Lowering the FCT on 2006 Super Air

[jkallen21]

I have an 06 Super Air with a FCT. This tower has got to be 400-500 pounds I'm guessing. Raising and lowering is downright dangerous by yourself. I dont like the idea of jumping up and down step stools and boat chairs while holding up that much weight. I've given thought to a pulley system of some sort if I can rig one up, but nothing so far. I'm getting the feeling that a majority of folks leave the tower up year-round, but I can't do that. The cost difference for storage that can handle it up vs down is about $1200 a year and I just don't want to go there unless I have to.

Also, when the tower is folded down, what's it supposed to rest on up front? It seems to rest right on the back of the bow seat and has left it's 500lb impression. Right now I'm sticking cardboard in between. Certainly there is something better.

Looking for a little advice form the others that have to raise and lower this monster and where to rest it.

Thanks

[MrShelley]

No way that tower is that heavy. I would remove the tower on my '98 Air by myself. Cumbersome and bulky, yes, but not THAT heavy. On my '05 I can raise and lower the top section with one hand. Well, I could before I added all the speakers, lights, and board racks. What tower do you have?

[AirTool]

Also, when the tower is folded down, what's it supposed to rest on up front? It seems to rest right on the back of the bow seat and has left it's 500lb impression. Right now I'm sticking cardboard in between. Certainly there is something better.

I think some folks use noodles. You can also by a foam pad...maybe at the army surplus or fabric store.

[jkallen21]

It's the factory tower for 06 and yes, it has Lights and speakers. I didn't really give much thought to those things adding to the weight but I can certainly remove the speakers before I put the tower down/up. Having rotator cuff problems from crossfit probably doesn't help, but it sure seems heavy.

[seachicken27]

Had that tower on my super sport with speakers and yes it really is that heavy. Not safe to lower it or raise it back up by yourself. It has to weigh at LEAST 300 lbs...

[john_keck]

I put my tower up/down everytime I go to the lake - it's really heavy w/ the speakers. I built this pulley system - works great and allows me to do it by myself easily!