Stern Tower

[Tip]

I finally just got my provisional patent application filed a couple of weeks ago. Check out these photos and let me know what you think. The stern tower has three advantages: 1) makes stowing and unstowing your wakeboard really easy, no more dangerous climbing around the bimini to get your boards. 2) makes a great step/handle for getting in and out of the back of the boat. 3) Keeps the cover off the back of the boat during storage, improves airflow under the cover to reduce mildew and sour water smell.

I've using this prototype for about 6 weeks and so far it's working great. The best part of the whole deal is the installation requires no holes in the boat itself, only two small holes in the swim platform.

[Tip]

Here's another angle:

[Tip]

Here's one more:

[forjar]

Are you just using the tower for storage of the boards?

[Tip]

I'm actually using it for three things. 1)board storage 2)handle/step for getting in and out of the back of the boat and 3) keeps the cover raised off the back of the boat, which improves ventilation during storage.

[Tige22ityper]

That system looks good for people that only board, and don't use their boat for much else. What if you want to ski or do some other towing activity and need the ski pylon?

[ssrgeoff]

What does it take to open the engine compartment?

[hanzj]

I like the idea of taking some of the weight off of the tower, but does the rope ever snag the boards between sets?

[Tip]

Your right, this is designed for people who don't need their ski pylon. I do all my towing from the tower and never use the pylon. However, the entire tower can be removed in less than three minutes, and then re-attached in about the same time. It's just two bolts.

Opening the engine compartment is simple. There is a pin that pops out to disconnect the tower from the ski pylon. The whole tower swivels back with the engine compartment door. You can easily open the engine compartment with 4 boards in the racks. You can open the side compartments by either removing the boards or swiveling the entire tower.

I'll get some close up photos that show how the tower attaches and unattaches from the pylon and post them this weekend.

[Tip]

Hanjz,
I was really concerned about rope snag when I first came up with the idea. I slightly altered my pickup process and have not had any problems with the rope getting caught up in the rack. Here's what I do: Instead of making a close turn around the downed rider, I make a wider turn around the downed rider. This keeps the rope extended and away from the racks while I'm coming around the downed rider. It's actually safer not to get too close to the rider anyway. We figured all this out within the first two hours of using the tower and it has not been a problem since.

[RZMike]

Interesting concept. I like it. With my 2001 metcraft tower w/ built in racks on top, I really have to climb to reach my boards. (I'm also vertically challanged :) ) Something like that would be nice. I also like the 'keeping the cover off the boat' part.

[Tip]

I'd like to thank everyone for their constructive feedback. The provisional patent application only cost me $80 to file, but the full blown patent application will cost thousands; so before I spend the dough, I just want to make sure this thing has potential.

[thegreatwhay]

Tip...I dig it man.. I really do. I am like you, trying to come up with ways that make the board storage and removal easier...My solution is Wakeskate. :o) I really to like the idea of pulling the cover off the boat...That is my biggest bug right now...
J

[rushin]

If you are keeping life jackets in the storage compartments of riders that are not riding, it seems like quite a pain in the butt everytime you switch riders, having to remove up to two boards just to get a life jacket.

[Tip]

The life Jackets have not been a problem. I only have two used for riding and I usually wrap them around the boards when not in use. I did have to move my throwable PFD from the back storage to the storage across from the driver to insure that I have quick access to it.

[Tip]

J,
Thanks man. Based on the feedback I've gotten here on Tigerowners.com, and elsewhere, people either really like the idea or they don't. We are working on a second generation prototype that I will take to the boat shows this fall/winter.
There are almost always compromises with everything, the stern tower is no different. But, for guys like you and me, it definitely solves a lot more problems than it creates.

[dliguori]

Where are the girls supposed to lay out?

[roo]

Dont know how strong it would be, but it looks like you could put a tow point where the rack "T"s at the very back. And it dosent look like it would be any more of a pain to get to the life jackets with that rack, than it is to get the boards on current racks.

[Tip]

Roo,
Getting to the boards up on the main tower is definitely more tricky that getting to the life vests with the stern rack.

Good idea on the tow point.

[roo]

Tip,
that rack is a great idea and I have never seen anyone else even attempt it. Never know, could catch on.
Good Job

[Tip]

Thanks for the encouraging feedback Roo. I have found that the wakeboarding community is a rather fickle group (me included!) so it's hard to tell if it will catch on. I thought it was a good idea, and wanted to share the ideal with others who may have the same frustrations that I have trying to access those high tower racks.

[Domsz06]

looks good for a v-drive. Good luck, hope it works out for you.

Dom

[Tip]

Thanks Dom.

[cheeseman]

I like your idea. I don't like climbing around my bimini top to get to my board and wakeboards are difficult to store in the rear compartments of my V-Drive. But I also use my pylon to connect ropes occaisonally and to connect my V-Drive boom.

[thegreatwhay]

Tip,
There is one thing that I was thinking about that may be a concern from time to time. How large is the space between the hull and the bars going across the back of the boat. In other words, because of sue frenzy idiots out there, would some numbnut slide down and possibly break their leg in between that area? Just something to maybe keep in mind for the design revisions. Other than that, I do not see any other conerns from my end. As for the feedback, you are welcome. You seem to be approaching it with a very humble attitude. I totally RESPECT that, and for that alone, I hope you go far.
Jason

[Tip]

Jason,
The space between the rack and the back of the boat is pretty tight but I suppose someone could manage it; however, after two months of on the water testing none of us feel the risk is that high, definitely something to keep in mind though. These days liability is always a concern.

Thanks for the feedback.

[thegreatwhay]

You Bet..