Wakeboard towers are considered important accessories that should be a part of the arsenal of any modern wakeboarder. They were introduced to the market around the 90s, and have since been attracting the attention of enthusiasts, both new and skilled ones. If a boat lacks engine power, riders expect an extra boost using a great tower system.
This is true because not all boats come with wakeboard towers. These structures need to be safe and functional, otherwise, they will not perform well. A tower that is firmly secured and smooth is the best option to consider. One that comes with powder-coated protection will even last longer. If you are planning to get the best wakeboard tower, this review is best for you. We have rounded up the best options out there and included a buying guide to help you make a wise purchasing decision.
Reborn Catapult Polished wakeboard tower – Best With Bimini Top
Rating: 4.5/5
Technical Specs:
- Size: 78 to 106 inches
- Weight: 210 pounds
- Material: CNC machined solid aluminum fittings
Product Specification
- Cover Included
If you are planning to add a bimini to your wakeboard tower, this model from Reborn is an interesting option to take into consideration. One reason for this is because it comes with a cover in the package. The foldable bimini top of the tower stretches right into its double-header bars, offering shade on hot days. As a bonus, it also adds to the appearance of your boat.
- Size and Color Options
These towers come in two sizes on widths to select from (58 and 74 inches). There are also two choices on colors to select from, either Captain Navy Blue or Jet Black. They are made of marine-grade acrylic, allowing the canopy to deflect the entrance of harmful UV rays. The manufacturer also guarantees that the tower does not shrink or fade for around five years.
- Durable Materials
The tower features a stern-facing design that is constructed using 2.25-inch aluminum that is aircraft grade. The hardware is also made out of long-lasting stainless steel, while the fittings are all made out of machined aluminum.
- Easy to Collapse
If you are interested in collapsing the tower, all you need to do is to detach the front legs out of the deck mounts, pivoting the rear legs going to the back to lower the upper section. As such, it is very easy to install and collapse, with the tower fitting all boats with a beam width that reaches 78 to 106 inches.
Pros
- Durable material
- Foldable bimini top
- Two-color options
Cons
- Some find it quite challenging to install
Origin Catapult Universal Wakeboard Boat Tower – Best in Quality Craftsmanship
Rating: 4.5/5
Technical Specs:
- Size: 76 to 106 inches
- Weight: 90 pounds
- Material: Stainless steel
Product Specification
- Universal Wakeboard Design
This wakeboard tower comes with a universal design. This means that it can fit boat beams with sizes 76 to 106 inches in width. You can easily pair this tower with any wakeboard and not worry about it looking strange or not fitting. With its universal design, it will fit most wakeboard boats.
- Quality Materials and Craftsmanship
Aside from the design, riders will also love the fact that this tower is made out of quality materials and overall craftsmanship. It is constructed using seamless 2.25-inch aircraft-grade 6063 aluminum tubing. At the same time, it is also made out of solid CNC machined 6061 feet, with joints surrounding the tower. All other hardware parts are made out of stainless steel.
- Easy Folding Design
This tower can be folded down easily below the windshield, for easy boat storage. All that needs to be done is to remove one screw in each of the front legs. This will save you a good amount of time for this process. You will only need to spend less than 3 hours installing everything. One reason for this is the use of single bolt feet that makes it very easy to install.
Pros
- Quality craftsmanship
- Easily folds down
- Universal wakeboard tower design
Cons
- Some issue with installation
MTK Wakeboard Tower – Best Trend-Setting Option
Rating: 4.5/5
Technical Specs:
- Size: 76 to 102 inches
- Weight: ~
- Material: 6063 T6 Aluminum pipe
Product Specification
- Trend-Setting Option
For those who have enough money as resources, the MTK wakeboard tower can be considered as a trendsetting option. This is all thanks to its innovative forward-facing design that can surely grab the attention of both the boat and the tower while being out on the water.
- Attractive Aesthetic
Most users love the overall ability of this wakeboard tower, along with the updated overall aesthetic of the tower. This includes the number of options available, either with a black powder coat finish or a polished anodized finish that will easily match your trim. For an extra fee, upgrading to either polar white or stealth black. Regardless of your color option, the tower is constructed using a 2.5-inch aluminum pipe, ensuring corrosion resistance and exceptional strength.
- Integrated Navigation Light
Another benefit of this tower is the addition of an integrated navigation light. It is located on the swivel tow point and the dual top supports. With this extra support, you have enough space where you can mount all of the accessories that you could ever need.
- DIY Installation
This tower can be installed by one person. It will only take about 4 to 6 hours to do so, still depending on the type of boat that it will be attached to. To simplify the installation process even further, this tower also comes with a patented hinged one-piece upper section, along with a swivel tow point.
Pros
- Trend-setting model
- Forward-facing design
- Exceptional strength
Cons
- Pricier than others
Big Air Cuda Wakeboard Tower – Best Forward-Facing Wakeboard Tower
Rating: 4.5/5
Technical Specs:
- Size: 72 to 103 inches
- Weight: 84 pounds
- Material: Flex reducing aluminum tubing
Product Specification
- Forward Facing Tower
If you are planning to get a forward-facing tower but would like to keep your purchase within your budget, then the Big Air Cuda wakeboard tower is a better, and relatively more affordable alternative that looks amazing, while promising a stable pull.
- High Enough
This tower is silent enough, standing tall enough to allow users to easily mount accessories without worrying about hitting your head. It comes with a size of 5 feet from the mounts. This means that it will reach about 7 feet in height when used on most boats. Built-in mounts are usually designed to suit the Razor Series wakeboard racks under the same manufacturer. These accessories are sold separately, however.
- Corrosion-Resistant Aluminum Tubing
This tower features corrosion-resistant aluminum tubing that has an ultra-polished finish. An alternative option is a sleek black powder coat finish. Your option will highly depend on which one suits the appearance of your boat well.
- Easy to Storage
After an entire day enjoying your favorite water sport, you can easily fold this tower. This is very easy to do that it can even be done single-handedly below the height of the boat’s windshield. All of the mounting tools, including the backing plates, are already included. You can also mount the tower on the top or side of the gunwales. In terms of size, it can easily fit any boat that comes with a beamwidth of 72 – 103 inches.
Pros
- Affordable option
- Sleek finish and design
- Easy to store
Cons
- Tower only
Airborne 2.0 Wakeboard Tower – Best for Extra Wide Beam Width
Rating: 4.5/5
Technical Specs:
- Size: 76 to 108 inches
- Weight: 93 pounds
- Material: 6061-T6 Aircraft grade aluminum tubing
Product Specification
- Suited for Extra-Wide Beam Width
This wakeboard tower is relatively more expensive compared to other models, though it may just be the best choice for boats that feature an extra-wide beamwidth. It is constructed using 2.25-inch aircraft-grade aluminum tubing, fitting beamwidths with a size of 76 to 108 inches. This is about 5 inches more than the usual size.
- Design Options
Users can have the option to select a black powder coat finish or an easy-to-clean mirror finish. Other innovations in this design include the use of a thick aluminum plate that is welded into the lower side rail’s rear bends. It also comes with swiveling mounting feet.
- One-Bolt Mounting System
The mounting feet of this tower features a one-bolt mounting system, cutting down on drill holes, while evenly distributing weight, thus preventing fiberglass from potentially cracking or weakening. All other hardware and accessories needed for installing the tower are included in the package. This includes 4 aluminum washers.
- LED Navigation Light
This tower also features a US Coast Guard certified LED navigation light with a rating of more than 50,000 hours of total use. Installation is very easy, with the entire process taking up to three to five hours. This tower can easily be collapsed fully.
Pros
- Straightforward installation
- Durable materials
- Fit for extra-wide beam width
Cons
- Pricier than the others
Buyer’s Guide
If you are planning to get a new boat, then you may be considering getting the best wakeboard tower to go with it. When it comes to choosing the best wakeboard tower, there are several factors that need to be taken into consideration. Here are some of them:
Planned Activities
Before getting a wakeboard tower, make sure that you are taking into consideration its purpose of use. If you plan to do wakeboarding mainly, you may want a tower that is designed for this specifically. Even though towers are not designed for water activities, the height of a tower can raise the tow point, providing more air as compared to one with a low tow point.
More air means easier and higher jump as you do tricks. Some towers can also be used for hanging lights for greater visibility and safety. You may also want a tower that will allow you to mount speakers so that you can freely listen to music, and even a bimini to get some shade.
Boat’s Beam Width and Style
When choosing a wakeboard tower, it is very important to have the right measurements of a boat’s beamwidth. It is also important to select one that is well-suited to your boat type. Even though many of the towers these days are adjustable, you still need to make sure that the width of the beam is within the right range. Otherwise, the tower may not fit.
Shade
The shade of a tower can make a difference between an amazing experience on the water and having a nasty sunburn. If you are considering adding shade to your boat, make sure that the tower that you will choose comes with an option to install a bimini. Most towers come with bimini features. With one, you can choose one that is made out of marine-rated and high-quality material.
Note that certain wakeboard tower styles will not work with biminis that are existing, which is why it is important to check with the manufacturer before buying one. The most respected ones will provide the right solution that will fit the boat and bimini.
Speaker Options
Installing a wakeboard tower adds not just the capacity to tow wakeboarder, but also allowing you to take the fun a level up, even enjoying your favorite music along the way. Unlike the usual speakers that are built-in with your boat, or a general one that is just added, speakers for wakeboard towers are large, directional, waterproof, and easy to install through the hollow tower tubing. They also come with an overhead mounting which is designed to maximize the space on the deck while making sure that everybody will be able to enjoy the music.
Accessory Racks
Take note that the space on your boat may be limited, particularly when you are taking a huge team for the day. New racks may be added to the tower to save space while keeping your wakeboard out of the way.
Make sure that you choose racks to match your tower. Some racks work only with a particular style or type of wakeboard tower. Check for racks with gripping rubber on the inner part of the rack fingers, making for secure storage, while decreasing rattling or any movement while you are on the water.
Budget
When it comes to price range and budget, it’s good to know that there are several options on wakeboard towers. They range from entry-level choices to premium ones. Regardless of your budget, you can get one that will meet your needs and preferences. The entry-level ones are usually the most economic options. They usually feature a cage style with a design that is straight. Mid-level towers are also more curved, with more finish choices. Premium models are on the higher-end of the budget scale, and they usually come with stylized look and finish options.
FAQs
1. Are wakeboard towers worth the investment?
You can still wakeboard even without a tower, that’s a fact. However, towers offer more fun because they allow you to enjoy more tricks while wakeboarding. With a tower, you have the option to jump higher. Whether you are a beginner or a pro wakeboarder, you can explore more tricks with a wakeboard tower.
2. Can wakeboard towers fold down?
Just like other wakeboard towers, most options from the aftermarket come with a foldable feature. If you plan to store your boat inside a garage, you would want to have a collapsible tower.
3. Can you put a wakeboard tower on any boat?
There are wakeboard towers that are universal. They are designed to fit and can be adjusted most inboard boats. These quality towers are tested to ensure that performance and strength are not compromised when properly installed.
4. Does a wakeboard tower make a difference?
Wakeboard towers generally offer a higher tie-off point. This solves the concerns involving low tow points. With a higher line for towing, you can easily jump higher, and perform better flips and tricks. The rope will be above water which means that it will also not be caught in turbulence.
Conclusion
Choosing the best wakeboard tower may look like a challenging task, but it is a good investment on your part. This small investment is good enough to modify the performance and looks of your boat. By taking into consideration the features of every model, you will be able to find one that best suits your needs and preferences.
While the material used in the construction is one of the most important things to take into consideration, finishes also matter. The best ones are powder and anodized coating, performing better than basic polish aluminum. This article also highlighted a guide on the specific features that you might want to take into consideration in order to get the best wakeboard tower for you and expect to enjoy a better experience in riding. It is recommended to sit down, evaluate your needs and requirements, and start choosing from there.