Engineering a tower lift assist system - been done?

[Farny]

So after adding accessories to the tower the taking down putting up of the tower has become more difficult with weight. Wondering if anyone has ever done a mod to add a spring to the stop cable or an easy lift type shock add?

The spring approach would mean adding a spring below the hull opening to help counter the lowering weight and assist in the lifting. The spring would theoretically sit with the support cable running up the middle of it with a washer on top and below.

Shock approach would involve something like this:

Bansbach Easylift

We are the leader in gas springs & struts, hydraulic dampers, shock absorbers, & motion control accessories.

store.easylift.com

Looking for thoughts, ideas, or previous attempts successful or not.

Thanks community!

 

[Farny]

Bump - any engineers takers on this one?

 

[2kwik4u]

Bump - any engineers takers on this one?

I have about 15 ideas on how to do this. While mine is somewhat easy to lift/drop with just the soundbar up there, the idea of an assist shock, or even a full electromechanical system sounds great.

Just never taken the time to make it happen.

 

[jacoviii]

The tower on the '18 242x had the gas struts to help with the load.

 

[Farny]

I have about 15 ideas on how to do this. While mine is somewhat easy to lift/drop with just the soundbar up there, the idea of an assist shock, or even a full electromechanical system sounds great.

Just never taken the time to make it happen.

Yea i like auto! a winch system ! Are there any small that could hold the weight?

 

[Farny]

The tower on the '18 242x had the gas struts to help with the load.

Good to know - I may have to see if the dealer has one on the lot I can look at for guidance. They have been buying up tons of used boats getting ready for season

 

[Farny]

Any other thoughts on this? Bump

 

[Bruce]

You could use linear actuators if you want it to be powered.

Gas struts will be faster to use.

 

[2kwik4u]

You could use linear actuators if you want it to be powered.

Gas struts will be faster to use.

Linear actuator attached to a custom bracket within the gunwale. Actuator pulls on the existing cable.

Wouldn't be absurdly difficult. Some packaging and loading to work out, but really nothing absurd.

 

[Farny]

I’m thinking gas struts may be easier to install. But I do like the idea of actuated.

 

[2kwik4u]

I’m thinking gas struts may be easier to install. But I do like the idea of actuated.

They would be....sort of..... mounting will pose the same packaging issues. Where to the fit, how do they move, what do they attach to, etc.

The benefit to a strut (or any other purely mechanical system) system would be general simplicity and ease of control. If you actuated the whole setup you would need some feedback and load balancing to keep things in sync and happy. Would require wiring, sensors, and other such mess.