Bugs on the Tower -yuk

[BigBald]

Anybody got any good suggestions on dealing with bugs that commit suicide on my FCT when towing?

Preventative or cleaning?

[Luke]

I use RainX and wipe the tower/speakers/lights down. Doesn't help prevent the suicides, but makes the clean ups a little easier.

[Gramps]

I use plastic shrink wrap on my tower when towing, I wrap it from board rack on one side to the board rack on the other side. Once I get to the river I simply cut the plastic off and throw it away, the tower is as clean as it was when I left.

You can get the shrink wrap from any local shipping supplier, 1 box of 4 hand shrink wrap rolls should be $20 bucks and each roll is 1000 feet.

Quick and easy

[BigBald]

Shrink wrap is a cool idea. Might give that a try next time. That would also be good for bird poop during the winter.

[FatBoy]

Windex will make the bugs come off eaiser.

[Wakeslave]

I use Saran Wrap on my Titan II Tower when trailering. I make one of my boys jump up there and cut it off once we arrive at our destination. Fatboy..try Fantastic sometime. I use it on my pickup grill and front bumper to get 'em off. Here in Iowa, the air is THICK with bugs..especially at night. I soak the bugs down with the fantastic before I start washing..and they come right off. I learned that trick from an old bull haulin' buddy of mine down the road. His semi truck REALLY collects the bugs after a week or so on the road. Works great. BIGBALD...try the saranwrap..you will be surprised at how well that works.

[Onthewater]

spray some simple green on the tower before you tow. they'll wipe off with ease.

[AirNautique211]

It seems I have seen an advert for a tower sock of some sort - I will look it up - I need one too.

[AirNautique211]

Called the company at 1-877-998-8185 and left message. I will report back info as soon as I get more.

http://www.hotbuddyproducts.com/towersock.htm

[AirNautique211]

Talked to Patrick at Hot Bubby Products about tower socks - here's what I got.

Colors available - Black
Sizes available - small or large
price - $449 regular, special through the end of August $389
Socks are washable with a hp washer (car wash or portable unit)
custom socks are also available if required and are fitted to based on measurements at dealers.
Socks work similar to a bimini cover with a zipper on the under side of the sock. The material has bungy type material sewn in for the stretch affect. Each unit comes with an additional 1/4" bungy to wrap around the outside of the sock after instalation to the tower - this reduces the flapping in the wind action that wears on the boat tower paint.

I am sending him pics of my 211 to verify fit.

I will follow up as follow this process throguh.

[BigBald]

looks pretty good...pricey though...I am trying to keep some funds aside for a hot water shower this fall. Might have to sick with Saran wrap and windex. I am also thinking about looking into some 1 1/2" pipe insulation with velcro strapping. This might be a very cheap alternative.

[AirNautique211]

There has got to be a quicker/cheaper solution along the lines of panty hose with velcro straps out there. Something - I need to project my speakers, tower, racks,... Something easy yet semi classy.

Somebody, come up up with something!! Please!!

[ecarlson3]

I know it sounds lame, but here is possibly the cheapest alternative. We tow our 04 SAN 210 (I think the tower is a similar size and shape) with the tower in the down position. We use a Tahoe and the air flow keeps the bugs off the tower just fine. You do need to buy one of those nylon straps that rachets tight to ensure it doesn't bounce, and some pads to protect the gel coat.

[BigBald]

ecarlson3 - I have been kicking around that option also...that might be the best anyway. I would be looking at storing the boat during the winter in that position...so purchasing the straps and pads would be a worthy cost.

Unfortunetly these boats look so cool going down the highway with the tower up....decisions, decision....ha ha

Good suggestion, thanks

[ecarlson3]

I haven't seen the 211 with tower down, but the new tower on the 210 does not ride on the chrome hand rails like old one did. We started using foam to protect the gel coat and then moved to large diameter clear plastic tubing. It says 1 3/4 inch and you cut two pieces about 24 inches each and slice them lengthwise. They clip onto the tower and protect the gel coat really well. Can't even see them from a distance.