Tower cracked 1998 Sport Nautique - HELP!!

[Jimhunter]

We've had our 1998 Sport Nautique for 2 weeks and the tower broke already. The tower was swaying from side to side in some rough water last weekend and we were all concerned that it might break. Sure enough, it actually did.

The break happened along the top on the left side, at the juncture with the screws. I see that both junctures at the top (on the left and right sides) had been welded before. We had it welded back together this week but I'm not sure I trust it not to break again. We leave for a wakeboard trip in a couple days.

I've attached a photo to show the breaks (circled in green).

Any ideas out there???!?

Thanks,
Jim

[surroundsound64]

RE: Tower cracked 1998 Sport Nautique - HELP!!

i see no photo

[Andrew]

RE: Tower cracked 1998 Sport Nautique - HELP!!

best advice i can give is to grind down the "extra" welding, bevel ur tube edges and re-weld. its amazing how i never heard about the gen I fct's cracking until i bought one

[jos]

RE: Tower cracked 1998 Sport Nautique - HELP!!

The tower should feel solid. So no flex. If so tighten the lower deck bolts.
Lube the rear fold downs to get a tight fit.

[Puckhead]

RE: Tower cracked 1998 Sport Nautique - HELP!!

This happened on my previous '98 Air. I had to replace the tower with the newer model. I took the boat to a local welder but they would not touch it. Said that any welding done would not stand up. So I was left with the more expensive option of total replacement. That being said, the newer tower was much better all around.