Z5 Towing Qn

[DealsGapCobra]

This isn't a great photo but it is the best I have showing the prop-rod before I had the frame coated.

[brananders]

I've been towing at least 15-20 highway hours a year with the Z-5 on. I've never had any problems at all.

[Quinner]

Maybe a quick check of the allen screws for tightness on all brackets would be a good idea before anyone tows again. We did a 10 hour tow overnight so in the darkness we never saw the bimini slip down. I will say I've towed this boat atleast a dozen times without a problem but this trip was with a different tow vehicle and I did get up around 70 at times so there may have been some forces at play that we hadn't experienced before. For peace of mind check those tower clamps/brackets.

We towed Alan's boat with my Tahoe, on the return trip with no canvas it "seemed" to have less drag and the gas mileage improved although some of that may have been attributed to numerous cases of beer in the truck that only made a one way trip, lol!!

[bsb4fsu]

This isn't a great photo but it is the best I have showing the prop-rod before I had the frame coated.

How did you secure the prop rod at the floor?

[DealsGapCobra]

The top is a tee cut in half and lined with foam and the bottom just has an end cap and is a friction fit against the floor. I have never had it move but it does vibrate slightly on the highway. The real reason I made it was to support the front of the top to keep it off of my mirror when I lower the tower to go in the garage but it sure works well on the road.

[gride]

I'd hope you could tow at whatever speed you wanted. My lame oem Bimini from 2005(I love it) can tow deployed at 70 all day with 3 legs.Dint they make a hard version? I could swear I've seen them a while back with a couple 50s sitting in top.

[Calgary210]

I have a headache rack and railing running down the sides of my truck bed, I secure the Z5 on top of that railing with velcro straps works wonderful but it takes 2 people to do it, 5-10min max to install Z5 on boat tower. I'll try to find some pics.

[ers906]

Has anyone seen a Z5 on an aftermarket tower? Has anyone heard of someone doing this?

[sodbuster88]

This isn't a great photo but it is the best I have showing the prop-rod before I had the frame coated.

Great idea..! Some questions...So you tow with front windshield open? I was thinking of doing the same thing but closing windshield and securing the bottom of the prop rod in the nose of the foot well in the OB with a rubber foot. This would angle the prop rod enough out of the way and in front of the closed windsheild. Also, someone mentioned in this thread about installation angle of about 1" down in the front....so as to provide for a slight down draft. Apparently the greater the down angle, the greater the wind down force on the Z5...causing loose straps. I've noticed there is huge variability in the down direction depending on installation...and not much variability in the up direction past horizontal. So my question is what is proper installation angle? Is it approx 1" down from horizontal in front?

Another issue that I have found that the non-metallic bushings in the link brackets are wearing causing slop. This is starting to result in more flop...hence the need for a prop rod I'm thinking. Another solution, in my opion, are two additional front links and brackets. Thoughts?

[swankster]

I'll check the instructions when I get back in a week but I'm sure it said a 1" drop from back to front.

[DealsGapCobra]

Great idea..! Some questions...So you tow with front windshield open? I was thinking of doing the same thing but closing windshield and securing the bottom of the prop rod in the nose of the foot well in the OB with a rubber foot. This would angle the prop rod enough out of the way and in front of the closed windshield. Also, someone mentioned in this thread about installation angle of about 1" down in the front....so as to provide for a slight down draft. Apparently the greater the down angle, the greater the wind down force on the Z5...causing loose straps. I've noticed there is huge variability in the down direction depending on installation...and not much variability in the up direction past horizontal. So my question is what is proper installation angle? Is it approx 1" down from horizontal in front?

Yes, I tow with the window open. When I built the pole it was just to assist when lowering the tower so I didn't even consider the window being open. I have thought about designing one that would work with the window closed but really don't see the need however, it would be easy to do. I believe that you are right on the 1" drop in the front but mine seems to be more than that as installed by my dealer. I have also considered changing the rake but actually like it this way. :-)

Interesting point on the plastic bushings. I have not noticed wear but one of mine comes out every time I remove the rod. Does anyone know where to get replacements? Guess I could call the dealer.