Advice on repairing gouges in tower

[Pinhacker71]

I took off my racks to replace them with swivel racks and a kneeboard rack when I noticed these deep gouges in the tower. I smoothed the burs off with a dremel so I don't cut myself again. Should I fill with JB Weld, sand, and paint with a textured paint? Any suggestions. Thanks in advance.

 

[gthh]

My guess would be to use something like this for the repair.

https://www.google.com/shopping/product/16788628719110480074?q=repair+aluminum+wheels&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari

 

[Bill D]

I assume the new rack won't sit over the scratch? I'm not sure how it would match up, but Plasti-Dip is very good. Here is a picture of what it looks like when it dries.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

That's a hard one to paint and make it so it doesn't stand out.

Maybe apply a band of black 3M grip tape over the scratch. Put a matching band on the other side to be symmetrical.

 

[Pinhacker71]

I wish I could just cover it up with the new racks, but the rack is 1/2 inch to large for this portion of the tower. Matching racing stripes on each side?

 

[Pinhacker71]

I might see what Plastidip looks like. Always reversible.

 

[jcyamaharider]

Walmart also sells crinkle paint. Would look the same and not wear off.

I actually like the stripe accent idea, maybe in a color!?!? @Murf'n'surf

 

[Matt Phillips]

Can you get a smaller attachment mount from your rack manufacturer? Then you may be able to put the new rack over the old location.

When I bought my rack a few years back, I originally ordered the incorrect diameter mounting bracket. A couple quick emails to the rack manufacturer and a week later I had correct size mount and sent the original one back.

 

[DJMattyT]

My wakeboard racks came with rubber inserts that adjusted the size to whatever I wanted. I would probably buy some rubber to make it fit on the smaller pole. The rubber also grips it well.

 

[ScarabMike]

Look at this thread I made for the rust issues I was having on my trailer. The paint I used is about an 80% match, or you can contact GatorHyde to see if they will send you a touch up. http://www.gatorhyde.com/index.html

Here is my thread.
https://jetboaters.net/threads/possible-rust-issues-arising.3770/

 

[Speedling]

Cover in pool noodles?
I know I have seen one like that before because of the way the racks would go to swing out of the way and the tower laid down.
Sadly, doing a search "pool noodle mods" just brings up a bunch of Yamaha boat pictures from people's signatures.

 

[Pinhacker71]

I had ordered the monster swivel racks. They are too big for the rear rack mounting area. I'm going to order a different set of swivel racks for the 1 7/8 rear tower mount. Gotta return the monsters but that's ok. Thanks for advice. Monster swivel racks were too bulky anyways. Too many parts that made it kind of wobbly.