tower install ?s

[jshriver]

hello, my first post! looking for a little info on reinforcing a 2007 bayliner 175br
for the installation of a wakeboard tower, i have some experience repairing surfboards so i can work with fiberglass. the areas where the tower are to be
attached seem pretty thin, i was thinking of getting some wood and resin and
afixing it to the inside of the boats rails? then adding some fiberglass over the wood then drilling the bolt holes thru both... i understand there is a technique to drilling thru fiberglass so it wont crack? any info would be greatly appreciated. i have found a tower from joystick pylons for 895.00 and
they would install for 300.00 i am sure its not rocket science but i kind of fear drilling thru a new boat? but i guess someone has to do it, and i am sure i would be more careful then some techs!

 

[sabastianunf]

Re: tower install ?s

When I mounted mine I used 1/2 inch presure treated plywood on the inside of the mounting point. I did not fiberglass it since it is in a dry area and would not be seen. If it was going to be in a visible/exposed area you can easily fiberglass it in. Mine came with a stainless steel backing plate and a rubber bushing to go between the mounting/backing plate and the fiberglass - You would want to find something simmilar if your kit does not come with these. The biggest seacret to mounting a tower is measure 3 times and drill once. You want to make sure that you measure from the front of the boat to the mounts, the back of the boat to the mounts and then diangnole between the mounts. That way you know everything is centered and square before you drill any holes. The best technique for drilling is to cover the fiberglass with masking tape and drilling with the drill in reverse. It takes longer but will keep the glass from cracking and chipping. Once you have drilled the holes you may want to put a little fiberglass or silicone in the holes to prevent water intrusion where the core is exposed.