Installation Guide for Aerial Airborne Wakeboard Tower

AIRBORNE TOWER

TOOLS NEEDED:

  • Blue 3M tape
  • Drill (able to fit a bit up to 1/2)
  • File
  • 3/8 drill bit
  • Ratchet set
  • A Permanent Marker
  • A friend to help

Start by unpacking all items. It is best to do so on a moving blanket or a soft surface. Organize all parts by type.

STEP 1: Side Rails

The feet will need to go together first(1) followed by attaching them to the side rails. Next, tape off all the areas that may potentially come into contact with the side rails(2). Once the feet are connected to the side rails, hold the side rail up to your boat and once the rail is aligned with your windshield use a small piece of tape to mark the position(3). Once the desired position is achieved, place one of the backing plates over the piece of tape and trace around it with a permanent marker(4).

STEP 2: Transferring marks from the other side

This step is very important! After taping the second side of the boat in approximately the same areas as the first side you will need to measure the distance that you marked on the first side of the boat(1). It is best to take measurements from the back of the boat and mark with blue tape(2). Be sure to measure from the same point on both sides.

STEP 3: Drilling
Once you have marked your 4 holes, check the underside for wires(1,2). If necessary, you should move the wires out of the way while you drill. We recommend drilling a small pilot hole which will keep the 3/8in. drill bit from walking (moving). A small rat tail file can be used to ease the edge and keep the gel coat from chipping. (3)

STEP 4: Attaching the side rails

Insert the four all thread screws into the side rail feet(1). The rubber washers will go between the outside of your boat and the tower feet(2). On the inside of your boat will be the backing plate, a lock washer and a nut. If your fiberglass is less than 1/4in. thick, we recommend reinforcing the areas where your tower will attach with plywood. Remove just enough blue tape for your tower feet to snugged up to your boat(3). Measuring from your windshield, check the distance to the side rail to make sure both sides are symmetric(4).

STEP 5: Hinge Joints and Upper Arms

Next, assemble all 4 hinge joints and attach them to the support arms(1,2). Be sure to make sure that there are no burrs in the H-section (Some soap or grease will allow the arms to slide in easier). Someone will need to hold the H-section for you as you insert the rear right arm into the H-section and fit the hinge into the side rail(3). Do the same for the left rear arm. It is important to try to keep the H-section centered in the boat(4). Follow by inserting both front arms. Note: the H-section can be rotated up or down to be parallel with the boat.

STEP 6: Drilling the H-section

The X measurement is a great way to make sure that your tow point is in the center of your boat. To do this, measure from the tow point to your rear foot, then to your other foot.

Cover your boat with an old sheet or old cover to make removing the metal shavings easy. Someone should hold the H-section while you drill(1). Use a smaller bit to make a pilot hole, then use your 3/8 bit(2). After each hole is drilled, insert the nut and bolt to help keep the H-section from moving. Once all bolts are in, tighten them with a socket wrench and an Allen key(3,4). When tightening bolts, be sure to use lock tight.

STEP 7: Lowering the Tower

Loosen the rear tower hinges about 1/4 turn. The front tower hinges need to be removed with the Allen bolt to allow the tower to fold back. Once the tower is folded back, remove the 2 Allen bolts from the H-section hinge which will allow the arms to fold down for storage.

AERIAL PRODUCT CARE

  • Wash all towers with a mild soap and water.
  • Polished Product - Use Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish which can be found at any auto parts store
  • Powder Coated Products- no wax, or cleaners can be used
  • Check set screws before each use
  • Check Allen Bolts before each use
  • If you hear any creaking or noises from tower....Stop something is wrong
  • Remember the height of the tower for trailering, garaging, docking and driving under low power lines.

The information provided here has been reproduced courtesy of Aerial Wakeboard Products. Wholesale Marine reproduced this information 07/02/2009.