Stern Tower

[Tip]

I finally just got my provisional patent application filed a couple of weeks ago. Check out these photos and let me know what you think. The stern tower has three advantages: 1) makes stowing and unstowing your wakeboard really easy, no more dangerous climbing around the bimini to get your boards. 2) makes a great step/handle for getting in and out of the back of the boat. 3) Keeps the cover off the back of the boat during storage, improves airflow under the cover to reduce mildew and sour water smell.

I've using this prototype for about 6 weeks and so far it's working great. The best part of the whole deal is the installation requires no holes in the boat itself, only two small holes in the swim platform.

[Tip]

Here's another angle:

[Tip]

Here's one more:

[forjar]

Tip

Are you just using the tower for storage of the boards?

[Tip]

I'm actually using it for three things. 1)board storage 2)handle/step for getting in and out of the back of the boat and 3) keeps the cover raised off the back of the boat, which improves ventilation during storage.

[Tige22ityper]

That system looks good for people that only board, and don't use their boat for much else. What if you want to ski or do some other towing activity and need the ski pylon?

[ssrgeoff]

What does it take to open the engine compartment?

[hanzj]

I like the idea of taking some of the weight off of the tower, but does the rope ever snag the boards between sets?

[Tip]

Your right, this is designed for people who don't need their ski pylon. I do all my towing from the tower and never use the pylon. However, the entire tower can be removed in less than three minutes, and then re-attached in about the same time. It's just two bolts.

Opening the engine compartment is simple. There is a pin that pops out to disconnect the tower from the ski pylon. The whole tower swivels back with the engine compartment door. You can easily open the engine compartment with 4 boards in the racks. You can open the side compartments by either removing the boards or swiveling the entire tower.

I'll get some close up photos that show how the tower attaches and unattaches from the pylon and post them this weekend.

[Tip]

Hanjz,
I was really concerned about rope snag when I first came up with the idea. I slightly altered my pickup process and have not had any problems with the rope getting caught up in the rack. Here's what I do: Instead of making a close turn around the downed rider, I make a wider turn around the downed rider. This keeps the rope extended and away from the racks while I'm coming around the downed rider. It's actually safer not to get too close to the rider anyway. We figured all this out within the first two hours of using the tower and it has not been a problem since.

[RZMike]

Interesting concept. I like it. With my 2001 metcraft tower w/ built in racks on top, I really have to climb to reach my boards. (I'm also vertically challanged ) Something like that would be nice. I also like the 'keeping the cover off the boat' part.

[Tip]

I'd like to thank everyone for their constructive feedback. The provisional patent application only cost me $80 to file, but the full blown patent application will cost thousands; so before I spend the dough, I just want to make sure this thing has potential.

[thegreatwhay]

Tip...I dig it man.. I really do. I am like you, trying to come up with ways that make the board storage and removal easier...My solution is Wakeskate. ) I really to like the idea of pulling the cover off the boat...That is my biggest bug right now...
J

[rushin]

If you are keeping life jackets in the storage compartments of riders that are not riding, it seems like quite a pain in the butt everytime you switch riders, having to remove up to two boards just to get a life jacket.

[Tip]

The life Jackets have not been a problem. I only have two used for riding and I usually wrap them around the boards when not in use. I did have to move my throwable PFD from the back storage to the storage across from the driver to insure that I have quick access to it.