1993 diferences between openbow and closed bow

[derekpfeiffer]

I have a 1993 Ski Nautique Open bow 19.5' and I'm wanting to order a tower for it. The company that I ordered my tower from only has the template for a closed bow and not an open bow. Does anyone know if the area around the open bow in front of the windshield is the same from an openbow versus a closed bow?? Looks to me that it would be but I hate to gamble and it not be.

thanks for any info!!!!

[swc5150]

I believe the windshield is moved back further on the open bow, but with that said, the deck itself is the same. I would think there would be enough "play" between where the tower and windshields are attached to the deck to work with either configuration? However, the contour of the tower may be designed to match the CB windshield, which is different from the OB. Will they take the tower back if it doesn't work for you?

[Storm34]

The SNOB's windshield is moved back 9" to accommodate the play pen. I would say that the decks are very similar in style, but very different in their measurements. Assume nothing when you are making this type of purchase. What company did you order from?

[derekpfeiffer]

http://www.newdimensiontowers.com/ga...-1996_Ski.html

It's a new dimension tower. I'm on the fence on what to do. It's mine if it doesn't fit and would have to modify... I really like their towers. Any other suggestions on towers possibly??

I had talked to the owner of the company and he said he'd make a template for it but was unable to find an OB in the area...anyone know of one in the Friendsville, TN area??

Thanks again for the info!!!!

[osukellen]

I have an aerial tower, and I like it. I think it looks good on these boats also. Very good quality.

[derekpfeiffer]

I have an aerial tower, and I like it. I think it looks good on these boats also. Very good quality.

They have some nice towers! Reasonable too! What tower do you have??

[NCH2oSki]

I was at ND today, thinking about a tower for my 206. I'm sure you gave him your measurements to compare with the CB.....make a mock up with what he has for the cb version and see how it works..... ask him about some critical dimensions that would help.... Let me know if I can help, I'm just about a 15 minute drive from there and I'll be spending some time there if I decide to get a tower...he doesnt have a 206 pattern either.

[derekpfeiffer]

Really liking this tower!! Any thoughts from anyone? Good price too....

http://www.aerialwakeboarding.com/Pr...%2DPA&CartID=1

[osukellen]

Don't know about that tower, I have the airborne. Look at my profile and there should be a picture of it on my boat so you can see what they look like

[derekpfeiffer]

very nice!! How hard was it to get to the front mount bolts?? what did they have for backing plates? I know the new dimension tower I was looking at had resin to glass the bottom plates in. My only concern to the one in my link is the obvious stress in the design versus one that mounts in the front of the windsheild also, but I believe the nautiques top rail his pretty heavily glassed compared to other boats but I may be wrong.

Thanks for the info guys!!

[osukellen]

We used wood for backing plates, and it secure. Front wasn't too bad to get to.

If you want, I can take some measurements of where it is mounted and you can send to the other place to see what they can do?

[derekpfeiffer]

Thanks but I think I'm just going to order the FreeRide tower from Aerial. I called and asked them what deal they could make me on a package deal. $1950 shipped with two racks and a set of speakers...Can't beat that I don't think. Unfortuantely it won't ship till May I need to decide though...Price is only good today he said.

[TX-Foilhead]

I've got a 93 Excel, so not exactly the same but I would imaging the construction techniques are similar. Under the corners of the windshield there are metal loops glassed in most likely for lifting out of the mold. So that area is pretty reinforced, but not very smooth for backing plates. The gunwhales are not all that thick due to a layer of honeycomb that runs down the center for support. It's plenty stiff, but it I crank down on the tower feet I can hear and feel it compressing. Again it takes a little more work to get a backing plate in there as well.

Due to the loads we put on the rear feet from the hydrofoils and the tower speakers I'm thinking about making some larger plates top and bottom to spread the load even more.

[osukellen]

I'd be willing to bet they will give you the same deal tomorrow, or next week. May is only 2 weeks away!

[derekpfeiffer]

LOL i know my thoughts exactly! Yeah i know but the only days I have off betwen now and Memorial day is next weekend. Would have been nice to get it on then...oh well