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Now before I get started I am not saying one way or another that this was an easy job but I will say they average mechanically inclined person can do this with help of a few friends or a good come along mounted to a ceiling.
I am pulling my tower to powdercoat it one solid color and it is a 2014 so some slight blemishes in it is also my reasoning. I will post some pictures once I start putting it back together as I was in the moment on disassembly and in my grove to stop and take pictures.
First things first I removed the over the tower bimini that I had installed on the boat(Came with the z5 bimini). This requires pulling the large knobs and the quick release pins to get the bimini itself off. Once that is complete remove the 4 9/16" Bolts for the two brackets that hold the bimini.
Next I removed the board racks just removed the 4 allen bolts that hold each one, Dont remember the size.
As well as removing the tower speakers with the 3 allen bolts that are 3/8" allens. This is a two person job as there is a duetsch connector that needs to be undone as well as the speakers having a little weight to them.
Now getting to the fun part
Remove the side panel(pry it off as the plastic clips are sturdy but will release) There are I want to say 6-7 phillips head screws under this soft panel and one allen bolt that need removed to release each panel. Also the handle has two set screws, one is an allen and the other is a flat head screwdriver.
Once the side panel is off the shock absorber for the tower is accessible, there is a locking pin on the ball side of the shock that needs to be removed and then pull the ball off to unscrew the shock from the opposite end(opposite end is screwed like a T.) The top of the T will slide out once the shock is unscrewed. Remove the shock from the base of the tower.
On my G23 I have two plugs on the port side up under the gunnel, and one on the starboard side. These are accessible if someone has some long skinny arms(had my friends teenager help us with this part).
Once this is complete on both side this is where you will need some help by two friends or a chain fall. There are only two bolts holding the tower to the base from here. Remove these two bolts and remove the tower off the back of the boat carefully. It is aluminum so its lighter than it could be but it definitely still has some weight to it and awkwardness.
Like I said I will post some pictures when I get a chance to explain a little more what parts were removed and such. Hope this helps someone one day!
I am pulling my tower to powdercoat it one solid color and it is a 2014 so some slight blemishes in it is also my reasoning. I will post some pictures once I start putting it back together as I was in the moment on disassembly and in my grove to stop and take pictures.
First things first I removed the over the tower bimini that I had installed on the boat(Came with the z5 bimini). This requires pulling the large knobs and the quick release pins to get the bimini itself off. Once that is complete remove the 4 9/16" Bolts for the two brackets that hold the bimini.
Next I removed the board racks just removed the 4 allen bolts that hold each one, Dont remember the size.
As well as removing the tower speakers with the 3 allen bolts that are 3/8" allens. This is a two person job as there is a duetsch connector that needs to be undone as well as the speakers having a little weight to them.
Now getting to the fun part
Remove the side panel(pry it off as the plastic clips are sturdy but will release) There are I want to say 6-7 phillips head screws under this soft panel and one allen bolt that need removed to release each panel. Also the handle has two set screws, one is an allen and the other is a flat head screwdriver.
Once the side panel is off the shock absorber for the tower is accessible, there is a locking pin on the ball side of the shock that needs to be removed and then pull the ball off to unscrew the shock from the opposite end(opposite end is screwed like a T.) The top of the T will slide out once the shock is unscrewed. Remove the shock from the base of the tower.
On my G23 I have two plugs on the port side up under the gunnel, and one on the starboard side. These are accessible if someone has some long skinny arms(had my friends teenager help us with this part).
Once this is complete on both side this is where you will need some help by two friends or a chain fall. There are only two bolts holding the tower to the base from here. Remove these two bolts and remove the tower off the back of the boat carefully. It is aluminum so its lighter than it could be but it definitely still has some weight to it and awkwardness.
Like I said I will post some pictures when I get a chance to explain a little more what parts were removed and such. Hope this helps someone one day!