Lowering AR190 tower on the water?

[AuburnVFR]

I'm currently looking around for a used SX190 and have a question if I can even consider an AR, since it seems there are more of them on the market. The main issue against considering the AR is that I need to be able to go under a low abandoned railroad trestle on the lake. Depending on water levels, I normally have to lean over while driving the in-laws pontoon, so I'm fairly certain a raised tower will not go under.

Is it practical to lower/raise the tower on the AR while on the water? Would the older or newer style tower be better in this regard? Is it possible to remove either tower and replace it with a regular Bimini without it looking like total crap?

FYI, I don't really have an interest in skiing or towing sports (other than an occasional tube) and the second captains chair seems more appealing to me than the bench layout, but I'm certainly not opposed to a good deal on an AR if I can navigate under the trestle with some level of practicality.

Thanks

 

[Hoyt]

The newer towers easily fold to under windshield. Simply unscrew the two knobs and fold. Can be one with one person no problem, but way easier with a helper. Black knob shown here in this pic at back of tower.

 

[Hoyt]

Newer towers have a bimini as well. Not as much coverage as a SX does though, but covers the cabin nicely. Bow and swim deck is full sun, and sometimes rear seat.

 

[2kwik4u]

I fold mine on the water all the time. We have a "low bridge" to fit under that leads to some nice wakesports water (more glass, less chop).

Have to "stow" the bimini top, then have a helped grab the front of the tower, then unscrew the two black knobs. Proceed under bridge at slowest speed possible. Raise tower, secure black knobs, deploy bimini, and away we go. Takes about 5 minutes usually, maybe less.

You can see the bridge we go under in this video. It's in the distant background, but it's there. We usually clear the windshield by 6-8 inches or so. MUST have the tower cable mod to make it under.

 

[AuburnVFR]

Thanks for the info

any input about the older rear swept tower?

 

[2kwik4u]

Thanks for the info

any input about the older rear swept tower?

I have zero experience with those towers. I'm sure someone will chime in at some point.

 

[marcham]

FYI, I don't really have an interest in skiing or towing sports (other than an occasional tube) and the second captains chair seems more appealing to me than the bench layout, but I'm certainly not opposed to a good deal on an AR if I can navigate under the trestle with some level of practicality.

Thanks

FYI, the tower is not designed for towing tubes, those should still be hooked up to the stern tie point. If you're going through a low bridge every outing, lowering and raising the tower twice a day might take away from the pleasure of boating real fast...

 

[white2kstang]

The newer towers easily fold to under windshield. Simply unscrew the two knobs and fold. Can be one with one person no problem, but way easier with a helper. Black knob shown here in this pic at back of tower.
View attachment 118788

I'm interested in any tips you may have come across on lowering it by yourself. I'm scared to drop it and havent attempted it alone... but would be nice to be able to do it myself occasionally.

 

[2kwik4u]

I'm interested in any tips you may have come across on lowering it by yourself. I'm scared to drop it and havent attempted it alone... but would be nice to be able to do it myself occasionally.

I lower mine myself all the time. Takes a bit of strength and dexterity

Undo one side of the tower. Go to the other side. While standing on the seat, hold onto the tower with one hand and lean back, like you're on the monkey bars. Use your other hand to loosen the last hand screw. Your body is the counterweight for the tower. Once you have the final screw out, use both hands and SLOWLY move your body towards the front of the boat. The tower will lower under it's own weight until it reaches the stops.

I can setup the GoPro and take a video if you want.

 

[white2kstang]

Didnt think about standing on the seat. May have to try that. At least I have 240lbs of counter weight. Lol

 

[1kennymc]

Didnt think about standing on the seat. May have to try that. At least I have 240lbs of counter weight. Lol

Be careful doing that you can break the seat i do it the long seat section first than i do the other side so i can stand safely on the floor and its easy enough to do didnt find it difficult at all