17 replies to this topic

[firehawkcpo]

getting ready to install the factory tower this week, i read about all the others and came across this from the dealer for half the price. i will make the list and post the pics

[Kev077]

What dealer did you get your tower from. I was told by my dealer that I could not order a tower for my 06 speedster unless I ordered it when I bought the boat. They told me that BRP said that the boats with towers were reinforced. I don't believe this and want to find a stock tower from another dealer. Thanks a lot.

[firehawkcpo]

I bought it from Sunwest Sports in San Marcos, CA. I have an 06 sportster scic and I saw how the aftermarket guys cut only two 4" holes in the front storage to install and for the rear mounts i can access via the engine bay. i was going to get a joystick tower but 1/2 price for a factory w/bimini and mirror is a good deal in my book.

[firehawkcpo]

here she is before the tower

[firehawkcpo]

that didn't work, i'll try another

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•  tower_parts.JPG   1.45MB   28 downloads

[firehawkcpo]

more pre-install pics

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•  stern.JPG   292.16KB   29 downloads

[tiggerman]

more pre-install pics

looks good so far... so does the boat.... Post these in the gallery as well.

[firehawkcpo]

here is what we did and learned and i just found more and will post

This is what I did after looking at the factory install on an 06 scic and looking at after market installs of after market towers. I know that one of the after market towers was causing damage to the storage compartment covers which is why I opted for the factory tower.

1. use rubber gasket as template to layout left rear plate behind the gas cap, centering shoulder bolt on the crease of the trunk about an 1 inch above the ledge above the seam.
2. drill pilot holes, I used 1/8”, ¼” then the ½” so as not to damage the gel coat and notice that thickness of the mounting point about 5/8” w/ an aluminum plate sandwiched between the fiberglass.
3. install the left rear base plate.
4. install the base plates on the front legs of the tower and cover hull with a towel where the base plates touch.
5. mount the left rear of the tower.
6. transfer the measurements from the left rear to the right rear and install the right rear
7. mount the right rear of the tower, the easy part is over and the tower should be where it wants to be without any bending or flexing.
8. layout the left front mount about 1 1/8” above the ledge above the seam and drill your holes.
9. now drill the big hole to access through the storage compartment see pics and yes it is a 4 ½” hole for the access.
10. cut out the foam backing and install the left front base plate ¾ complete.
11. layout the right front base plate w/ the same layout on left and drill your holes.
12. same big hole to cut in the right storage compartment, see pics.
13. install last base plate and mount the last leg of the tower.
14. install the big hole covers and double check your work.

Tools used
Angle drill
Cordless drill
¾” wrench
1/8”, ¼”, ½” drill bits
¼” nut driver
4 ½” hole saw
loc tite
waterproof white caulk for sealing deck covers
pencil
extra person
rope to hold tower up in garage
family spectators/extra helpers to witness damage to new boat

Parts used
4 - 1 ½” x ½” stainless steel bolts w/ ss washers
4 - 1” x ½” stainless steel bolts w/ ss washers
4 - rubber gaskets (factory)
2 - 4” deck covers w/ 12 self tapping #8 x 5/8” screws

Tricks learned
Wear a long sleeve shirt b/c I itched for a day after.
Do the left front before the right front (I corrected in the instructions.)
Don’t forget the loc tite.

It was an easy installation considering we never did one and had no documentation. It took about 4 hours from start to finish and I think I could do one in about 2.5 hours after learning the process.
If I missed any I will add.

[firehawkcpo]

finally some pics

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•  firsthole.JPG   1.05MB   17 downloads

[firehawkcpo]

strbrd 4-1/2 inch hole

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•  strbrdhole.JPG   1.21MB   17 downloads

[firehawkcpo]

cover in place w/o screws, fits perfect and looks better than the big hole

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•  strbrdcover.JPG   1.21MB   22 downloads

[firehawkcpo]

port side installed w/ suspension lines to support the tower

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•  portsideintalled.JPG   1.26MB   36 downloads

[Braveit1]

can you get a pic of the port side front mount? Did you have to cut the same size hole in the cooler? If so, can it be sealed so that it can still be used? I fill mine with ice and drinks all the time and plan on getting the tower as well. Just don't known how it will effect it.

[firehawkcpo]

here are the pics, i know i still need to add the top screw...just had to stop for the night.

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•  portbowcoveron.JPG   1.24MB   14 downloads

[firehawkcpo]

no cover

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•  portbowcoveroff.JPG   1.06MB   14 downloads

[firehawkcpo]

from the outside

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•  portbowos.JPG   1.14MB   13 downloads

[Braveit1]

Great pictures! Thanks for posting. I wanted a tower but wan't sure about cutting holes. Doesn't look to bad. Looks like there is a gasket in the cover to keep it sealed, right? Did the covers come with the tower or did you have to purchase them separately? If so what did they run and where did you get them from?
Great job!

[firehawkcpo]

here is a link where you can choose a good deck plate cover.
http://www.go2marine...ct.do?no=27005F
I used the 4 inch and cut a 4-1/2 inch hole. the covers did not come with the kit and the dealer was missing some of the other parts but i found them at a bolt store. i used caulk to seal the rings and self tapping screws b/c it was much easier than drilling in the small confines. Do the port side first b/c it takes more energy and patience. if you are in the san diego area you can use my hole saw, it was about $40 w/mandrel from home depot. the tower makes towing whatever so much easier and better as you dont have to worry about the rope getting caught wherever plus the factory tower has the bimini and mirror where aftermarket charges for each piece you add.