I have looked into a tower for my I/O and like the Monster, but I am afraid my glass is a little thin and I am looking into other options instead of reinforcing it. My boat has a sundeck. I thought of building a replacement and permanently affixing decking on either side of the motor and leaving an area in the middle that would open and give plenty of access to the motor. I would mount a tower like the Rival that can be seen on <a href="http://www.wakedesigns.com" target="_blank">www.wakedesigns.com</a> that would angle towards the bow to bring the tow point in. The question is would good plywood and metal braces mounted to the transom be sufficient to mount a tower too? Sorry for the long post, just an idea I had.

just have someone who can do fibreglass work add some strength to the area where you will be mounting the tower by glassing in a piece of wood or metal to stiffen the area.

Personally, I don't like the idea. The tow point would be too far back and you'd be amazed at how that will effect the boat performance. <BR> <BR>There's a reason the tow points are around the middle, fore and aft, of the boat.

I have a '91 outboard. I was a little concerned about that too. But I reinforced it with as large as a piece of wood that would fit and it's been there for a little over year with no problems. I've pulled a 275 pounder with ease. You'll be fine.

That is what I like about this site, you guys humored me with an answer. I guess I'll revisit the idea of the Monster. Eric, did you use any fiberglass over the board?

I also installed a Joystick Rollcage on my 2001 Procraft using wood as a backing plate to beef it up and have had it on for 2 years with no problems at all. I didn't add any fiberglass to my boat at all, but you could if you are really worried about it.

No. I just used a piece of 3/4" plywood. The only maintenance i've done to it, is tightened the bolts occassionally. Try to place the legs of the tower on as big of a flat spot on the boat as you can find. The larger backplate will dispurse the force over more of an area....By the way I have a Barewest tower.

It's not totally uncommon for people to mount their towers more aft on a boat <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/lol.gif" border=0> <BR> <BR> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/73378.jpg" alt="">