There is no better way to enjoy a hot summer day than by cooling off on the lake. Water sports enthusiasts know that getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life is essential for true satisfaction of the summer season. New wakeboarders and experienced riders alike can get a thrill from riding the wake while also chilling out on the boat. Without the proper equipment, however, a ride on a wakeboard is not as fun.
Installing a universal wake tower from Wake Essentials is the best way to ensure big air and smooth rides. The following tips will help make the installation process quick and hassle-free, making it easy to get out on the lake in no time at all.
Use the Correct Tools
Instead of jumping right in to putting a wakeboard tower together, it is better to be prepared. Installing a tower requires specific tools, which should be gathered before the project begins. Rather than searching for a missing tool, all of the necessary equipment should be ready to go at a moment’s notice. Most wakeboard towers at Wake Essentials require the following tools for installation:
Allen wrenches
Tape measure
Drill
Torque wrench
Lubricant
Sealant
Marking pen
All towers come with instructions for installation, whether it is a Barwest or a Roswell tower. If any additional tools are required, they should be listed in the manual.
Determine the Location of Installation
Before the wake board tower can be put in, the location of the brackets should be determined. In most boats, the best mounting points are located on the bow cockpit gunwales. Make sure to measure and mark where drilling should occur to ensure that the location is precise. No one wants to end up with a hole in their boat where there shouldn’t be one. A dry erase marker works well for marking, since it can be easily removed from the boat’s gel coat.
Assemble Prior to Mounting
Putting the tower together before it is mounted in order to help decide where the brackets should go on the boat. Some towers, such as the Barewest T5 Prozone Tower, come with extra braces that require users to pinpoint where they will go before drilling can occur. All of the hardware needed to assemble the tower comes ready to go, so following the directions should be easy and straightforward. Once all the legs and brackets are in place, mounting can begin.
Drill Holes the Right Way
Drilling holes into the get coat on a boat can result in chipping or cracking if not done correctly. A drill should be in reverse in order to keep the bit from ruining the get coat before it reaches the fiberglass layer. It is best to start with a small bit first, and then use a larger bit if the hole needs to be bigger. This helps to ensure that the brackets are securely fastened to the boat.
Installing a wake board tower with great care helps to keep everyone safe. These tips can help guarantee that all riders have a good time enjoying the water and one of the most popular extreme sports around today.