Wakeboard towers are an increasingly popular addition to boats, providing a great platform for wakeboarding, waterskiing, and other water sports.
It raises the rider higher off the water to help get more air when jumping wakes and also provides a great viewpoint for spectators. But is it worth it?
Is A Wakeboard Tower Worth It
A wakeboard tower is only worth it if you plan to use it for its intended purpose, wakeboarding or waterskiing.
A wakeboard tower raises the rider higher off the surface of the water, providing more air time when jumping wakes and a better vantage point for spectators.
It also gives the rider greater visibility from a distance, making them easier to spot when coming in from a run.
Additionally, it can provide a great base for mounting accessories such as speakers and lights as well as offering enhanced safety features like grab handles and other assistive measures to help riders out of the water while boarding.
When deciding if a wakeboard tower is worth it, consider how often you’ll use it as well as the type of riding or skiing you’ll be doing.
If you plan on using it frequently or participating in competitions involving high jumps off big wakes then investing in a good quality and reliable wakeboard tower is likely going to be worth the extra cost.
On the other hand, if you are only an occasional rider who won’t need all the bells and whistles, then a budget-friendly option may be sufficient.
Benefits Of A Wakeboard Tower
There are many benefits of adding a wakeboard tower to your boat that make it worth the investment.
Increased Height For The Rider
Allows for more air time
Using a wakeboard tower, the rider can be pulled to greater heights than with a regular boat tow rope. This allows for more air time and provides valuable hang time for riders looking to pull off bigger and better tricks.
Enables more advanced tricks
Having increased height also enables more advanced tricks such as back flips, spins, and other aerial maneuvers that would not be possible without the extra lift provided by the tower.
The added altitude combined with the necessary torque also makes it easier to land smoother and thus prevents injuries associated with difficult jumps or falls.
In addition, riders benefit from an improved view of the entire lake while airborne which helps them anticipate their landing point accurately.
Better Boat Control
Provides a higher pulling point for the rider
The tower provides a higher pulling point for the tow rope which helps reduce drag on the boat to ensure it moves more efficiently through the water. This also helps reduce fuel consumption and makes for a smoother ride for all passengers.
Helps reduce drag on the boat
Since the pull is coming from a higher angle, there is less strain on the engine due to drag in comparison with traditional towed boats.
Less stress on the engine significantly reduces wear and tear while extending its lifespan making it an economical choice.
Additionally, it also helps to provide a quieter ride since less energy is required to move through waves and wake with increased efficiency.
Enhanced Safety
Keeps the rope high above the water
A wakeboard tower keeps the tow rope at a higher point above the water which helps to reduce the chances of it getting caught in waves or debris while riding.
This ensures that riders can enjoy their time on the water without worrying about having to stop and untangle themselves from an accidentally snagged line.
Reduces chances of rider impacting boat
Having a higher pull also means that there is less likelihood of a rider impacting their boat when attempting aerial maneuvers as they are pulled higher away from any potential collision points.
In addition, using a tower also facilitates easier boarding after each ride by keeping the riders off of moving parts such as propellers and the hull of the boat. This helps to keep everyone safe while allowing them to enjoy their day on the lake.
Increased Storage
Provides a place to store wakeboards, skis, and other equipment
Having a wakeboard tower offers more space for the storage of all the necessary water sports equipment. This helps to keep the boat organized and clutter-free while also maximizing its utilization potential.
Enhances load-carrying capacity
Distributing heavier-weight items such as wakeboards or skis around the tower rather than inside the boat allows for an increased load-bearing capacity for other passengers or necessary items that need to be taken along on any given day.
Additionally, due to their high tensile strength and low profile design, towers provide enhanced support when compared with standard rope-style tow points without taking up too much space.
This is why a wakeboard tower is worth it, it provides more air time, enables advanced tricks, better boat control, enhanced safety, and increased storage.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider looking for better performance out on the lake, investing in a wakeboard tower could be just the ticket to take your boarding experience to the next level.
With all of its benefits in mind, adding a tower can make any day spent out on the water much more enjoyable and satisfying.
Cost Of A Wakeboard Tower
When looking at the cost of a wakeboard tower, it’s important to consider not only the upfront costs but also the long-term cost savings that come with investing in a wakeboard tower.
The initial cost of purchasing and installing a wakeboard tower can be high; however, this can be offset by both reduced maintenance costs and increased resale value of your boat.
Initial Investment
Cost of the tower itself
The cost of a wakeboard tower is heavily dependent on the size, design, and materials used. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to over $3000 for a quality wakeboard tower.
If you’re looking for an affordable option, aluminum towers are usually more affordable than those made out of stainless steel.
Additionally, depending on the manufacturer, there may be additional costs associated with mounting hardware or accessories.
Cost of installation
Installing a wakeboard tower is not typically something that can easily be done by you unless you have basic knowledge of boat mechanics and prefer to do it yourself.
If you decide to hire a professional to install your tower for you, it can cost anywhere from $300 to upwards of $1000 dollars.
Additionally, you may have to factor in any costs associated with additional parts and specialized tools needed for the job.
Long-Term Cost Savings
Reduced maintenance costs
Having a wakeboard tower installed can save you money down the road when it comes to boat maintenance and repairs.
Without a tower, your boat is more exposed to the elements, which can cause wear and tear on the hull over time.
Additionally, installing a tower also helps protect the interior of your boat from water damage and makes it easier to keep it clean and well-maintained.
The increased resale value of the boat
Installing a wakeboard tower increases the value of your boat when it comes time to resell or trade it in for a newer model.
Wakeboarding is an increasingly popular sport, so having a properly installed wakeboard tower adds extra appeal to potential buyers who may be looking to do some wakeboarding of their own. As such, having a tower installed can significantly increase the resale value of your boat.
All in all, investing in a wakeboard tower is definitely worth it if you’re looking for a way to get the most out of your boat.
Although there is an initial cost associated with purchasing and installing the tower, it can save you money over time in maintenance costs and will increase the resale value of your boat when it comes time to upgrade or sell.
Factors To Consider Before Purchasing A Wakeboard Tower
There are several important factors to consider when shopping for a wakeboard tower.
Boat Compatibility
It is important to ensure that the wakeboard tower to be purchased is compatible with the make and model of your boat.
Make sure that it can support the weight capacity of your boat. It is also a good idea to check if there are any existing warranties associated with the boat that may be voided by installing a wakeboard tower onto it.
Budget
When setting a budget for a wakeboard tower, consider not only the initial cost of purchasing and installing it but also the long-term cost savings that come with owning one.
Wakeboarding can be expensive when relying on rental boats or charter services, so having your own boat fitted with a wakeboard tower could save time and money in the long run.
Frequency Of Use
It is also important to consider how often the boat will be used for wakeboarding and whether there is potential for more frequent use in the future.
If the boat will only occasionally be used for wakeboarding, a tower may not be necessary, but if it’s going to be used regularly then the cost-saving benefits of having a tower installed could outweigh any initial expenditure.
Overall, deciding if a wakeboard tower is worth purchasing depends on an individual’s specific needs and budget.
But with careful consideration of these factors, owning a tower can open up many additional possibilities when it comes to enjoying this exciting water sport.
Alternatives To A Wakeboard Tower
There are a few alternatives to investing in a wakeboard tower.
Pylon
A pylon is a pole that extends from the back of your boat and can be used to tow riders.
It provides some of the benefits of a wakeboard tower, such as increased visibility for the driver and easier access for the rider, but it has limited storage options for equipment or accessories.
Tow Hooks
This is a very low-cost option but offers limited benefits compared to a wakeboard tower. However, they are convenient and provide an easy way to connect your rope when you’re ready to ride.
Ultimately, deciding on whether a wakeboard tower is worth it comes down to personal preference and budget.
If you are looking for more storage and greater visibility while riding then investing in a wakeboard tower may be the right choice for you.
On the other hand, if your main goal is to save money and have a more minimalistic setup then using tow hooks or a pylon may be better suited for you.
No matter what option you choose, having the right equipment and accessories will ensure that you have an enjoyable experience on the water. With proper care and maintenance, all of these options can provide years of fun wakeboarding experiences.
Conclusion
A wakeboard tower is a great way to add more storage and visibility when wakeboarding, making it worth the investment for those who will be using their boat regularly for the sport.
Before committing to purchasing a tower, make sure that it is compatible with your boat and also consider any long-term cost savings associated with owning one.
There are also other alternatives such as tow hooks and pylons that can provide some of the benefits of a wakeboard tower but at a lower cost.
Ultimately, deciding whether a wakeboard tower is right for you depend on your personal preferences and budget.
Whichever option you choose, having the right equipment and accessories in place will ensure that you get the most out of each ride.
