Installing a wakeboard rack without a tower on a Bayliner 175 step-by-step walkthru

[briguy2817]

Re: Installing a wakeboard rack without a tower on a Bayliner 175 step-by-step walkth

Very nice, I love the clean look that this has. Got my mind churning now.

Brian

 

[klm4755]

Re: Installing a wakeboard rack without a tower on a Bayliner 175 step-by-step walkth

I have included a few extra steps to finish the wake rack install:
1. Drilled 2x small holes (about 1/2 thru) the wall at the base so the set screws will fit into the part thru holes. This will help resist rotation of the pole in the base.

2. I upgraded the base mounting fasteners to these stainless steel type, coated with epoxy

3. This cap was installed on the end of the pole for a polished look.

as installed

4. Lastly, I'll add a board to rack quick release buckle. Cut the elastic strap. Kinda hassle to use

 

[klm4755]

Re: Installing a wakeboard rack without a tower on a Bayliner 175 step-by-step walkth

buckle and webbing base from REI

3/4 nylon webbing, soldering iron to cauterize strap end

nylon thread

strap end...nice and clean

 

[klm4755]

Re: Installing a wakeboard rack without a tower on a Bayliner 175 step-by-step walkth

attach female buckle end to strap base

like so

now, mount the base to the wakeboard, use epoxy

paint epoxy on strap base

 

[klm4755]

Re: Installing a wakeboard rack without a tower on a Bayliner 175 step-by-step walkth

bond to wakeboard

add make buckle end to the wakeboard rack, sew strap to rack base

buckle engaged

buckle disengaged

 

[klm4755]

Re: Installing a wakeboard rack without a tower on a Bayliner 175 step-by-step walkth

offset view
The board can now be stowed without hassle, one hand operation.
Keithm

 

[MTribe08]

Re: Installing a wakeboard rack without a tower on a Bayliner 175 step-by-step walkth

Hi..the finished product looks great!! Quick question. Could this rack be mounted and secured to a bow rail if your boat has one? It didn't appear in the pictures like your boat does, and I'm wondering if you would have mounted it there if it did.
Thanks

 

[sebber83]

Re: Installing a wakeboard rack without a tower on a Bayliner 175 step-by-step walkth

Just curious, might have been covered already, but how much did it cost u to do this? I am guessing the most expensive part was the rack, but all the fabrication and all. I know u can get nice wake towers for about 700$ now, some even throw in a rack in the deal, plus you get the benefits of riding behind a tower. Was this really a huge money saver?

 

[klm4755]

Re: Installing a wakeboard rack without a tower on a Bayliner 175 step-by-step walkth

Hi..the finished product looks great!! Quick question. Could this rack be mounted and secured to a bow rail if your boat has one? It didn't appear in the pictures like your boat does, and I'm wondering if you would have mounted it there if it did.
Thanks

The bayliner does not have bow rail. I believe if the rails are secured well to the boat, it should not be an issue. Most of the load on my rack is transferred to the boat deck thru the base bracket. I can stand on the wakeboard rack and it will experience very little deflection. I'm very happy with the design.
Keithm

 

[klm4755]

Re: Installing a wakeboard rack without a tower on a Bayliner 175 step-by-step walkth

Just curious, might have been covered already, but how much did it cost u to do this? I am guessing the most expensive part was the rack, but all the fabrication and all. I know u can get nice wake towers for about 700$ now, some even throw in a rack in the deal, plus you get the benefits of riding behind a tower. Was this really a huge money saver?

The rack was off e-bay at $120.
The six foot 7/8 stainless steel pole was $40.
The stainless steel base was $15

Total Project cost ~ $180

Keithm

 

[MTribe08]

Re: Installing a wakeboard rack without a tower on a Bayliner 175 step-by-step walkth

The bayliner does not have bow rail. I believe if the rails are secured well to the boat, it should not be an issue. Most of the load on my rack is transferred to the boat deck thru the base bracket. I can stand on the wakeboard rack and it will experience very little deflection. I'm very happy with the design.
Keithm

thanks!

 

[smitty1258]

Re: Installing a wakeboard rack without a tower on a Bayliner 175 step-by-step walkth

truly the best design I have seen yet for a towerless boat.

This would go great with a DIY pylon.

Great work man! I would be going with your setup if I didnt have a tower on my new boat

I think youll find that water from the boards will still make its way into the boat.

 

[klm4755]

Re: Installing a wakeboard rack without a tower on a Bayliner 175 step-by-step walkth

truly the best design I have seen yet for a towerless boat.

This would go great with a DIY pylon.

Great work man! I would be going with your setup if I didnt have a tower on my new boat

I think youll find that water from the boards will still make its way into the boat.

Unfortunatly, The boat is in garage storage. Field testing will come out next sparing/summer.
Keithm