Just say NO to inflatables on your tower

A question we hear literally every single day, "is this tower okay to pull a tube with?" As a fellow water enthusiast I could say yes, but the truthful answer is no. Now, let me be a little more specific on that. We carry a lot of different towers and the towers are capable of pulling a tube, but it's not good for them. Let me tell you why.

Did you know that each rope has a breaking strength?

These strengths differ from rope to rope, but one thing that doesn't change: a tube rope is a lot stronger than a ski or wake rope. A couple examples are that a 2 person tube rope is a little over 2,000 pounds and this 4 person tube rope is over 4,000 pounds! That is a lot of weight to be transferring to the tower AND the hull of the boat!

A couple things we have noticed on some of the boats we have installed on is that even the ski eye on the back of the boat has a pull rating. Most are generally about 2,000 pounds. This area is to be used for all towables, including inflatables. 



In some cases the you have a tower that is strong enough to pull inflatables. At this point the question becomes is the hull of you boat strong enough to take the excessive amount of force. If it is not you could see some spider cracking in the gel coat, hull or worse. Most manufacturers tell you not to pull a tube from the tower. There are so many factors in pulling a tube its hard to ensure you are not going to run into issues. I know its the boring thing to do but we recommend playing it safe and continue pulling inflatables from the back of the boat. 

How to Choose a Wakeboard

Looking for a board? Don't know what to buy or how to pick? First you need to decide what style, shape, and length is right for you.

Below is a rough chart. However, each manufacturer has their own length recommendations. Please go by the manufacturer recommendations. 

   Rider Weight (lbs)             Wakeboard Length (cm)

 Under 100                            130 or Under

90 - 150                                 130 - 134

130 - 180                               135 - 139

170 - 250                               140 - 144

       200 - 275+                           144 or Greater

Construction: Some high end boards are made of wood covered in fiberglass. However, most boards are made of high density foam covered with fiberglass. The amount of fiberglass determines the amount of the flex a board has. Thus, the less thick the fiberglass is on a board the more flexible a board is. Flex in a board is good for beginners, especially in choppy water. The flex of the board helps adapt to the rough choppy water. More advanced boards are more stiff. This allow them to get more "pop" off the wake. 

A flex board is compression molded. This allows the board to be stiff in the middle and flex at the ends. Some manufacturers of these board recommend this type of board for sliders and rails.  

Shape: There are a ton of different styles and combinations of styles. Choosing a style has a lot to do with what kind of rider you are. A wide board allow you to get more "pop" off the wake but not carve well. More Narrow boards allow you to carve better but you won't get the same "pop". The tip and tail of a board have a lot to do with the way the board releases off of the water. A board with a more rounded tail and tip will release off the water slower. While a square one is more snappy. 

Rocker: 
Continuous: A Continuous Rocker has a smooth arch. This is normally found on beginner boards. You also get a smooth and consistent release off the wake and when cutting into the wake. Due to the curvature of the board it has more contact with the water. This allow smoother transition and a softer landing. 
3 Stage: A 3 Stage Rocker has 3 areas, a flat center and (2) curved edges. This board style normally for more advanced riders. This shape allows your board to stay on top of the water a little more, which in turn provides less drag and a more explosive "pop" off the wake as well allow you to keep speed. 
Hybrid: A Hybrid Rocker combines the best of both worlds. You get a fast and consistent board. 

Fins: There are different types of fins, such as deep or shallow,fat or thin, removable or molded. Deeper fins are generally for beginners.

The above explanations of each feature should help you decide what you want out of a board. 














  

How To Reinforce Your Hull With Fiberglass

Is the hull of you boat less than 3/8" thick? If so you will need to reinforce the hull of your boat before installing your tower. This is a very important step.If your hull is not thick enough, the stress from a tower can cause damage to your fiberglass over time.  In the video below, Shane from Wake Essentials shows you how to reinforce your hull using fiberglass.

 

Roswell Aviator Tower: Product Review

Roswell has been in business for about 17 years. They strive to have innovation, technology and quality. They have over 300 dealers around the world that help them get these quality products to you and we are proud to be one those.

Black Roswell Aviator

The Aviator is the Cadillac of the Roswell towers. Lets talk about this luxury tower. This tower was designed to have an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) look. However, it is a universal tower (that fits 80"-104"). Roswell has a patented cam latch and handle system that makes folding the Aviator quick and easy. They also have a system weight assist. This is a great feature if you are going to need to collapse your tower by yourself. 

The Aviator is available in two finishes, listed below. The center section or the h-member is brushed anodized.

• Matte Black Paint
• Gloss White Paint

Did I mention this tower is pre-wired for lights and speakers? Because it is!

All in all this tower is the definition of luxury! However, you do pay more for luxury. This is a good, strong tower. If you need to put your boat under a car port or in a garage this tower would be a good choice for you.  

Roswell Elite Rack: Product Review

Roswell has been in business for about 17 years. They strive to have innovation, technology and quality. They have over 300 dealers around the world that help them get these quality products to you and we are proud to be one those.

Roswell Wakeboard Racks

Roswell has two different lines of products, the Roswell Classic Series and the Roswell Elite Series. Lets talk about the Elite Series Racks. A list of these rack are below.

Roswell Surf XL Rack 

• Elite Board Rack (holds 2 wakeboards)(Over molded tines)
• Elite Wake/Surf Rack (holds 1 surfboard and 1 wakeboard)(Over molded tines)
• Elite Dual Surf Rack (holds 2 surfboards)(Over molded tines)
• Elite Surf XL Rack (holds 2 larger style surfboards)(Over molded tines)
• Elite Kneeboard Rack (holds 1 kneeboard)
• Elite Kneeboard/Wake Rack (holds 1 kneeboard and 1 wakeboard)
• Elite Ski Rack (holds 1 pair of water skis)

Roswell Elite Board Rack

These wakeboard racks have a stylish but durable design. They come in a brushed anodized finish, which is great in harsh elements such as salt water. A RWA (Roswell Wake Air) medallion comes with all of the hardware. The medallion is there to cover the center connection bolts, this keeps these racks looking sleek. Some of the tines (or forks) are over molded, which is just a coating. This coating not only protects you board but the tines as well. 

All in all these are great racks, with a great name behind them. However, their prices are middle of the road. If you have the money to spend this would be a great choice. 

If you have any questions contact Wake Essentials or Roswell!

How to care for your polished aluminium wakeboard tower

Keeping up with your tower can be an hour or so of your time. You will probably really appreciate it in the long run. Over time aluminium can loose it shine or begin to oxidize.

Never Dull Aluminium Polish

Around here the bugs are HUGE and travel in groups! So what happens when we go to the lake? Our tower, boat and windshield get a nice coat of bug guts.

We normally hit the car wash closest to home to rinse everything off and wash the tower. We just use a mild detergent to wash the dirt and bugs off the tower, dry it off (because nothing drives me crazy like water spots), and shine it up with an aluminium polish, if needed. There are many different brand of aluminium polish. Use which ever aluminium polish you prefer, we use "Never Dull".

 The way we do it is also the way that Big Air recommends to clean their polished aluminium towers.

3M Machine Glaze 

Our Roswell Representative recommends cleaning their polished aluminium products with soap and water to remove dirt and bugs. Then use a 3M Machine Glaze to keep their polished finished looking bright.

Of course everyone has their own way of doing things. I have heard of people wiping the tower down with pledge before travel to make bug removal easier. Some just wax their tower for the same ease of removal and keep the shine. I have even heard of people using a magic eraser. In the end, what you choose to do is up to you.

As always if you have any questions please contact us.

Why Anodize?

So I am online again, searching for a wakeboarding tower for my boat.

I have 3 kids who always attack the "lake snacks" right after we launch the boat

. They put their grubby fingers all over the place.

I have gear for 5 plus guest in my boat. We all love music. And we spend every July 4th on the lake, it's the BEST seat in the house to view the local fireworks display.

With these things in mind, I hit the soothing quite that is online shopping & check out towers. I am not much for matching my tower to my gel coat or interior vinyl. I want wither a chrome finish or well, wait, what's this anodized finish i see?

 Anodized Skylon FST Tower 

What is "anodize" and why should i consider it?


A formal definition, according to the Aluminium Anodizer's Coucil is as follows:

An electrochemical process that converts the metal surface into a decorative, durable, corrosion-resistant, anodic oxide finish.

This is accomplished by immersing the aluminium (best suited material) into an acid electrolyte bath and passing an electric current through the medium.

A cathode is mounted to the inside of the anodizing tank; the aluminium acts as an anode, so that oxygen ions are released from the electrolyte to combine with the aluminium atoms at the surface of the part being anodized.

Anodizing is, therefore a matter of highly controlled oxidation.


Layman's Terms

Its a strong, durable product out there that will not only amp up the aesthetic of your lake ride, but will look great, season after season.

It is a clear finish that typically matches the trim on most boat windshields.

It is a patine that you don't have to wait years to get. Anodized finish towers are durable, look great, & do not require a more than once over when you wash your boat.

Anodized finishes resist abrasion of the softer aluminium of the tower as well as keeping it from corroding.

Anodizing turns the surface of the aluminium tubing into a barrier that keeps your tower looking great, wit a finish that is easy to maintain.

If you wakeboard in brackish lakes or coastal waters, this finish is a must.

The difference between Clear Anodized Aluminium
and Polished Aluminium (Clear Anodized Aluminium is
on the left, Polished Aluminium is on the right.)

Man! I have found my tower finish! Not more cheeto-dust-sunscreen-watermarks-lake grime on my new tower. I won't need to polish my tower. My family can play out brain out (responsibly, of course). The cool-geeky part of my brain is at ease with the fact that the lake water won't dull my towers finish & I'll just wipe it down when i spray off the boar at our local car wash! not to mention, I can get all my gear & tunes up & out of the way with a tower!

So who's getting an anodized tower? THIS GUY!!!!!

With so many bimini choices... Where do you start?

There are many different biminis our there for sale. With so many choices, you have to ask yourself some questions. We're here to guide you through these questions.

Roswell Shadow Top

Does the manufacturer make one specific to your tower?

Some manufactures make a certain bimini for a specific tower, such as Roswell. For example, they make the Shadow Top specifically for the Aviator tower. Others make "universal" biminis such as Big Air. They state that their biminis generally fit most towers 2.5"-1.5" tubing, additional measurements may be required.

What looks best to you? What do you think will look best on your boat?

A lot of your bimini choice is about ascetics.
Look around to see if  your tower manufacturer makes a bimini specifically for your tower. If they do it may be something you love. If so, keep it in mind. If you are not that fond of it move on, don't waste your time.

The little things may be (or become) a big deal to you. Will things like removing a canvas or loosing head room drive you insane? All biminis have different features. Some mount over the tower, some mount under, some have a removable canvas. While others are stationary, some are collapsible. So lets look into these a little more.

Big Air Super Shadow Bimini

Do you want a bimini that mounts over the tower?

Choosing a bimini that mounts over the tower allows you to keep your head room. This can be very beneficial if you are tall. For instance, the Big Air Super Shadow Bimini. This bimini is a large 76"x76" square, that's over 6 feet on all sides. Imagine the shade that provides! With this simple but intricate design there is no need to worry about your tow rope interfering with the canvas while pulling a rider.

Big Air Bimini

Would you prefer a bimini that mounts under the tower?

The Big Air Bimini, Big Air Collapsible Bimini, and the Roswell Sun Top mount under the tower. The Big Air Bimini is a semi-custom bimini made to the interior measurements of your tower (that you provide).

Do you mind removing the canvas when you are off the water?

The Super Shadow Bimini canvas is very simple to remove, you just undo some buckle clips (like those on most life jackets) and store the canvas away. The Big Air Bimini is also very easy to remove. You still undo the buckle clips but the canvas will furl onto the front bar and you have a boot to store the canvas in for travel.

Big Air Collapsible Bimini

Would you prefer to not worry about installing the canvas?

 If you don't want to worry about removing and installing the canvas for your bimini. the Big Air Collapsible Bimini may be for you. With this bimini you just fold it up and secure it to the tower!! How easy?
Barewest also offers one.
The Roswell Shadow Top even collapses WITH the tower!

What do the reviews say?

Last but definitely not least...Reviews can save you from buying a bad product or sell you on a good one. Reviews may even tell you the small things that people like or dislike.


After you consider all of these things you should have a pretty good idea of what you want. If you are still having issue deciding please contact us, we are always happy to help.

Should I install my own wakeboard tower?

We get this question a lot!  Seriously. Every. Single. Day.

Installing your own wakeboard tower is as easy as following instructions. If you are fairly handy this should not be a difficult process. This doesn’t mean we don’t want to handle your installation. If you want to bring us your boat we are more than happy to install your tower for you. While we take great care of our customer boats, who is going to take better care of your boat than you?

It is always good to have some help. This is something we always do, even in the shop when installing a tower on a customer’s boat.

To start the process, check to make sure you have access to the inside of the hull of your boat. Be sure to do this before you ever drill a hole. You will be extremely mad at yourself if you drill and you can’t get to the other side to install the nut and bolt. This is also a step where knowing the front to back stance of the tower will be helpful, this will tell you how far apart your mounts will need to be. All towers are different. For instance, a Big Air Vapor tower has a set front to back stance, while the Vulcan Boost has an adjustable front to back stance. Make sure you have clear access to all 4 mounting points.

This is a customer install photo from their blog.
This is a Big Air Ice Tower Mount from a
 couple years ago. Big Air has recently
updated the mount style.

As our Roswell Wake Air representative stated “the hardest part for most people is drilling into their own boat”. This is mostly just nerves. You are about to drill into something you spent a lot of money on. Keep in mind, you are improving it.

Place some painters tape or masking tape down so you can mark where you need to drill without damaging or marking on your boat. Use the mount as a template if possible.




Be sure to “measure twice, drill once”. This is something I have always been told and is a good rule to go by.

From there on out, as I said before, it is as easy as following the instructions. If you have a problem or question at any point of your installation, just give us or the manufacturer a call. We will help as best we can or point you to someone who can. Some manufacturers even have installation videos you can watch.

           Helpful Links

Big Air: How to drill into fiberglass 

Do I need a Navigation Light?

Barewest 360 Anchor Light

 In most places you are required to have a navigation light at the tallest point of your boat. If you have installed a tower on your boat its normally the tallest point. If it's not, you have my attention and I want to know what is.

Roswell Anchor Light

I would recommend purchasing one. They are fairly simple to hook up, but of course you (I, me, we) can make anything complicated. Most of the newer models hook directly up to the tow point of the tower. Others clamp on. However, any model we have installed does not include wiring for the tower, just a small pigtail to attach to. 

Big Air Navigation Light
Compatible with 2013 models and newer.

I'm not telling you to go out and purchase one, I'm just letting you know might be a good idea. If your not going to be on the water at night its not that big of a deal in my opinion, but take my opinion as simply that. I would check your local boating laws to ensure they don't state you need one if you don't want to buy one. If the law states you need to have one, you should probably purchase one. Most importantly it helps keep you safe! There is a lot you can't see at night. If you have a navigation light it may even help someone see you.