Tower finally broke

[Will5150]

Well, I am the original owner of a 2001 Tige 2100V LTD. I have the Metcraft tower and while I have heard a LOT about these breaking over the years, nothing has gone wrong with mine until last night. The rear cross member on the left side snapped right behind the bolts. I think I can have it welded to fix- am sure of it actually- but it got me wondering if anyone has retro-fitted a NEW tower (I mean like 2014 or newer Tige tower) onto the older boat. I haven't seen any pics of this, but if it could be done, what would the cost be and how can do it??

[freeheel4life]

I dont think theres a large enough flat spot to mount an Alpha Z on the top of the gunnel but I would have to go look at a 2100V and measure to be sure. I have som old Alpha bases around that I can measure for you if youd like. The bases for the alpha are pretty darn big. Also not sure if you would be able to retro in the the spring assemblies that help with raising and lowering the tower. Again though, thats mere speculation and a guy could do without them but it makes the tower very heavy when lowering. The other thing is getting your hands on a complete Alpha Z would probably cost more than you would spend for a very nice aftermarket tower that is going to be a huge improvement. IIRC MSRP for the Alpha bases are like 500$ per side, so youd be close to 1k before the price of the arch which isnt going to be cheap at all.

[gumby]

My 2000 21v has a 2003 23v tower on it. Now it would have fit in the exact same holes as my Met crap. I could have just switched the mounting brackets an went to the lake. That is not my style!!! Nope cut her all up and full custom. added 10.5" to the top width and 5" to the hight. My buddy"s 2005 22v measured like it would also fit. Obviously we didn't pull his off to see, but by the numbers it would. as far as 2014 and newer IDK. You can see my tower build on my profile. MY BOAT.

[NICKYPOO]

It’s just a matter of time with those towers. You can only bend a paper clip so many times before it breaks. I wouldn’t bother looking for any factory tower for it. Especially not an arch. If it was me, I’d be on the horn to Samson right away. I wouldn’t hesitate one bit in putting a Razor on it. I would put one of the Edge towers on as well.

[Bakes5]

Samson. Blade. Your Welcome.

[KoolAid]

contact samson on a different tower. It would be the least expensive route.

[freeheel4life]

Samson's are the bees knees for sure. If you look at their prices and your eyeballs bug out then the next ones down the ladder IMO would be Aerial or Monster towers

[UNSTUCK]

Nice work! I would definitely say you got your money's worth. My 21v had the original tower as well, probably still does. All welds can fail. We've even seen it on the brand new towers. No one calls them crap....yet.

[gumby]

Getting a samson is definitely the easiest. Finding an old used factory one is TOUGH, You got to be patient search creglist every day. and hope for a little luck. but it is part of what i love to do. Honestly if a ALPHA is what you want you can do it might not be cheep, may require a lot of mods but you can do what ever you want. It is not going to sink the boat. Might sink your savings. but I would love to see one. It would be cool.

Looking at the specs of 2014-2015 beam is 102 yours is 100. So get your check book out I think you could do it.

[NICKYPOO]

I installed an Aerial on friends boat several years ago. I wasn’t very impressed. The tubing was crazy thin. It was fairly solid once up but, the squeaking it made while underway on the water was annoying as hell.

Every Monster Tower I’ve checked out was super solid. They are about as pretty as a monster though.

Personally, I’m not a fan of reverse arch towers.

[gumby]

What about the guy the tree fell on the boat? I wonder if you could salvage some of his parts not to use but just for a mock up. can't find his post. I can't remember it might not have been an alpha.

[gumby]

Crickets ?

[Will5150]

guys, thanks for the info. I will look at the Sampson product. I am going to get the tower fixed/welded right now to get through the summer, then have the conversion done in the fall as I don't want to lose a huge chunk of the summer.

[gumby]

Amen.

[freeheel4life]

What about the guy the tree fell on the boat? I wonder if you could salvage some of his parts not to use but just for a mock up. can't find his post. I can't remember it might not have been an alpha.

IIRC that was an R series with the tube tower that was just before the M2. Cant remember what it was called.