Flight control tower differences

[NCH2oSki]

How many generations of FCT are there? How could a tower novice tell the difference between them? I was told to stay away from generation 1, why?

Thanks

[Quinner]

RE: Flight control tower differences

On the straight inboards I believe there have only been 2, the first was 98 & 99 and the 2nd 2000 to present day. The first Gen was a little more difficult to fold, Allen bolts at the rear leg base, and when folded still would not fit thru a standard garage door. The bimini on our 1st gen tower only had to be put in the boot to fold the tower.
2nd Gen are easier to fold, hand knobs at rear base of upper leg, and when folded depending on your trailer might fit under a standard garage door. Tower bimini must be taken down and booted to fold tower.
Other than that they both served well, Gen 1 is smaller dia tubing and aesthetically I like my Gen 2 tower better.

After the Gen 1 tower I believe the V-Drive/Wakeboard and crossover towers have had several generations and types depending on the boat model.

[NCH2oSki]

RE: Flight control tower differences

Thanks for the info, the Sport Nautique I am looking at has the second generation according to your description. He had the tower installed in the last year so I figured it was the latest version.