2 replies to this topic

[cyrussloane]

Hi all,
I'm looking for any Speedster 150 owner with the factory tower on it to help me out by sending some pictures of the tower mounting hardware (the parts that are mounted to the hull, where the tower attaches to). Also, if you could tell me if the inside mounting area of the mounts is 'beefed' up with fiberglass or wood or both.

Here's the reason I'm asking: I just bought a 1997 Speedster with twin 85HP, which is a mildly different hull than the 150. I also bought a used Speedster 150 tower with bimini top (the one with the removable/folding rear legs) that I'm looking to mount on my 1997 Speedster, except it came without any mounting hardware. So, I'll have to manufacture/machine/fabricate some mounting hardware, which is why I need the pics....to give me ideas of how the factory setup looks. Also, looking to verify if I should/need to 'beef' up the mounting areas from inside the hull, so it doesn't crack/spider-web the fiberglass.

Any help sure would be appreciated. Please elaborate as you see fit! Thanks!

[Kevin Leclair]

I would say browse through the gallery to see if you can find any decent shots that would show the hardware, http://seadoosportbo...lbum/25-seadoo/

You will most definitely have to "beef" up the mounting areas or else you will have the problems you are describing.

This post, http://seadoosportbo...-tower-install/, is not specific to the Speedster but it would be a good starting point.

Keep us posted.

[DothaDoo]

I used to be a fiberglass engineer for Nautique and what we did for the tower application was add a metal plate in the gunwale and put fiberglass over it. Of course all of this was done before the deck and hull were mated. Due to the lack of access to the inside of the deck, you may have to cut an access hole or two to be able to beef up the glass. Because it is a 97, I do not think the tower was even an option and the extra support is not there. They make a round plate that screws and unscrews if you wanted to go that route or take a cushion off and make a hole behind it. I am unsure of the setup for the 97 speedster but just be careful not to cut too large of a hole as that takes away from the strength.

You do not necessarily need to put a metal plate back there, although that would be your best solution to help spread the load in that small area. A few extra layers of fiberglass should do the trick. Make sure you put the chopped glass mat on, not the finish mat. The finish mat has a fine weave pattern where the chopped glass mat has peices of glass chopped in a random pattern. I would try to put about 5-6 extra layers about 10" x 6", give or take. When you mix the resin and MEK, be sure not to mix too much MEK as it could cure too hot and it could produce an orange peel effect on that section of your gelcoat. Good luck and please let us know how everything turns out.