Elevate your wakeboarding experience with the right tower—performance, style, and function all in one. If you’re serious about wakeboarding or looking to elevate your boat setup for better performance and aesthetics, a wakeboard tower is a game-changer. It’s more than just a flashy addition to your boat—it’s a functional upgrade that improves your ride, expands your possibilities, and enhances your time on the water.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about wakeboard towers—from their purpose and benefits to materials, installation, accessories, and how to choose the right one for your boat and riding style.
What Is A Wakeboard Tower?
A wakeboard tower is a specially designed tubular frame that is mounted onto the hull of a boat to provide a high towing point for wakeboarding and other tow sports. Unlike traditional tow hooks located near the transom, a wakeboard tower lifts the tow point several feet above the boat’s surface, typically between 6 to 7 feet high.
This elevated tow point changes the angle of the tow rope, allowing riders to achieve more lift off the wake, perform tricks more easily, and enjoy a cleaner, less turbulent ride. Wakeboard towers also serve as mounting platforms for accessories such as speakers, lights, racks, and bimini tops.
Why Use A Wakeboard Tower?
Adding a wakeboard tower to your boat has multiple functional and performance advantages:
1. Higher Tow Point for Bigger Air
The most significant benefit is the higher tow point. A rope attached high above the water allows for a more vertical pull, giving riders more hang time and reducing the risk of being pulled down during jumps.
2. Better Wakeboarding Form
With a tower, wakeboarders experience less strain on their upper body, which allows for better posture, easier maneuverability, and more balanced landings.
3. Accessory Mounting
Towers double as mounting systems for board racks, tower speakers, LED lights, and bimini tops. This expands your boat’s functionality while keeping the deck uncluttered.
4. Stylish Aesthetic
Wakeboard towers offer a sleek, sporty look that adds value and visual appeal to your boat, even when you’re docked.
Types of Wakeboard Towers
Wakeboard towers come in various designs, each with specific advantages depending on your boat size, budget, and usage.
Here are the most common types:
1. Universal Towers
Fit: Designed to fit a wide range of boats (typically 72″ to 102″ wide).
Pros: Cost-effective, adjustable, widely available.
Cons: May require extra installation time for perfect alignment.
2. Custom Towers
Fit: Custom-built for a specific make and model of boat.
Pros: Perfect fit, seamless design integration, often higher quality.
Cons: More expensive, limited availability for older boats.
3. Foldable Towers
Feature: Can fold down for storage or transportation.
Pros: Ideal for garages, boat covers, and low-clearance areas.
Cons: Slightly more expensive due to added hardware.
4. Forward-Facing vs. Rear-Facing Towers
Forward-Facing: Angled toward the bow, offering a futuristic, aggressive design.
Rear-Facing: Classic look, angles toward the stern; common in traditional wake boats.
Wakeboard Tower Materials and Construction
The strength and durability of a wakeboard tower largely depend on the materials used in its construction:
1. Aluminum
Common Grade: 6061-T6 marine-grade aluminum.
Benefits: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, strong.
Use Case: Most preferred material for quality wakeboard towers.
2. Stainless Steel
Pros: Extremely strong, corrosion-resistant.
Cons: Heavier than aluminum, more expensive.
Use Case: Best for saltwater environments where corrosion is a concern.
3. Powder-Coated vs. Polished Finish
Powder-Coated: Durable matte or glossy paint finish, available in various colors.
Polished: Chrome-like reflective surface; stylish but requires more maintenance.
Key Features to Consider
Before purchasing a wakeboard tower, consider the following features:
1. Adjustability
A tower with adjustable legs can be fine-tuned to fit your boat width and deck contour more precisely.
2. Tower Height
Ensure the tower is tall enough to provide a good tow point without interfering with bridge clearance or storage.
3. Mounting Style
Top Mounting: Legs are mounted on the boat’s gunwales.
Side Mounting: Legs attach to the hull’s sides—less visible but sometimes more complex to install.
4. Ease of Installation
Look for models with simplified installation kits and clear instructions. Many DIY-friendly models come pre-drilled and pre-fabricated for quick assembly.
Popular Wakeboard Tower Accessories
Wakeboard towers serve as excellent platforms for upgrading your boat with premium features:
1. Board Racks
Purpose: Secure your wakeboards or kneeboards to the tower.
Types: Fixed or swivel racks for easier loading/unloading.
Benefit: Frees up deck space and protects boards from damage.
2. Tower Speakers
Purpose: Amplify your playlist across the lake.
Features: Marine-rated, weatherproof, Bluetooth-enabled.
Benefit: Crystal-clear audio even at high speeds.
3. Bimini Tops
Purpose: Provide shade and protection from sun.
Mounting: Directly to tower for easy deployment.
Benefit: Keeps passengers comfortable on long outings.
4. LED Lighting
Options: Tower-mounted spotlights, RGB LED strips.
Benefit: Enhanced visibility and ambiance during twilight or night rides.
How to Install a Wakeboard Tower
While some boaters prefer professional installation, many wakeboard towers are DIY-friendly. Here’s a general step-by-step outline:
Step 1: Measure and Plan
Measure the width of your boat at the mounting point.
Mark the ideal locations, ensuring they’re symmetrical and accessible from inside the hull.
Step 2: Drill Mounting Holes
Drill pilot holes in the marked positions.
Use marine-grade sealant around the holes to prevent water intrusion.
Step 3: Assemble the Tower
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to pre-assemble the tower frame before mounting.
Step 4: Mount the Legs
Secure the legs with the supplied bolts and backing plates.
Ensure the frame is level and properly aligned.
Step 5: Test for Stability
Tighten all bolts securely.
Test the tower by applying tension to simulate wakeboarding loads.
Maintenance and Care Tips
Wakeboard towers are built tough, but proper care ensures long-lasting performance:
Rinse after use: Especially important for saltwater environments.
Inspect regularly: Check for loose bolts, cracks, or rust.
Protect finishes: Use a marine-safe polish or protectant on aluminum or stainless steel surfaces.
Cover accessories: Use waterproof covers for speakers and electronics when not in use.
Top Wakeboard Tower Brands
Some of the most respected brands in the industry include:
Monster Tower – Known for universal towers and affordability.
Roswell Marine – Premium towers with innovative design.
Samson Sports – Custom towers with cutting-edge aesthetics.
Xtreme Tower Products (XTP) – OEM supplier for several boat manufacturers.
How to Choose the Right Wakeboard Tower
When choosing a tower, ask yourself:
- What is my budget?
- Do I need a foldable design for storage?
- Am I looking for aesthetics, function, or both?
- Do I want to add speakers, lights, or racks?
- What size is my boat, and will the tower fit?
Always check customer reviews, warranty information, and installation support before buying.
Conclusion
A wakeboard tower isn’t just a stylish add-on—it’s a practical, performance-enhancing upgrade that transforms how you experience wakeboarding. From increased airtime and better handling to the ability to customize your boat with speakers, lights, and racks, a quality wakeboard tower pays for itself in both form and function.
Whether you’re a weekend rider or a competitive wakeboarder, understanding the ins and outs of wakeboard towers helps you choose the right one for your needs and ensures years of thrilling, elevated rides on the water.