Is This Normal?

[Kurby]

Hey all, I have a 2007 20V, while cleaning it today I noticed the bolts for the tower and through the fiberglass at the back of the boat had no nuts and no backing plates and the ones at the front had backing plates and nuts, is this normal for the back ones not to have any? I have added pictures, first one is of the front tower bolts and the second and third are of the tower bolts at the back of the boat.

Any help or pictures is greatly appreciated

[dogbert]

Looks like it might have rattled off. No, there should be a backing washer (at least) or plate and a nut. Fix this immediately!

[Kurby]

We have owned this boat since new and I have yet to find a single nut, washer or metal backing plate anywhere in the boat. Had it fallen off would I not be able to find something in the boat.

[dogbert]

Either way, get a new one on there ASAP.

[Jason B]

looks like maybe the plate is glassed in there???

[chpthril]

Jason is correct, the plate is glassed in and it drilled and tapped. Look close at pic 2, you can see the outline. All is good.

[correll]

It is ok the plate is drilled and tapped no need for a nut.

[da.bell]

I crawled into that area of my boat 3 days ago and noticed the same thing but was able to figure out what the others have stated.

[dogbert]

I stand corrected

[whitlock87]

[da.bell]

^^ Good catch but wouldn't that be a warranty item by Tige? Have them correct it. However, they will probably put a nut and washer on it also.

[chpthril]

What you are seeing there is not the metal plate, that is part of the glassed-in reinforcement, it's composite material. This was brought up last year by a 2-time Tige owner who thought it was wood in his 07, it's not, it man made. The metal plate is on top of that. I'm confident of this as I've done 2 Towers and wires countless tower speaker setups.

If that indeed a missing nut, the tower leg could easily be pick up.

[whitlock87]

Question
If it is threaded, then how do you check to make sure it is tight?
Also why only thread the back, and use studs on the front?

I would love to see a pic of the tower leg where it touches the boat.

[chpthril]

if it is threaded, then how do you check to make sure it is tight?

3/8 allen socket in the bolt head and torque it to 22lb/ft.

Also why only thread the back, and use studs on the front?

When pulling from the tower, the load wants to pull up on the front, and push down on the rear, so not as much load.

I would love to see a pic of the tower leg where it touches the boat.

I've posted some, let me see if I can find the link. I just PM'd it to someone, but dont think I saved the PM.

[kko]

CHP is right the plate inside the glass is threaded. There is no nut on the rear.you just tighten it from the top with an allen wrench.