I have a 92 searay 18' that I want to install a tower on, I was thinking big air vapor or Aerial airborne tower. I was wondering if anybody had any experience installing themselves or any tips you may have. My local shop said it would cost about $1000 just for install and I rather save that money. I have used a big air pylon for years and I'm tired of setting up and tearing down and not having room in the boat
I have a DIYWake pro air tower on my boat and installation is pretty straight foreward, I think it took about 3 hours, all I can say is measure measure measure. Make sure your measurements are correct so you place it exactly where you want it. Tape off all sections where you are drilling through the boat and run the drill in reverse till you get through the gel coat. I also took a larger bit and ran in reverse just to bevel the holes in the gelcoat so when you push bolts through it doesn't chip off the gelcoat.
I am pretty sure 1000 for the install is insane. I've heard 400 or so several times. 1000 is way more than I'd ever pay. Oh yeah, and if you want a deal on a tower, hit me up
I've done a lot of tower installs and I find the average reasonable price for an install is between $300 to $500. I've always told people to be weary of people who charge between $1000-$2000 (which I've seen) just for an install because that probably means (1) they don't know how to do the install, (2) they don't know how much time it will take and (3) your boat will probably be part of their "learning experience." Now if they're doing a lot of extra work like stereo and tower speakers or if they have to glass in extra backing it could be a little bit more expensive, but if they're just putting a tower on and have some background doing it there's no reason it should take any longer than two to three hours.
I installed an Aerial Airborne on my Moomba. It wasn't bad. Measure 3 times, cut once. I was overall pretty happy with the tower. I'd buy it again. the biggest problem I had was a stuck piece of plastic from the manufactuerers wrapping.
Same as above - tape off your drill points and run the drill in reverse. That + lots of measuring and eyeballing and you're set. Make sure before you cinch everything up - you have it on flat ground and get it all square.
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