Fibreglass Thickness

[fourwinnsnate]

Hey
I'm not sure if this should be in the wakeboarding section or not as it is more a question about my boat but is for my wake tower.
I just purchased a monster MT1 tower and it says that if my fibreglass is not 3/8 thick it needs to be reinforced.
My boat is kept on a lake about an hour and a half from where I live so I would like to go out there prepared and I was just wondering if anyone has put the tower on a boat like mine (1998 fourwinns RS) and would know whether the fibreglass in that area is thick enough or if it needs to be reinforced. Any info will be much appreciated.
Thanks
Nate

 

[Bondo]

Re: Fibreglass Thickness

Hey
I'm not sure if this should be in the wakeboarding section or not as it is more a question about my boat but is for my wake tower.
I just purchased a monster MT1 tower and it says that if my fibreglass is not 3/8 thick it needs to be reinforced.
My boat is kept on a lake about an hour and a half from where I live so I would like to go out there prepared and I was just wondering if anyone has put the tower on a boat like mine (1998 fourwinns RS) and would know whether the fibreglass in that area is thick enough or if it needs to be reinforced. Any info will be much appreciated.
Thanks
Nate

Ayuh,.... Just count on reinforcing it, 'n you won't have any problems....

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: Fibreglass Thickness

When I put a tower on my boat (winter project) I'm going to reinforce it regardless.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Fibreglass Thickness

Third on that. Buy some hard aluminum plate (NOT Diamond Plate) about 1/8 to 3/16 thick. Drill to match the mounting holes and cut to fit under the mounting area. Through bolt with stainless bolts, washers, and self locking nuts.

A little extra reinforcement beats ripping out the bolts under load and damaging your hull. While you are at it, if the cleats are not reinforced with aluminum plate, do them too!

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Fibreglass Thickness

Yup, the only way you are going to know how thick the fiberglass is in the area is when you drill a whole. Like the others said, plan on the reinforcement. You'll be glad you did.

 

[Augoose]

Re: Fibreglass Thickness

Same situation in my boat- I have the thickness but its reinforced anyway. I'm glad it is so I don't have to worry about it!

 

[mwe-maxxowner]

Re: Fibreglass Thickness

I would imagine wood would do better unless the surface was perfectly flat? Where a tower will mount on my boat is curved some.I thought about putting a board outside too with a routered edge to sandwich the gelcoat?