure. Mine came with stainless steel backing plates and I put extra on just incase, 1/2" marine grade plywood. Also one difference that I found with my search was bolt patter of the legs that attach to the boat. For instinct, some have one big bolt per leg, others (like mine) have 4 smaller bolts per leg, it's all preference really. Other than that it's whatever design you like and what you think the best deal is. Follow the instructions to install and take your time.

Install for anyone that you get should be the same really, going to have to attach the 4 legs( support poles) and put the rest together from there. Not a one man job for sure. Make sure you use red lock tight on the main screws that attach to the boat, don't want them coming lose.

Incase you are wondering I got the Big Air Vapor Tower. Was easy to install, GREAT customer service, and great accessories to add to the tower. Once I had the tower installed it was very secure. I did pull-ups from it and shook it side to side and it shook the whole boat, no slack sway.

if you have any other questions let me know. Good luck.
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[BGeorge01]

I just went through this also. Things to look at... How easy does it fold down? The first one says it takes 2 people, don't know about you but I don't always have 2 people available. How far does it fold Down, May be something you need. I needed mine to go below the windshield to fit in the garage. Does either of them come with backing plates? You will need these for the install for sure. Mine came with stainless steel backing plates and I put extra on just incase, 1/2" marine grade plywood. Also one difference that I found with my search was bolt patter of the legs that attach to the boat. For instinct, some have one big bolt per leg, others (like mine) have 4 smaller bolts per leg, it's all preference really. Other than that it's whatever design you like and what you think the best deal is. Follow the instructions to install and take your time.

Install for anyone that you get should be the same really, going to have to attach the 4 legs( support poles) and put the rest together from there. Not a one man job for sure. Make sure you use red lock tight on the main screws that attach to the boat, don't want them coming lose.

Incase you are wondering I got the Big Air Vapor Tower. Was easy to install, GREAT customer service, and great accessories to add to the tower. Once I had the tower installed it was very secure. I did pull-ups from it and shook it side to side and it shook the whole boat, no slack sway.

if you have any other questions let me know. Good luck.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/27/ybupeqy3.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/27/a9ype8a4.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/27/una8yqyq.jpg


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[BGeorge01]

I just went through this also. Things to look at... How easy does it fold down? The first one says it takes 2 people, don't know about you but I don't always have 2 people available. How far does it fold Down, May be something you need. I needed mine to go below the windshield to fit in the garage. Does either of them come with backing plates? You will need these for the install for sure. Mine came with stainless steel backing plates and I put extra on just incase, 1/2" marine grade plywood. Also one difference that I found with my search was bolt patter of the legs that attach to the boat. For instinct, some have one big bolt per leg, others (like mine) have 4 smaller bolts per leg, it's all preference really. Other than that it's whatever design you like and what you think the best deal is. Follow the instructions to install and take your time.

Install for anyone that you get should be the same really, going to have to attach the 4 legs( support poles) and put the rest together from there. Not a one man job for sure. Make sure you use red lock tight on the main screws that attach to the boat, don't want them coming lose.

Incase you are wondering I got the Big Air Vapor Tower. Was easy to install, GREAT customer service, and great accessories to add to the tower. Once I had the tower installed it was very secure. I did pull-ups from it and shook it side to side and it shook the whole boat, no slack sway.

if you have any other questions let me know. Good luck.



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[BGeorge01]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/27/pyde3ydu.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/27/durysa7u.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/27/4y8utyba.jpg


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[Ptownkid]

Looks like the Krypt uses a single bolt at each foot and the DIYWAKE uses 4 on each...

On the upper section of your tower, you had to drill four holes right?

[BGeorge01]

Ya, like I said that is really your preference. Each company will tell you that theirs is more stable. To be honest Big Air was honest and told me that it really is all personal preference, but they thought theirs was more stable than the single bolt haha.

That is correct. I did what the instructions/video recommended and ratchet strapped the tower together to preload the tension then drilled the holes, really easy, Seemed like it was going to be difficult but it wasn't at all. On the one pole of each side the holes are actually pre drilled, it's the H member that you have to drill through. Took maybe 5 minutes.


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[Ptownkid]

I'm really hoping for some more insight and opinions here guys...anyone? Bueller...bueller?

[gamartin61]

I had the Krypt on a Bayliner before I got my Supra. It was generally fine and I didn't have any major issues with it. That said, there were a couple things I didn't like.

1)The backing plates for the single bolt mounts. These were essentially a 1/4" thick aluminum fender washer that had the same OD as the mounting foot. Since the top cap of the boat was not perfectly flat where I mounted it, the backing plate tried to pull through the fiberglass when the bolt was tightened. I didn't tighten so far as to cause structural damage, but it cracked the gelcoat on the outside. I remedied this by putting a much bigger piece of flexible 1/4" plywood between the backing plate and the inside of the top cap.

2)In order for their hinges to work, the side frames have to be vertical. This creates a knee about a third of the way up the leg from the front view. I loved the side view, but not the front view.

3)I could raise and lower it by myself, but it was much easier with another person. Since the back vertical legs aren't connected in any way, I found it was much better to take the first one off completely, then go to the second one. Once I got the first bolt out of the second one, I had to lower the crossbar onto my shoulder while I took the other end of the vertical loose. Raising it was pretty much the same in reverse, but a little harder due to trying to line up the bolt hole while holding up the weight of the crossbar and vertical support.

4)It was a little loose and rattled a bit, but I suspect the other one you're considering would be as well. Most of the connections were fine, but some of the adjustability comes from the way the ends are inserted into the pipes, then held in place with small set screws. Because the pipes and ends were soft aluminum and the set screws stainless, things would work loose a little. I considered welding the ends on the pipes, but never got around to it. The ends have a V where the set screws land, so you don't have to worry about them coming out of the pipe unless the set screws were to back completely out.

5) It interfered with opening/closing my factory bimini. I could spring the top past the tower with only one side attached to the boat, but it was much more difficult than before tower.

Like I said, all in all it was fine. I weigh 250 and could do pullups on it. Given the light boat I had it on, I would pull the boat over rather than deflecting the tower when I'd cut hard.

Install was pretty straight forward. From what I remember, it took about 4 hours by myself. I was able to put the side frames on, then get the front legs/crossbar loosely assembled and attached while laying on the engine cover, made adjustments to center the crossbar, then drilled and bolted it to the front legs. Putting the back legs on was the same as raising it, but took a little extra time to make sure the ends were oriented the same on both sides.

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[MDVols]

Are you dead set on those 2?

[Ptownkid]

Gamartin71...that is the pro swoop one right? Thanks for all the detail!

Mdols...Might be open to others, trying to keep the price down. The big plus on the Krypt is that it ships free to Canada. However...I am concerned about the fact that all four feet mount with a single bolt, I feel as though that would be less stable than the ones that mount with four each. Maybe I am over analyzing this.

[BGeorge01]

If I were you call the other companies that you're interested in, let them know that you are interested and you have narrowed it down to their tower and another companies tower and that you would be interested in theirs more if they could offer you free shipping like their competitor, the worst they can say is no. Just a thought.


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[gamartin61]

Yes, pro swoop.

[Zim]

From purely a cosmetic point of view, the Krypt looks much sleeker and nicer IMO. My factory tower on my boat looks similar, and I have no issues with sway at all.


http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u99/zimstang/boatside_zps10cb4ff2.jpg (http://s166.photobucket.com/user/zimstang/media/boatside_zps10cb4ff2.jpg.html)

[Ptownkid]

Yes, they look very similar, which is why I like it. I just worry that it's not as strong...it does not have the same additional structure up top the way the supra tower does.

[MDVols]

Well, get something different, Maybe a new dimensions, Maybe monster tower. I guarantee they are a lot stronger than a single mount tower. Plus anything they have at monster tower they have the directions as to how they mount online. I just feel they have nothing to hide. Plus any time I have had an issue they have overnighted me a part no questions asked. Nothing major prolly me just being picky but hey I'm the one spending the big bucks. Ammairight!!

[MDVols]

I know my friend that bought the aerial tower had to wait about 3 months or more for it to come in. And it all shipped separate he wasn't a very happy camper.

http://nashville.craigslist.org/boa/4372214576.html

[BGeorge01]

MDVols, you in Nashville??

I can also say when I purchased my Big Air I had it 2 days later and when I had a question about anything they were right there. Let us know what you decide.


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[Ptownkid]

I'd take a new dimension tower in a heartbeat were they not so expensive. 1800 + 600 to ship is a little much. I looked at monster but I'm not a fan of how they look and up here they are also a little pricey.

I'm not really convinced that there is a whole lot of difference between single vs multiple fastener mount as long as it's backed right. I would assume that each has its pros and cons that offset each other.

[beat taco]

I beat the hell out of my Aerial and never had an issue. Had great customer service too. It was the right price point for my boat. All the Chinese towers are very similar.
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[ssa]

Maybe this will help you a little Ptown. These are longer and more rambling than need be but this guy show install of a Krypt Pro Air on a Sea Ray. http://youtu.be/zHqLup58ES0 http://youtu.be/akIYW4yMDZc

[Ptownkid]

Yeah, I saw that. Thanks.

[MDVols]

Yes about 20 min north of Nashville.

[MDVols]

Where do you go out at BG01

[BGeorge01]

Oh nice! we usually just go to Old Hickory. I'm about 1 mile from a marina so that's our main spot. Thinking we're going to try and go to a couple others close this summer though, maybe Dale Hollow, Center Hill who knows. I say that but there is ours right down the road which makes it hard to go elsewhere.

Where do you go?


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[MDVols]

Usually the river or old hickory. I like the river cause it's usually smooth all the time. We want to rent a houseboat this year on dale hollow or center hill though. Do you live around the Hendersonville area?

[Ptownkid]

Damn it guys...I keep thinking there's a response and it's just you two having a conversation, haha.

[Zim]

what are you using now ptown? Do you have a fly high pole or something? If you could stand to use that another season and save for a ND tower, it would 100% be worth it. That, or just rack up your credit card haha.

[Ptownkid]

There's a flyhigh pro x tower on the boat we are selling. I don't plan on keeping the saltare more than 3-4 years so I have no intention of sinking that kind of money into a tower. Would rather put the extra money towards pp.

[MDVols]

So which tower did you go with?

[haugy]

Nashville's taking over your thread!!! :D

[BGeorge01]

Hey c'mon now I sent MDVols a PM so we didn't hijack the thread to bad hahaha.

But ya did you decide yet?


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[Ptownkid]

Not to worry boys. No decision yet, still wrestling with the options.

[MDVols]

Times a ticking lol!!

[Ptownkid]

Not up here it's not, haha. I usually launch on the may long weekend (20 something).

[MDVols]

You are prolly right P-town lol. My son asked me today since it is April 1st if we were gonna take the boat out, I laughed and said not today, and he said remember dad you said this month, you promised! I just shook my head with a big smile! I bought him a new ronix wakeboard at the boat show and I guess he is both anxious and scared to try it out.

[BGeorge01]

Well it's in the 80's here today and tomorrow, so I guess I'll take a nice trip out tomorrow haha


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[Ptownkid]

I hate you guys in the most loving way possible...

[cjtpilot]

New to owning a Supra and this forum....... but to add more confusion have you looked into Indy towers??

http://www.wakefool.com/indy-wakeboard-tower-anodized/[/URL]

[cjtpilot]

Have you looked at Indy Towers??

[Ptownkid]

Yeah...too expensive if you add the side bar.

I ended up buying a monster tower...I don't love them aesthetically, but their reputation, coupled with the fact that they are anodized instead of just polished and that I could buy it from a brick and mortar location ended up selling me on it.

Went with the MT2 package (racks, tow light, and mirror) and cargo bimini. Also ordered the mirror adapter so I could buy a cipa 180

[BGeorge01]

Pics when you get it on for sure!


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[SquamInboards]

Great choice, I'll be curious how you like it. I was skeptical of Monster because they were so cheap, and I'd always see them on crappy boats. But we installed a few last year and I put one on my boat, and I am truly impressed. It does NOT rattle, and my boat isn't exactly perfect, in terms of torsional rigidity, with the original structure. It folds down easily by myself, it's not heavy. I can't think of another tower that's so easy to collapse and put up solo, including the newer MasterCraft towers with the hydraulic-assist piston (not the fully powered ones, obviously). I even like the look, it matches the curves of the supra well, in my opinion. Also, excellent customer service.

The one thing I think that's seriously lacking is the option for a light integrated into the tow point. I added my own, because the one they offer isn't all that great, in my opinion.


http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss116/stepper61/Mobile%20Uploads/00000000-0000-0000-0000-00000000012F.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss116/stepper61/Mobile%20Uploads/00000000-0000-0000-0000-00000000012E.jpg
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[SquamInboards]

Two more images. The nice thing with the light I used, is it can swivel down, which is good for storage but also you can swivel it straight down if you want to light up the interior of the boat from above. I put a $5 LED bulb in a regular fixture, rather than paying about $120 for the SAME EXACT LIGHT with a built in LED.

http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss116/stepper61/Mobile%20Uploads/00000000-0000-0000-0000-00000000012C.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss116/stepper61/Mobile%20Uploads/00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000099.jpg

[cjtpilot]

What nav light did you install?

[SquamInboards]

I used this Perko light fixture (http://www.perko.com/catalog/category/navigation_lights_under_20_meters/product/145/) and I cut the tube down so it is JUST above the tow point. I put in an LED bulb from superbrightleds.com for $5.95 (plus shipping I guess). Here's a link to the actual bulb (https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/wedge-bulbs/921-led-bulb-12-wide-angle-led-mini-wedge-base/203/), I think I got the "warm white" color. While I was at it, I put in an LED bulb in place of the one in the bow light. Much cheaper than replacing the whole light fixture!

[wotan2525]

I used this Perko light fixture (http://www.perko.com/catalog/category/navigation_lights_under_20_meters/product/145/) and I cut the tube down so it is JUST above the tow point. I put in an LED bulb from superbrightleds.com for $5.95 (plus shipping I guess). Here's a link to the actual bulb (https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/wedge-bulbs/921-led-bulb-12-wide-angle-led-mini-wedge-base/203/), I think I got the "warm white" color. While I was at it, I put in an LED bulb in place of the one in the bow light. Much cheaper than replacing the whole light fixture!

I did this EXACT same mod to my tower a few years ago. High five!

http://i635.photobucket.com/albums/uu79/rbosworth/20130814_195946_zpsaa770438.jpg