Replacing a tower

**bturner** · 2026-07-09T11:20:53+00:00

I've only installed 2 towers over the years and both were 4 post towers that were installed in the late 90's when wakeboarding was blossoming. The process while challenging from an access perspective was straight forward and rather simple. Retro fitting a 2 post tower may be more involved depending on if the mounting holes are significantly different.

Unless as you state you're able to find a new tower from a dealer at a good price, typically factory towers are incredibly and prohibitably expensive to consider unless it's an insurance claim. I do remembered seeing one for sale on FBMP about a month or so ago and searched for it again this morning. Here's the picture and link to it. It was damaged but it may be something that could be repaired. For the money they're asking and the time it's been sitting I bet an offer for a grand or so would take it. That is if can actually be repaired, it would fit or could be modified to fit.

The other thing you could do is call Roswell and see what solutions they can offer. I don't know about towers but they were really helpful when I had to find parts for my Bimini top.

https://store.roswellmarine.com/coll...towers-biminis

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1433784768429219?referral_code=null&referral_story _type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A7a3ea7bb-d2fa-449e-9b83-786f2a76307f

**nautiques4life** · 2026-07-10T18:01:22+00:00

BTurner, thank you for the reply, and finding that tower- exactly the kind of thing I'd hoped the forum would be able to track down.
On your installs, I'm curious, were these on boats that hadn't had towers previously (initial installs) or removing an old one and upgrading?

Insurance wouldn't be involved on my replacement, so I would likely be looking for something like the one you'd found, or hoping there is zero demand for a now discontinued older model left over somewhere. A new one direct from Nautique is surely beyond my budget.

I'd hoped, before calling dealers, more would have chimed in about the life expectancy of these towers to help me decide if trying to repair my existing makes sense, or its going to be a long expensive losing battle anyways.

I'd looked for options of purchasing from Roswell, but calling Roswell for suggestions is a good idea too that I hadn't considered, thank you.

**bturner** · 2026-07-10T22:14:09+00:00

Mine were new installs on old boats. You may want to look on Copart or some other salvage sites to see what you can find as well.

**swatguy** · 2026-07-11T19:15:53+00:00

I’ve done about dozen tower installs. Granted it was back when monster , , FCT’s and New Dimesjons were all going on super sport nautique , sport nautique , maristars and direct driver. The biggest issue back then was reinforcing the top deck to prevent stress cracks. I think two point attachments have changed the game and the stress crack issues from back in day have reduced significantly. I’ve done two Roswell aviators on older San 210’s. The biggest issue to overcome is gaining access to where you need to get to the install plates and driver linkage and cables are all there. The wakeboats of today are all reinforced up there properly , So not too much extra work on that. Most aftermarket today come with all backing plates. The other biggest issue is you’ll need to fill in the old holes from the 4 point towers with glass and gel. That gets expensive and color match can be very difficult. The install itself is not difficult. It’s being confident in your measurements. Measure 3 times and then measure a 4th and 5th.

**FMSki 'n Surf** · 2026-07-12T04:56:03+00:00

You might try browsing on Greatlakeskipper at OEM towers. I adapted a Roswell for Supra tower. Just had to narrow the fit by drilling a 2x2 new holes. paid $2500 plus the shipping iirc

**nautiques4life** · 2026-07-14T21:27:43+00:00

I'd never heard of the Greatlakeskipper, great resource, thanks for sharing, nothing nautique, but other stuff that could work also, thanks again.

**s_kelley2000** · 2026-07-15T14:10:09+00:00

I would second giving Roswell a call, I am almost positive they were the OEM for the FCT5. As for life span of towers, I would hope it is much longer than 14 years. I have the same boat/tower as you and mine has some cosmetic issues but overall is very solid. I have never had a reason to fold mine so no idea if any of that still works, but I have never had an issue with the handles/lock mechanisms loosening up. Which part is the tri-lobe lock?

On my 99 I removed the original skinny leg FCT and replaced it with a NDT so 4 point to 4 point. Measured a bunch and it came out great. Added glass and backing plates per the manufacturers instructions.

**FMSki 'n Surf** · 2026-07-15T18:31:59+00:00

Here's the Supra boat NOS Aviator approximately fit onto the step plates. I had shim the deck a bit with acetal sheet to fill the depression. I did not use a backing plate underside of deck I think there was washers and it was bit of pain to bolt up. The deck is just on the minimum spec for install.

Also - I just ordered some fuel gauges from Greatlakesskipper - they have some of the Faria Gateway old stock for $27 ea. I called Faria they gave me the part# said to go there.

**swatguy** · 2026-07-16T21:41:05+00:00

That looks great

Replacing a tower

Replacing a tower

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