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Old     (jonyb)      Join Date: Nov 2008       01-20-2010, 8:06 PM Reply   
I've got a customer's boat in my shop and we just came out of a 12 day streak of sub-freezing temperatures. I went to move the boat up to start working on it a few days ago and found this:


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Apparently water was inside the tower supports and froze, causing the metal to expand and crack. I say it's cracked because water is slooooowly dripping out. It's also obvious that the powdercoating is cracked due to the expanded metal.

The front 2 posts are connected as 1 piece. It's like a large swoop, with the rear section that bolts to it. The owner has been notified and he's in search of a replacement. Metcraft built this tower, and they've fallen victim to the "closed-up shop" bug. Don't know why, it's not important.

There are 2 options, and hopefully some fellow WW'ers can help here:

1: Anyone know where I can find a replacement for this? You never know what dealer has parts stuffed in the attic or the corner and doesn't realize they've got what they have. Anyone mind checking thier local dealer?
2. If replacement parts aren't available, what other tower would fit on this boat with the same mounting points? Pics or links if possible?

I've seen a thread on centurion owners and it seems to be a common problem. The boat is a 2007 Centurion 24' Enzo.

I appreciate any and all help.
Old     (trdon)      Join Date: Sep 2007       01-20-2010, 8:29 PM Reply   
I would say the best shot would be talk to a welder in the area and have him splice into the damaged area and replace it. Another tower will be a lot more than a couple hundo that a welder could do it for I would imagine.
Old     (h20king)      Join Date: Dec 2009       01-21-2010, 5:55 AM Reply   
no splicing!!!! you could have a shop bend new legs or check with greatlakes skipper they still have a few of these towers left or you could change to the skylon double up tower i belive mounting points are the same.also xtp towers bought all tooling from metcraft might start there
Old     (nauti4life)      Join Date: Sep 2008       01-21-2010, 9:45 AM Reply   
Try Luke at Starone/Titan towers.
Old     (bill_airjunky)      Join Date: Apr 2002       01-21-2010, 9:58 AM Reply   
Metcraft.... nice. Gotta love it. Why they survived the Tige/Calabria tower mess years ago to do it all again with Malibu & Centurion is beyond me.
Old     (grant_west)      Join Date: Jun 2005       01-21-2010, 10:02 AM Reply   
I saw on the Planet nautique website they were talking about potential problem very much like this with the FCT3 towers. The fix was to drill a small hole in the bottom of the tower leg so water could get out. If you keep you boat out side you might want to take a look at your tower to see if you could have this happen to you.
Old     (jonyb)      Join Date: Nov 2008       01-21-2010, 10:22 AM Reply   
This one has stayed inside for the last 3-4 months that I know of, but when it's below freezing for 12 days straight, nothing is safe.
Old     (nauti4life)      Join Date: Sep 2008       01-21-2010, 10:26 AM Reply   
I was charged $100.00 to winterize my tower. Crazy!!jk
Old     (wakebrdjay)      Join Date: Apr 2008       01-21-2010, 10:32 AM Reply   
Sorry I have to laugh at that one,$100.00? REALLY???? Are you being serious??
Old     (tonyv420)      Join Date: Jul 2007       01-21-2010, 11:00 AM Reply   
wow, never seen this! I will be checkin my tower fo sure!!
Old     (chpthril)      Join Date: Oct 2007       01-21-2010, 11:24 AM Reply   
Looks like the same thing that is happening to the Correct Craft FCT3 towers that spawned a recall. gotta suck!
Old     (wakebrdjay)      Join Date: Apr 2008       01-21-2010, 12:09 PM Reply   
I'm sure that can happen to any tower.I think it sucks if some dealer actually charged $100.00 to winterize a tower.
Old     (nauti4life)      Join Date: Sep 2008       01-21-2010, 12:16 PM Reply   
I was just kidding.JK. Back to the thread.
Old     (dreamer)      Join Date: Nov 2008       01-21-2010, 12:34 PM Reply   
What does "winterizing a tower" consist of?
Old     (desotodave)      Join Date: Mar 2009       01-21-2010, 1:06 PM Reply   
If you have the desire to FIX it, a heliarc welder who specializes in Aluminum should be able to handle it. But, make sure you find one that specializes in aluminum, as it can be real tough if you don't know what you are doing. Was down at Lake Powell this summer and trashed some brackets that held on my swim platform. Took them to a shop that builds houseboats and works in aluminum, they crafted new ones that were better that the old in about an hour, charged me $50. Best money I ever spent. Powder coating is another thing, you will probably have to strip the whole piece to have it redone properly. Still best option is to find a new piece.
Old     (colombiansurfer)      Join Date: Sep 2008       01-21-2010, 6:20 PM Reply   
Call Centurion factory's in CA and NC. They might have a few parts left over.
Old     (jonyb)      Join Date: Nov 2008       01-21-2010, 9:05 PM Reply   
Thanks for all the suggestions!
Old     (jonyb)      Join Date: Nov 2008       01-23-2010, 3:45 PM Reply   
Anyone know if the Switchblade tower is close to the same?

http://www.samsonsports.com/wakeboard_tower_custom_switchblade.html
Old     (h20king)      Join Date: Dec 2009       01-23-2010, 4:45 PM Reply   
hey john take your measurements then give them a call they will build you one to match you will not regret it
Old     (jonyb)      Join Date: Nov 2008       01-23-2010, 5:57 PM Reply   
Samson will build it to match? Thanks for the advice Harold!
Old     (towboat_222)      Join Date: Feb 2007       01-25-2010, 9:37 AM Reply   
John call XTP 865-981-9898 Ryan or Brian. They bought up metcraft stuff. Couldnt get you by phone.
Old     (jonyb)      Join Date: Nov 2008       01-25-2010, 12:39 PM Reply   
Thanks Ken!
Old     (jonyb)      Join Date: Nov 2008       01-26-2010, 6:08 PM Reply   
Looks like the owner is leaning towards a custom tower from Samson, unless someone else comes through with replacement parts.
Old     (lakesurfer)      Join Date: Jul 2009       01-26-2010, 6:13 PM Reply   
Great Skipper Marine (262-898-1855) seems to have a lot of Centurion parts/towers. I would call and see if they have any.

Example
1. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SKI-CENTURION-DOUBLE-UP-ALUMINUM-BOAT-WAKEBOARD-TOWER_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem56357e8e35QQitemZ 370264673845QQptZBoatQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQ5fGear

2. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SKI-CENTURION-ENZO-ALUMINUM-BOAT-WAKEBOARD-TOWER_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem56357e898bQQitemZ 370264672651QQptZBoatQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQ5fGear

(Message edited by lakesurfer on January 26, 2010)
Old     (h20king)      Join Date: Dec 2009       01-26-2010, 6:42 PM Reply   
john the samson is a big step up from the metcraft they build a great tower with the best welds of any tower on the market.plus one person can fold the tower by them self .it folds to the height of the windshield,and can be ordered with built in light bar and all wireing.plus they have the best powdercoat i have seen if i had the choice the samson would be it
Old     (jonyb)      Join Date: Nov 2008       01-26-2010, 7:35 PM Reply   
jkw, thanks for the links but neither of those will work on this boat....

The reason for the Samson is to have better lighting and speaker options. Right now, we're stuck with only being able to use 2 pair of Pro60's, and no lights whatsoever. He wants front and rear lighting and is willing to spend the money for something good. With the Evolution tower, that's not even possible.
Old     (loudontn)      Join Date: Feb 2005       01-27-2010, 4:22 AM Reply   
John,

I think Tony's been in contact with Jim about this, trying to figure out if we can do anything to help.
Old     (jonyb)      Join Date: Nov 2008       01-27-2010, 2:57 PM Reply   
Would you be from XTP? He told me he had a call in to you guys...
Old     (loudontn)      Join Date: Feb 2005       01-27-2010, 3:36 PM Reply   
PM'd ya John
Old     (Wakenewbie999)      Join Date: Oct 2013       10-28-2013, 6:43 AM Reply   
Hello...I know this post is a bit old. But, I am wondering if anyone ever made the new legs for the tower? I just bought an 07 Enzo, my first wakeboarding boat, and it has the same issue. Could anyone help with their knowledge on what can be done?
Old     (Talonsorensen)      Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Gig harbor Washington       10-28-2013, 7:48 PM Reply   
Scott from Samson goes above and beyond! Been to the shop to see what goes on and it is a class act! Great product and great people at SamsonSports
Old     (Wakenewbie999)      Join Date: Oct 2013       11-04-2013, 5:12 AM Reply   
Talon, did he replace just the legs?

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