New Tower FCT4

[robertsmcfarland]

fct 1 tower for the 2008 210 and 220 and maybe the 230 changed to a lighter fct1 for 2009 which makes those years different.

[Chexi]

Flight "Control" Tower? I'd say the number of towers and naming conventions are anything but under "control".

[obie]

I second that the FCT-3, or 6, does NOT move a millimeter or rattle. It's the most solidly built and mounted tower I've ever seen.

[Erik]

**** - I like it.

Interesting thread, tower and discussion here. I really like the new tower, can appreciate the 226 in that pic, and absolutely covet the 230 which I have said many times. This photo makes me almost drool:
http://www.correctcraftboats.com/pnuploads/naut5.jpg

Obviously the FCT4 makes sense on some boats, but not everything. I think the FCT3 is THE tower to have on the new 210, with the exception of the Byerly edition. However I'd option for the FCT1 or FCT 4 for the 230. Despite the awesome unobstructed view offered via the FCT3, I've decided that I find the 230 to be too long and low slung for that tower. The FCT1 seems appropriately impressive and large for that imposing, awesome boat. But anyway I have never liked the idea of a Titan tower on a Correct Craft so I still rank that last. Simply put, I really like the towers that Correct Craft designs in house (the FCT3 and Titan were not). Steve Carlton and his designers do a great job of making their in-house towers work with the lines of the boat. In my opinion the FCT4 is a very nice blend of old and new and looks in-house to me.

**EDIT** - I am confused. In that WakeWorld link there are 2 distinct new towers.

This one:
http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/m...183/724998.jpg

and this one:
http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/m...183/727681.jpg

Both seem very nice and have that in-house vibe to them, but I prefer the one on that yellow 230. And the option of having it painted - awesome. White towers just look so **** good.

[Miljack]

I'll weigh in with my $0.02 on the new tower.

On the 216v-eh, not so much. To me, looks like too many of the other manufacturers towers, including the I/O's.

230/236, better, but I like the "original" version on that boat. This FCT4 looks too low on this big boat.

I'm going to agree w/Erik on the FCT3, coming around for it on the 210, MAYBE on the 230, but in both cases it NEEDS the Z5 rack to make it work for me. I'm also on the fence with the Titan towers, I think they are probably STOUT because they are SS tubing, and I think they look good on the 210, but the 230 version is too rounded for my taste.

[tdc_worm]

Re: heck - I like it.

**EDIT** - I am confused. In that WakeWorld link there are 2 distinct new towers.

This one:
http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/m...183/724998.jpg

and this one:
http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/m...183/727681.jpg

Both seem very nice and have that in-house vibe to them, but I prefer the one on that yellow 230. And the option of having it painted - awesome. White towers just look so darn good.

they are both the same tower. the confusion (it appears) is that both base hoops follow the windshield lines. because the 216/226 windshield ends in the reverse sweeping edge (which is also a vent), the tower attempts to follow that reverse edge. if you look closely above the base hoop, you will see that both towers appear to pivot at the same point of the fore and aft legs...

[Laptom]

RE: Re: heck - I like it.

What tdc says. They are both called the FCT4 tower, but the lower tower parts are adjusted for the different windshields. The idea of the FCT4 tower is to follow the windshield lines better the the FCT1 or FCT2.

My small opinion of the towers.
FCT1: Absolutely love this tower. I will order our 230 again with the tower. 4 Original speakers looks good, wetsounds 485 looks good. Ability to put 4 original boardracks on it (2 perfect Flight Clips and 2 Spinners) and even 2 more above the tower. Good view around the tower. Under and over the tower bimini possible.
FCT2: Never drove a 230 with this tower, but I've been in it. Nice lines, good flow.
FCT3: Possible the new standard tower. It's absolutely more rigid then the FCT1. But no tower mirror, and the view in the window mirror is really bad (because of the large dead view of the FCT3 in the back. I cannot see the boarder until he is close to the wake). No extra original boardracks. You can slam some extra's on it, but have not seen good tastefull ones, like the rotating speakers, in small waters (canals/rivers) the line will get in the boardracks, more diffecult side step due to the large tower. But I really like the looks of the tower and the sturdiness.
FCT4: Looks good, could be a good tower, but why no oval bars at the side for some attachment points for the flight clips? The tower also get a little bit extra strength.

This is all personal, but gives some ideas. I still don't get it why they would sell a 230 with only 2 spinners. It's a 16 person boat!!!! We have place for 8 boards on the tower and this is hardly enough. The skates and surfboards are stored under the seats.

[Chattwake]

RE: Re: heck - I like it.

Again, I had a 230 with the FCT1 for a year and I now have an '09 230 with the FCT3. Here are some pros and cons:

FCT1:
Pros:
Mirror mount from the tower
More headroom
More areas to tie ropes /bumpers from docking and tying to other boats
-- This is actually really important because of how far forward the front cleat is on the 230
Ability to mount various speakers
Ability to incorporate extra boardracks
plenty of "oh sh*t grab something options"
Beautiful classic style and flow
Cost

Cons:
Shakes and Rattles
Hard to Fold
Extremely tall even when folded
Over the top bimini is too tall so shade moves around alot
Obstructs vision on occasion

FCT3
Pros:
Super easy to fold
No sight obstructions
Does not shake
Can be painted
Folds lower than the FCT1
Looks amazing with the z5
Using the z5, the shade is perfect
Spinner racks are much beefier than those I had on my FCT1
I actually get less water in my boat when covered

Cons:
No front tower leg to tie bumpers to
Z5 is a must have
bimini options other than the z5 are not good
headroom
With 485's it's tight to get it all to work - but it does!
With 485's you can only put surfboards on the z5
No tower mirror mount - I do have my mirror ghetto mounted to the z5 rack now, which works ok. Z5 is supposed to be making a mirror mount for us with the FCT3.
cost


All things considered, I wanted to order an '09 with a FCT1 and my dealer talked me into the boat I have now, which was their show boat. Looking back, I have no regrets. For me, the fact that the tower doesn't shake or rattle is woth it. Pluse the ease of folding is nice. IMO, the FCT3 with the Z5 is the best looking tower/bimini option on the planet.

[tazz3069]

RE: Re: heck - I like it.

I want to thank everybody with their response, pictures, and comments. Now I know the direction I want to go. FCT3 with the Z5 rack. I have that rack on my current boat. I do agree it is a must. Has anyone experienced the rubber pagging coming out from under the feet of the FCT 1 and 2? On my current boat, I had to replace them every year. My tower does sway a lot when towing or in the water. Kind of a pain in the arse. Is the Z5 on available on the FCT3?

[Chattwake]

RE: Re: heck - I like it.

No, you can get the z5 for other towers too.

[tazz3069]

RE: Re: heck - I like it.

I guess I couldn't type on my black berry. I meant to ask if any one has experienced the rubber padding coming out from under the feet of the FCT1 or FCT2 tower? The second question is Is the Z5 only available for the FCT3 Tower?

[Laptom]

RE: Re: heck - I like it.

The Z5 is also available for the other FCT's.
Don't have a problem with the rubber padding of my FCT1

[tazz3069]

RE: Re: heck - I like it.

Does anyone have a picture of a FCT1 or FCT2 with the Z5 on it?