Tower vs. Ballast

[TRD]

I have an older 2000 21i w/ the Metcraft Tower on it. I have reinforced the tower w/ SS tubing around the joints. It seems to be strong enough to pull multiple wake boarders, surfers, beginning skiers, and small kids on tubes. I have used the boat this way for about 3yrs. I have always thought about putting a new tower on the boat but after seeing JB's ballast system that Chptril has done and want a ballast system too! When I talked to my wife about this she started talking about the tower, so I know she may be willing to let me do something. I don't have a cost for either right now and that may be the ultimate factor but I will do my homework but just wanted some outside unbiased opinions. It would have to have the ability to have a bimini top on it also.

Thanks
Are there any good Tower Manuf. other then Monster and Sampson?

[Iwndr]

I have an older 2000 21i w/ the Metcraft Tower on it. I have reinforced the tower w/ SS tubing around the joints. It seems to be strong enough to pull multiple wake boarders, surfers, beginning skiers, and small kids on tubes. I have used the boat this way for about 3yrs. I have always thought about putting a new tower on the boat but after seeing JB's ballast system that Chptril has done and want a ballast system too! When I talked to my wife about this she started talking about the tower, so I know she may be willing to let me do something. I don't have a cost for either right now and that may be the ultimate factor but I will do my homework but just wanted some outside unbiased opinions. It would have to have the ability to have a bimini top on it also.

Thanks
Are there any good Tower Manuf. other then Monster and Sampson?

A couple of owners have put Aerial on and have good things to say about them, If you like your tower and it's holding up as you say go for the Ballast this year



http://www.aerialwakeboarding.com/

[mls6722]

Love my Samson Razor

[yllw20]

I would say tower first, but what do you do more of? if surf more then ballast first. if board more then tower first

[laserfish]

I agree with yllw, look at what you do the most of. You can board without ballast ok, but not surf. If you board more, the tower becomes more critical. This will be our first summer without the Metcraft (RIP).

[TRD]

I guess I should have added, I already have the ballast. It is just manual and I get water all over the boat everytime I fill the bags that is it. I liked the idea of it being auto. Just put the bags out and hook them up when I want to board or surf. No mess.

I agree with yllw, look at what you do the most of. You can board without ballast ok, but not surf. If you board more, the tower becomes more critical. This will be our first summer without the Metcraft (RIP).

What kind of tower did you put on? Do you have any pictures?

[ajholt7]

Fuh Sho put an Aerial on his and it looked great.

[ajholt7]

Here it is. http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12114

[Jloflin420]

I just installed a Monster Tower and the ballast this year on my 21i. Mike did my system and plumbed it all in so all I have to do is hit a switch, the convenience is not even comparable to manually filling. I just hit a switch and it does its thing. Its also plumbed so that I can move one sak to the walkway for boarding.

I chose to change my tower due to the noise of the Metcraft. I went with Monster because they guarantee no noise and it doesn't make a sound I must say. They are also way cheaper than a Samson although they make some sick looking towers. Any upgrade you do will be worth it I'm sure.

What Lake do you go to???

[laserfish]

Samson razor

New boat toys 064.jpg
I put on a Samson. Great to deal with. Have heard good things about the Monster, just did not care for the look. Probably would have not spent the money if I didn't think I would have the boat for a long time to come.

[TRD]

laserfish, that really looks great. I like that tower.

[laserfish]

Can't wait to test it on the water.