Problems running wires in 2003 tige 20v tower

[sminto]

I have a new to me (for a couple seasons) 2003 tige 20v riders edition and I am adding some tower speakers. I am trying to run the wiring down the port side leg of the factory tower but it doesn't appear to have any hole for wiring. Can I drill from the bottom since I think I have found the mounting location or do I need to remove the tower to drill through the fiberglass? Any other thoughts?


Thanks!
Shawn

[sminto]

Here is a picture of the boat so you can see the tower.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/rhoj3h7qwc...029-1.jpg?dl=0


Here is what I found behind the seats under the tower leg

https://www.dropbox.com/s/8q2uxxacq5...20027.jpg?dl=0

[wired1236]

Which tower do you have? Your picture didn't come through?

[sminto]

I just updated my post with links to the images in Dropbox. Thanks for the quick reply!

[chpthril]

I have not wired one of those, but here is how I would approach it. Unbolt the rear leg, lift it up a little and see if there is a pass through into the tube. I have a feeling, the solution is a service loop near the bottom of the tube, that will jump to the deck, then pass through. Dressed up right, it will look very good.

EDIT I think Lee's new post just might shed some light. looks like the wires can pass through the foot through the deck, just may have to drill the holes. http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/show...-2004-Tige-22v

20140716040330-9c050500-me.jpg

[sminto]

Thanks Mike! Do you think I could safely drill from the bottom instead of unbolting the tower fully?

[chpthril]

Personally, I would not, too scared. Thats a small tube tower so little margin of error. Besides, id want to chamfer the gel on the top side of the deck and may need to de-bur the hole in the tower foot.

[sminto]

That completely makes sense. I will give that a try once I get a few hours to do some more work on it.

Thanks for the quick replies, this site is a wealth of knowledge
Shawn

[lee]

Mike is correct, remove the rear leg from the boat and the hole in the tower has more than likely left an imprint on the boat as where to drill.

[sminto]

Well, it seems that those bolts wont come loose (almost lost an allen wrench!). I guess it is to plan 2 of a service loop. When drilling into the tower, are there any rules of thumb for location or size to to affect the integrity of the tower?

Shawn

[lee]

Spray it with some PB Blaster and let it set for a few days, tap with a hammer also.

[sminto]

Thanks! That worked. Time to finish wiring and test it out

Shawn

[chpthril]

Good to hear!