Questions about pros and cons of FCT 1 Gen 3

[Redreid23]

Hey guys. I have been looking at an FCT 1 gen 3 and had some questions about it. I keep seeing people wanting to "upgrade" to the FCT 2. Is that because the functionality is that much better or is it just something new with a little better function? Hope that makes sense. Also wondering if this specific tower will fit my boat. The measurements of it are close but not exact. I have an 03 sport 216. I have attached a photo of the tower. The thing that freaks me out is the fact the tower goes around the windshield. I assume the tower would tend to sway left or right depending on the force from a wake boarder. ANY other insight would be GREATLY appreciated.

[s_kelley2000]

I think the main reason that people prefer the FCT1 Gen 2 over the Gen 3 has to do with the looks and not the function. The Gen 2 follows the lines of the windshield perfectly and people can tell what kind of boat it is from a mile away because of that tower. The Gen 3 with the rounded lower section does not follow the windshield lines as nicely.

If either tower is installed correctly there should be exrtemely minimal swaying so banging into the windshield should not be a concern. As for fitting your boat, I am not sure but you should be able to make it work if the dimensions are close. Legs can be narrowed by using a winch strap or come-along and they can be made wider by two people giving a tug on each side.

[shag]

If I remember right, there was a visibility issue that some people had with that particular tower. (line of sight type).... Not 100% sure though but there has to be a reason they only used it 1 year...

[hondaprlud]

I had the rounded tower on my 04 210. No visibility issue. The older one just looked better.


Sent from my iPhone 7 prerelease

[Redreid23]

Thanks for the info guys! Exactly the kind of information I was looking for. Any tips as far as reinforcement?

[s_kelley2000]

If you go with an NDT it will come with aluminum backing plates and a Kitty Hair fiberglass kit to bed those plates in. Follow the instructions and you'll be good to go. If you go with a factory tower you may need to have some backing plates fabbed up. Should be easy for somebody that has a drill press.

Shag, it was a 1 year only tower on the 210 but they used a similar shape tower on the 211 for it's whole run I believe.

[shag]

Gotcha... I just remember a few people having a visibility issue with it that's all.