The Balancing Act: Lowering/Raising Tower options

[TylerO]

Allright guys and gals I need your input here. I did a search and didn't come up with anything on this topic and I know there have got to be some good techniques to solve this problem:

The tower on my SV211 is pretty darn heavy (probably the same on the 210,226). When trying to lower or raise the tower by myself I end up leaning over the windshield grabing the sides of the tower trying to balance it before getting into a position where I can gently lower it down into position. It seems like it's only a matter of time before I'll miscalculate and the tower will come crashing down before I can get into a position to reach the top part of the tower (further aft or forward depending on raising/lowering). I was thinking about connecting a rope from the lifting ring on the bow (raising) and the ski tow pylon (lowering) to the tower with the length set for a foot or so beyond the balance point to operate like a safety net or even to work as a lowering device. Any suggestions or practices out there?

Pics are of my boat in the garage with the tower down.....

[skinautique]

RE: The Balancing Act: Lowering/Raising Tower options

unless you are extremely short, you should be able to grab ahold of the tower right in the middle and walk it right through the windshield opening and in to the bow.

[hundo]

RE: The Balancing Act: Lowering/Raising Tower options

What is your idea of extremely short? I guess i'm extremely short at 5'6 because I can't on my 210 either by myself

[AirNautique211]

RE: The Balancing Act: Lowering/Raising Tower options

I am 6' and it is a bit tough to reach as I walk through. I use a ski rope on the door knob on top of the tower. Stand between the driver seat, give it a push and hang on. Walk up and down the isle to gain leverage. It works well for me, but I am 200 lbs. and rarely take down the tower.

If that does not work, you might look for a house with a larger garage or a lake with no bridges. Ha, ha!

[TylerO]

RE: The Balancing Act: Lowering/Raising Tower options

Skinautique- I'm 6' and there is no way I can reach the top of the tower while it's at the top of it's arc. Must be different on the 211.

AN211- I think I'll give your ski rope idea a try. No chance of moving anytime soon. As you can see the colors in the garage match the boat! (This was not by design)

[skinautique]

RE: The Balancing Act: Lowering/Raising Tower options

I am only 5'9 and have folded them down on the 211, 210, 216, 226 and 206. Don't know whaht I would be doing different

[FatBoy]

RE: The Balancing Act: Lowering/Raising Tower options

I am 5'-7" and I can not come close to the tower in the middle of it's arc on my 211.

[TylerO]

RE: The Balancing Act: Lowering/Raising Tower options

Skinautique- You must have some really long arms!

Anyway SN211 and Fatboy you know where I coming from? I'm balancing this heavy tower solo and while trying to reposition myself for the lowering it gets a little sketchy. The last thing I want to have happen is to get too much weight going the direction I'm not and have the tower come crashing down.

[hsmunoz]

RE: The Balancing Act: Lowering/Raising Tower options

ditto, I am 5'-10" and have done it by myself, but don't recommend it. I use a strap, to get it over the arc. I also worry that one day it's gonna swing on it's own so I just make sure some one is there to help.

TylerO
did you paint the garage wall to match the baot, is so that is totally cool!

[skinautique]

RE: The Balancing Act: Lowering/Raising Tower options

Must be all of the slalom skiing!

[hundo]

RE: The Balancing Act: Lowering/Raising Tower options

It would be nice to be able to lower the tower without asking the wife to help each time

[TylerO]

Hsmunoz,

Actually I painted the walls and floor long before I became a Nautique owner. I'm a little bit of a garage freak and when we rolled the new boat into the garage and realized how the white ceiling, grey floors and blue walls matched the boat we all started to laugh. :grin:

I attached a few more pics (with old boat). Next step will be diamond plate on lower wall sections and industrial cabinets. Note the air hose and power in the ceiling too......

[TylerO]

Must be all of the slalom skiing!

If so I'm going to have to hit the course! I'd like at least another two inches.... :grin:

[skiinxs]

Nice toolbox, heck of a deal at Sam's wasn't it!

[TylerO]

Nice toolbox, heck of a deal at Sam's wasn't it!

Costco, but heck ya!