So, I got some help from the forum here during my run up to installing my new tower. In return, I had every intent of making a really nice install post with pics and all that. But, in the end, the stress of drilling holes in the hull, the longer than expected duration, a few rookie mistakes, etc. ended up ruining that plan. But I won't go without at least a little info here just for the archival aspect of do-it-yourself-ers.
The first couple steps; lining 'er up, getting access into the hull; was flawless-
From there on, it was a little more challenging. I'm a pretty handy guy, and have taken on all kinds of projects; this was not the most challenging ever, but it was worse than I expected. Overall though, most of the difficulties came from the rookie mistakes previously mentioned (putting the back legs on the front, for example... didn't realize that till we couldn't get the top piece to fit, doh!). But some other challenges include measuring to get the thing symmetric, eyeballing the side rails so they are vertical, and most importantly, getting all of the joints to sit flush and tight.
In the end, you have literally dozens of degrees of freedom since all of the joints swivel, twist, and bend. When you are doing the final alignment, you have to get all of that to seat properly, make sure your side rails are vertical, and ensure your tow point in is the center and level. That's a little more complicated then the online instructions would have you believe. This is particularly true for the sucker holding the thing up for 20 minutes while you run around making adjustments (pick a friend with good shoulder and neck muscles!). I really wish I had a picture of that process!
The other note I can give is to remember to leave everything sort of loose. Every joint will need to be tweaked a couple times before you get it all perfect and are ready to start drilling holes in the H section up top. Once you get a bolt up there, you are set and your adjustment ability is pretty much done.
Now, don't let this dissuade you from taking this on yourself, these are just some thoughts to consider before starting. In the end it was all good.
*That last picture is me being thrilled that the thing collapsed properly. If it's out of square at all it will bind... which would be a disaster for a guy like me who keeps their rig in the garage!
Some of the finer points: I used 1/4" starboard with lots of "Goop" epoxy for backing (get more epoxy than you think you need... put it on THICK. I wish I would've had more). The plates I used were 4.5"x7" nominal, and then I trimmed those down a bit where needed to fit in their respective spaces. I'm pretty confident in the strength, but we'll find out the true status as the summer wears on. I also used cheap deck plates to cover those giant holes in the bow I had to drill. I wen't 4.5" for the holes, but I could barely reach... go bigger if you have the space.
I think that's all I've got for you. Hopefully this helps someone along the way!
The first couple steps; lining 'er up, getting access into the hull; was flawless-
From there on, it was a little more challenging. I'm a pretty handy guy, and have taken on all kinds of projects; this was not the most challenging ever, but it was worse than I expected. Overall though, most of the difficulties came from the rookie mistakes previously mentioned (putting the back legs on the front, for example... didn't realize that till we couldn't get the top piece to fit, doh!). But some other challenges include measuring to get the thing symmetric, eyeballing the side rails so they are vertical, and most importantly, getting all of the joints to sit flush and tight.
In the end, you have literally dozens of degrees of freedom since all of the joints swivel, twist, and bend. When you are doing the final alignment, you have to get all of that to seat properly, make sure your side rails are vertical, and ensure your tow point in is the center and level. That's a little more complicated then the online instructions would have you believe. This is particularly true for the sucker holding the thing up for 20 minutes while you run around making adjustments (pick a friend with good shoulder and neck muscles!). I really wish I had a picture of that process!
The other note I can give is to remember to leave everything sort of loose. Every joint will need to be tweaked a couple times before you get it all perfect and are ready to start drilling holes in the H section up top. Once you get a bolt up there, you are set and your adjustment ability is pretty much done.
Now, don't let this dissuade you from taking this on yourself, these are just some thoughts to consider before starting. In the end it was all good.
*That last picture is me being thrilled that the thing collapsed properly. If it's out of square at all it will bind... which would be a disaster for a guy like me who keeps their rig in the garage!
Some of the finer points: I used 1/4" starboard with lots of "Goop" epoxy for backing (get more epoxy than you think you need... put it on THICK. I wish I would've had more). The plates I used were 4.5"x7" nominal, and then I trimmed those down a bit where needed to fit in their respective spaces. I'm pretty confident in the strength, but we'll find out the true status as the summer wears on. I also used cheap deck plates to cover those giant holes in the bow I had to drill. I wen't 4.5" for the holes, but I could barely reach... go bigger if you have the space.
I think that's all I've got for you. Hopefully this helps someone along the way!
