Collapsible Tower?

[Asmodeus2112]

I have just aquired a 2001 Sunkicker (Sunsetter) with a "Collapsible Tower". Is the idea that it collapses, but then you have to remove it from the boat, or can it collapse for towing and storage with cover over it without taking it completely off? The back U part lays down ok, but the front V part either sits high in the bow or sits on the windscreen with an uncomfortable amount of pressure.

[WakingMeHappy]

I have just aquired a 2001 Sunkicker (Sunsetter) with a "Collapsible Tower". Is the idea that it collapses, but then you have to remove it from the boat, or can it collapse for towing and storage with cover over it without taking it completely off? The back U part lays down ok, but the front V part either sits high in the bow or sits on the windscreen with an uncomfortable amount of pressure.

Yes, if you collapse the tower you have to remove it. It's the rule.

[Mrsamman]

You tow it with it up. If you lay it down for storage make a stand for the front leg to rest on instead of the windshield.

Scott

I have just aquired a 2001 Sunkicker (Sunsetter) with a "Collapsible Tower". Is the idea that it collapses, but then you have to remove it from the boat, or can it collapse for towing and storage with cover over it without taking it completely off? The back U part lays down ok, but the front V part either sits high in the bow or sits on the windscreen with an uncomfortable amount of pressure.

[Asmodeus2112]

You tow it with it up. If you lay it down for storage make a stand for the front leg to rest on instead of the windshield.

Scott

Thanks Scott. I have a PVC pole in there temporarily and will create something more substantial later. The windshield seems pretty robust, but darn, that would suck to break.

[Asmodeus2112]

I'm going to tow this boat from TX to WI and back this summer. Seems like that tower would add enough drag to affect MPG, maybe I'll make support to tow it in the down position. Risky if it comes loose on the windshield, but something substantial enough with straps should do the trick.

[TheKiwi]

Lol are you seriously worried about MPG with the tower up, it's not the tower that will affect MPG it's the boat!!!

[apwrx]

Lol are you seriously worried about MPG with the tower up, it's not the tower that will affect MPG it's the boat!!!

My thought as well.I dont think the tower will matter one bit lol.Towing with a cover vs without maybe, I dont worry about mpg too much if i did i wouldn't of bought a boat.

[Pistol Pete]

Ok guys,

It's time to let Asmodues in on what boat stands for..

B ust

O ut

A nother

T housand

Never tow with the tower collapsed.

[martinarcher]

Agreed. Tow with the tower up.

Down to get in and out of "low bridge" locations like a low garage door or under a bridge to get to a honey hole.

[Asmodeus2112]

Yeah, I hear ya'll, but I'll be towing it 2,320 miles. Price of oil is going down at the moment, but with gas over $4 over so many miles it got me thinking. I did some calculations, and if it saved me 1 MPG, which it probably won't, that would save $70 in gas. I'll spend more than that building a stand for it, so never mind. Do I get some credit for entertaining ya'll? If I'm really worried about MPG I should buy a diesel.

Edited May 9, 2011 by Asmodeus2112

[martinarcher]

Good man for doing the math. I know one thing, that $70 wouldn't cover the damage to the windshield if the darn thing did flop down under tow.

[TheKiwi]

Please, Americans, stop complaining about the price of gas. You've had it so good for a fair while now and pay well under what your northern friends do!

P.s - ya'll own boats. you need gas. deal with it.

[Asmodeus2112]

Please, Americans, stop complaining about the price of gas. You've had it so good for a fair while now and pay well under what your northern friends do!

P.s - ya'll own boats. you need gas. deal with it.

I understand your point, but I'm not complaining. Just recognizing one of the many costs of owning a boat and attempting to economize if possible. Clearly there are some costs that can be avoided, some that can be minimized and others that can't be avoided or minimized.