FCT3 owners-what do you think of this tower, what mirror?

[Miljack]

Just curious what those who have the FCT3 think about this tower option, and what kind of mirror do you use? I think that you have to go back to the windshield mounted mirrors, correct?

[tmb]

RE: FCT3 owners-what do you think of this tower, what mirror

I love the tower for its functionality. I have to go under a bridge almost every time I go out on the lake so being able to effortlessly put the tower down\up is awesome. The look still has to grow on me. I think it looks funney because there is so much space between the tower and windshield.

[tmb]

RE: FCT3 owners-what do you think of this tower, what mirror

I don't use a mirror currently. They are supposed to be coming out with a mirror similar to the tower mirror but I believe it attaches to the windshield to the right of the driver. The mirro rthey sent with the boat requires drilling thru the windshield and I didn't want to do that with the new mirror coming out

[n3]

Check out the new mirror bracket Nautique is coming out with for 2010. It has different inserts so it can clamp down on different windshield header bars and not mess up the paint. Roswell makes some sweet items and this is one no exception. Also notice the Extra Large mirror (aka "Luxury Mirror") that's an option on the 10's.

Later,
Mark @ N3

[robertsmcfarland]

wouldn't you have to remove the mirror each time you put the cover on or does it fold down towards the driver so the cover fits flush with the top of the windshield.

[n3]

It folds down.

[Chattwake]

I won't be happy with anything that attaches to the windshield. I want something from the tower. I talked to the guys at z5, and they are fabbing something to work with the z5 racks.

[lion90]

I talked to the guys at z5, and they are fabbing something to work with the z5 racks.

Sweet! That cargo rack ends at just the right place - almost directly above the windshield. If they can create something that bolts on to it and preferably has an adjustable length arm that hangs down, that would be perfect and worth its weight in gold. (However, tell them to make it light since gold is pretty expensive these days)

Please post when they have something that is generally available (or even in limited availability). I would be happy to help field test...

[tx51210]

Ok, new guy looking for a boat with some questions. Please bear with me.

How strong is the FCT3 vs the 1 or 2? Is there much rattle?
How easy it it to fold the FCT3 with the z5 top? Do you tow with the z5 top in place?

I am trying to decide between Mastercraft and Nautique and the takedown on the Mastercraft tower is a serious pain. I am curious if the ease of takedown has too many tradeoffs. What tradeoffs, if any, does the FCT3 have on the multi-post towers?

[NautiqueJeff]

The FCT3 should b plenty strong with zero (or very near zero) rattle. The Z5 has 4 pins that hold it in place. It takes about 15 seconds to pull the pins and then the top pops right off. There is no need to remove the Z5 to tow the boat. I have pulled my 230 at 70 MPH for long distances with the Z5 up, and there were no issues.

The FCT3 is super easy to fold. Pull the two levers and you can fold the tower with one hand.

[tx51210]

Thanks for the info. The tower is one of my favorite things about the nautique boats.

[Laptom]

I was in a 210 couple a days ago with a FCT3.
This tower really growed on me, I like the styling and looks now.
Three things I don't like about the tower are:
1. No tower mirror, and the view from the mirror isn't great due to the big tower. I like the little bit extra view in front because you don't have a tower in front, but I dislike the view to the back much more! In my opinion this is the biggest drawback of the FCT3.
2. No room for four original board racks. I like the look of our FCT1 with flight clips and spinners. 8 Boards on the tower without a problem.
3. Rope sometimes in the board(racks), this needs some adjusting with driving, but on a shallow river it is a problem.

The FCT3 is without a question a stiff and rattle free tower. Really impressed about the performance of this tower!