looking at a 2000 21' riders edition

[TXST8tj]

Just a quick question. seeing as how you have 5 whole posts now, do we get to call you T8er? 'Cause that would be a kickass handle.

yes. that would be super!
and if you saw me, the first thing you would think of is a 'tater (tot that is).

[TXST8tj]

i talked to him about the tower. basically told him not to get too excited about it. he figures if it makes it through this season, then great. and if it needs to be replaced, that's something we can do in the 'off-season'.

[NICKYPOO]

That's probably the way to go. Just make sure to check ALL the bolts on it regularly. The ladder section across the top is the week point. It connects to the legs under the pads with some lap joints (I think). You need to pull the pads off and tighten them regularly. So long as you keep it tight, it will have a much better chance of survival.

One good thing about that tower was that it tought me what to look for (or look out for) in a tower. First thing I do when I walk up to a new boat is try to shake the tower side to side. Just about any tower can handle the loads from being pulled striaght back. A good tower won't shake side to side at all.

[NICKYPOO]

yes. that would be super!
and if you saw me, the first thing you would think of is a 'tater (tot that is).

Sweet.

[TXST8tj]

we'll be sure to check it over. a new stereo will be in order, but i expressed that it probably would not be too wise to invest too much into a system built around that tower. of course, tower speakers can be moved from one tower to another, but it probably wouldn't be worth my installation efforts to do it on this one. it really just depends on what he wants though.
it wouldn't be terrible to hold off on the tower a bit anyway. it would give me the chance to go through and upgrade the cabin equipment....H/U, speakers, amps, drop in a sub, etc.