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I'm not too familiar with those new models; in general, Yamaha makes the same hull for SX/AR. You could probably see the enforcements on the inside. I would try to find a tower that would be compatible with the factory mounts - to mount over the factory reinforced hull/cap. If the exact match is not possible, I would mount as close as possible, and definitely install the feet/bases on top of the hull cap, not the sides - gunnels, there is too much flex - freeboard FRP shell is only 1/4" thick in these boats if that.
I would stick with a forward swept one that mount similar to the new boats. I’m assuming over the years they have perfected the proper spot to put this, that minimizes issues. I know I had looked at some older 212x boats and they had spider cracking around the forward mounts.
The more I investigated it I have to agree with you. The hull is the same as the AR195 and there are reinforcements already in place that I can use. My next step is to quote Monster Tower MTK (which even though the looks is still growing on me, however, it's a tower designed for wakeboarding and this is the main reason I need a tower, for light use, not professional wakeboarding). I will also quote the Yamaha factory tower. Appreciate the feedback.
Absolutely - go with the factory reinforcements for mount sites, no question about it.
@Sugarcharged ... I was going to suggest buying an OEM tower from the Yamaha supplier but if they won't retail what about taking pictures and dimensions to a fabricator and then having it built then taking it to a shop to have it powder coated or two part epoxied? I have had marine exhaust headers and through hulls fabricated a number of times and those prices were cheaper that retail a lot of the time.
I understand your comment and suggestion and respect that but I would not feel comfortable pulling my kids on it, just for piece of mind. I probably will go with Monster Tower knowing they have built probably thousands of those and put some engineering behind it. Probably a very good fabricator could build something even stronger but I just don't feel I could trust it.@Sugarcharged ... I was going to suggest buying an OEM tower from the Yamaha supplier but if they won't retail what about taking pictures and dimensions to a fabricator and then having it built then taking it to a shop to have it powder coated or two part epoxied? I have had marine exhaust headers and through hulls fabricated a number of times and those prices were cheaper that retail a lot of the time.
I think you overestimate Monster Towers, and underestimate your local fab shop. I would honestly trust a local fab shop over Monster.
@Sugarcharged ..... with respect local fabricators I have used took more care, in many cases than mass produced products. I would be far more worried that an aftermarket tower did not match the manufacturer's anchor points on your hull. The beauty of having it fabricated locally is that you could get specific attachment points made for speakers, board racks bimini top etc. Any professional welder versed in aluminum etc. can easily weld you a tower just as strong as the OEM or aftermarket product.
Thank you! I will certainly give them a call. This is exactly the type of shop I was looking for.
Any way you can tell before drilling into it? I have an sx210 as well and have thought about adding.
You should see where the factory fiberglassed a piece of marine plywood where the factory tower mounts. I have some tips to make your life easier if you do decide to add a tower.
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