Wake tower cross beam bending, ballooning.

[davel501]

Ended in Feb of this year. Didn't find out about this till April when I took the boat out of storage.

I have frost and freeze protection on my policy from BoatUS so I could claim it. I wonder if anyone knows who makes the towers. It may be cheaper to source just that part of the tower or even just the cross member from the OEM and get their blessing on drilling the holes.

 

[davel501]

Just looked at mine the other day and another winter has left it almost completely round. So strange.

 

[GiddYupJoe]

is it only on the one side? I have still been using the tower as intended and have had no noticeable issues but it's still annoying. It did not get any worse over this last winter.

 

[Julian]

If it got worse over the winter I'd be drilling a tiny drain hole just to see if there is water in there. If there isn't, just seal it shut with JB weld or caulk.

 

[Speedling]

Condensation can freeze.
Cold glass on warm day create condensate. Same with metal. If it truly is sealed then it would have a constant air pressure that would mean the air may not freeze because it can't contract. However, the water expands when frozen so it would be encouraged to do so with the air trying to contract as well.

 

[davel501]

Called Yamaha and spoke to a product specialist. The towers are sourced by Yamaha themselves and they do not sell individual pieces. So I can spend $6k on a new tower or find someone that can fix it. Anyone know what kind of metal it is? Yamaha did not know.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

If you are close to yours, stick a magnet on it and let us know if it sticks.

 

[davel501]

Refrigerator magnet does not stick.

 

[Wayloncle]

I thought they were aluminum, I know magnets don't stick to mine, and it is a lot lighter than I expected.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Sounds like aluminum.

 

[davel501]

Awesome! Lots of bent props and bent pontoons by me so there are a few really good aluminum shops.

 

[GiddYupJoe]

Awesome! Lots of bent props and bent pontoons by me so there are a few really good aluminum shops.

Keep us posted on what you find out from a shop. I know you will!

 

[tocelli]

I have a 2014 Limited S and I took a picture of my tower this past weekend and the sticker has manufactured by Diamond Back wakeproducts. Not sure if yours is the same manufacturer but you can see a picture of my tower on my boate below. It may be a starting point for you. Here is their website http://www.diamondbackwakeproducts.com/

 

[zelone]

I just found out that my previous boat, a 2011 242 L/S has this issue. Now I'm concerned that my current 242 could develop it also. Anyone think drilling drain holes in the bottom of that section would prevent it?

As for fixing it, I would carefully cut it off with a sawzall and take to a shop with a bearing press. I'd sandwhich it in between 2 2x8's and try to press it back into shape, then find someone who can weld aluminum to put it back on.

 

[davel501]

I have a 2014 Limited S and I took a picture of my tower this past weekend and the sticker has manufactured by Diamond Back wakeproducts. Not sure if yours is the same manufacturer but you can see a picture of my tower on my boate below. It may be a starting point for you. Here is their website http://www.diamondbackwakeproducts.com/

So it was indeed Diamondback Wake Products that made the tower. I spoke with their chief designer. They built the towers to Yamaha's spec and the spec for the first couple of years did not include drain holes. I guess there have been some that have split completely open. I sent him my latest pics and he confirmed that I am pretty much screwed when it comes to salvaging that cross member. His advice was to find a local welding shop and have them cut it out and replace it. The tower is made from 6063 aluminum. When I have that done I will have drain holes added at both ends.

 

[zelone]

Thanks for the update. Do you, or they, know how widespread this issue is? I really want to go to the marina asap and drill holes before it happens.

 

[davel501]

Thanks for the update. Do you, or they, know how widespread this issue is? I really want to go to the marina asap and drill holes before it happens.

Sounded pretty widespread. They changed the design to include drain holes.

 

[zelone]

I'm gonna drill holes this weekend. Anyone know if this is related to cold weather or hot weather? The one I seen here was not noticed until a couple weeks into the season, leading me to believe hot weather caused it. I'd think they would have noticed it after taking the shrink wrapping off after winter. (it was stored outdoors all winter, near Philadelphia. We don't get ungodly cold here)

 

[davel501]

I'm gonna drill holes this weekend. Anyone know if this is related to cold weather or hot weather? The one I seen here was not noticed until a couple weeks into the season, leading me to believe hot weather caused it. I'd think they would have noticed it after taking the shrink wrapping off after winter. (it was stored outdoors all winter, near Philadelphia. We don't get ungodly cold here)

It is caused by water getting in there and freezing.

 

[zelone]

@Philip

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