Tower idea

[Lonepiper]

Ok,
I may get somewhat flamed for this but thought I would ask.

I would like to add a tower (or something) to my MFG Gypsy 15. Not for wake boarding or anything like that, but for antenna height and spotlights. I work at my local 911 center (going on 16 years) and at times there is need for river SAR. If I have learned nothing, I believe in the boy scout motto of "Be Prepared". So, if possible I would like to have something that puts antenna up a little higher and the spotlights above me.

I checked prices on wake board towers OUCH! So, I am looking for either alternatives, or a verbal slapdown telling me it's a really dumb idea, which it might be.

Thanks again.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Tower idea

Do not do it. Leave it to the boats and personnel for the situation. Read this horror story http://www.lifesaving.com/news/show_article.php?section=news&id=72

 

[jonesg]

Re: Tower idea

wow

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Tower idea

Do not do it. Leave it to the boats and personnel for the situation. Read this horror story http://www.lifesaving.com/news/show_article.php?section=news&id=72

Okay... totally trying to figure out why you posted that as a reference to a "leave it to the experts" comment. I don't think those experts did very well

Most of the SAR boats I've seen are essentially expensive, heavy copies of recreational boats, until you get up into the rarified USCG level, or you buy a RBB like a SAFE boat, or a custom aluminum hull made for SAR or water rescue.

Bottom line, if you don't know how to run a boat safely, including loading it, handling it, and making sure that it'll handle any water situation you might encounter, you're risking your life and those of any passengers using it.

If you want to build an arch, tower, or hard top for your own boat, go ahead, just make sure you test the new weight loading once it's on... basically see how it changes the handling of the boat. You're putting some extra weight up high and in a place it's likely to affect stability.

Lots of people have done it, just don't be foolish about it. Post pics and a build log here, and let people comment on it and give you warnings about doing it right.

It's always a good idea to be prepared to help with rescues on the water... sometimes you're the only boat nearby and you are the only thing that'll save lives.

But if you really like that sort of thing, join the USCG reserve, AUX, or the local water patrol and get trained, like the guys in that story apparently didn't, so you don't endanger other lives trying to help out.

Erik

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Tower idea

Someone did a bang up job on a homemade T-top on here. Do a search and see if you can find it.

 

[WizeOne]

Re: Tower idea

Someone did a bang up job on a homemade T-top on here. Do a search and see if you can find it.

I think the link you are talking about was from the guy with the 14' larson. There was a recent post that talked about his foto album being dead.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Tower idea

Darn it WizeOne, now you're going to make me go find it http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=291770 is the one I was talking about.

 

[WizeOne]

Re: Tower idea

Darn it WizeOne, now you're going to make me go find it http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=291770 is the one I was talking about.

Yep, ezmobee, I remember that one. It was sure a beaut, but I thought lonepiper was talking more about a wake tower than a T-top.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Tower idea

not a heck of a lot of difference , change the shape a bit.

bill the town $1500.

try not to strap anyone to the deck though.

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: Tower idea

either fab it yourself or go to any metal shop or boat top company.

 

[Silver Heels]

Re: Tower idea

I hope I am never on the same lake as "Bob in VT" Why any reasonable person would advocate leaving rescues to only those qualified is beyond me. As a former Coastie I can attest to many rescues by nearby boaters who heard a distress call and were able to assist long before the Coast Guard arrived on scene. I commend you for wanting to be prepared to help a fellow boater in need. Too bad all of us, even our "experts" don't have your unselfish attitude.

 

[redfury]

Re: Tower idea

I read through that whole article. The biggest factor in that was overloading. I've been in 2 overloaded boats and won't do it again. Practical experience has shown me that you just don't push your luck when loading a boat....they'd been better off in a Tri hull .

Setting your boat up so that you can be of assistance is a good idea, but the primary purpose of the boat should be for you. If you want to build a rescue boat, I'd hook up with the people that volunteer for water rescues and hopefully avoid this from happening to someone else by bringing your experience instead of your boat.