[Slash9point5]

Hello MOC Community,

Here is a poll I am attempting to set-up on the "look" of the Freeride Wakeboard Tower by Aerial on a Barchetta 182. I apologize for the multiple posts on the same topic, but unfortunately I just discovered this poll option and I can't add it to my previous thread which has some additional info and is located here.

I have never tried this before, so hopefully it works as I expect...

[scubydo]

At least with this tower the Driver will have unobstructed views while driving.

[sisu]

I have never seen a tower mounted this far back on any boat. Wouldn't this position decrease performance vs mounting middle/middle front where almost all towers are positioned. I Jut think the classic Mariah's where meant to be left alone with no Tower but then again I do not wakeboard. Good luck

[Slash9point5]

I appreciate all the responses. There are some concerns about the performance of the tower, but thinking it through, I expect this mounting location to not cause those issues. If this tower makes it beyond the "look" phase, then I plan to talk more directly with the manufacture on performance related issue.

I do have a few other mock-ups done, but again, these are crude. I have looked at tons of towers and these were the finalists based on price, stability, and look. I favor the two on the top over the lower one.

Also, I can understand the people who think that these original Mariahs should not be equipt with a tower, but unfortunately, I love Mariah boats, I love wakeboarding, and I can't afford 2 boats.

Thank you again for your time and have a great day,

Kris

[Dredd]

I like the top left one too. The bottom one looks like a Monster... they have a chinsy look to them that I just don't like at all.

[indykoch]

Heard this on another board that still makes me laugh... "Why would you need a roll bar on a boat?"

I understand your situation, but I'm in the crowd of - if you want a hard-core ski/wakeboard boat, buy one. I can't stand seeing the Cobalts, Rinkers, Four Winns, even Bayliners with towers. Guess I'm more of a traditionalist. But, to each his own.

As for the looks - here are a few things to consider... The location you have posted as your "favorite" - how are you going to enter/exit the boat from the dock or trailer? That tower would get in the way quite a bit. Also, I'm a fan of the tower that follows the exact shape of the windshield frame - looks like more of a factory option. Be sure you can make the proper arrangements for reinforcement in the hull.

Not a bad idea getting opinions on the site here, sorry mine isn't in the "positive" category. But also realize that I've only tried wakeboarding a few times (never with a tower) and I'm not exactly in the market for one, so my opinion probably doesn't mean much. Good luck and let us know what you end up with.

[mikeyt]

They all look a bit 'awkward', particularly the ones that are swept forward and mounted at the rear. I dont like the idea of adding extra weight on the tail of the boat either but then i'm not a fan of wakeboard towers or their looks. If you really have to do one, find one that comes close to matching the shape of the boat as Indy says.

[Slash9point5]

I would like to stress that these are all very crude mock-ups and the angles are not exactly perfect in any situation. With that being said, the general sense can be taken from these images, and I definitely can understand some members not liking any change to the look of a Mariah.

But, here is an example of a Mariah that was complemented by a wakeboard tower: Thread

It is actually the same tower as the picture in the NW corner, and shows a little that the mock-ups do not do the final look any justice.

Some towers out there really look terrible, Monster being one of them, IMO. And I really don't want a tower that is an eyesore.

I am still very intrigued by the tower in the upper right corner, because this tower is out of the way and gives the boat a real unique look (almost like a spoiler). But from my poll, very few people like this look.

As for access to the cabin from a dock or trailer. I have considered this and normally I step over at the point where the glass meets the fiberglass in the wing. I tend to think that either of the top pictures would not hamper this access, whereas the lower tower would seem to block this.

Again, I appreciate all the responses and opinions.

Have a good one,

Kris

[Dredd]

Originally Posted by indykoch

I can't stand seeing the Cobalts, Rinkers, Four Winns, even Bayliners with towers.

I was in this same camp up until late last season when I finally started getting converted. I always called em squid towers. I started wakeboarding quite a bit so I built a pylon with a board rack for mine and the way it pulls is so much nicer than the ski/tow eye plus having the boards up out of the boat, out of the way and not rubbing on vinyl is a really nice bonus.
It still grates on my nerves when we see a boat with a tower and my gf calls it a wakeboard boat or when they're listed on CL that way.
With some research and a lot of consideration for the boat's lines they can be a nice addition to our practical, smooth riding boats.