Want to build custom rails/speaker tower for 96 sportster

[Thunderkat13]

Ok, so Ive been toying with the idea of putting on a Purely for looks wake tower or sexy 08 Side Rails on my 96 sportster....
I like the looks of the 2008 speedster tower, and want to make my own mini version... I am looking for any advice you guys have to offer..
The boat has come along great since last year and has hit 48mph already this yr with a 1/4 tank and 2 people in it!

Heres a some presummer pictures of "Lonestar"..
(just order new tribal seadoo decals)

Loving this little boat, even more after watching the big boys struggle at the ramps, LOL...

 

[CypherAZ]

did you setup your current stereo yourself?

 

[timmyboy76]

best 96'sportster i've seen, I had 2 of them...:cheers:
For tower, i'm build'n one for my 1800, instead of using 3in aluminum, and since I aint got tig welder, going with 1-3/4 .120 wall, and for the rope attachment at top, using 1-1/4 .90 wall. This will slide into with no drag/slop. Then powercoat everything. Buddy has bender, so should look cool , and not be so dominating look'n on boat, but have same integrity. Build'n it, so it'll collapse down, be tall enuf for bimini go under when up, AND best part, everything for 85buks minus the 6-heim joints and powdercoat

 

[Thunderkat13]

Yes i did setup up my stereo myself it was a headache but sounds great now, and cant wait for the tower speakers to give me a little more flare.

I called around today and priced 2 tubes of 24ft 1.75 inch 11 gauge tubing 0.120 weight
I am going to check it out and after reading your post, maybe i should go with a small diameter.. just dont want it to look dinky either.Going to start the process this weekend since were due to get some rain. I hope to have it all done in a weekend of drinking and building with the guys..
Im going to try and clone the 08 waketower on the speedster rails and all.
I may put a rope point, just to pull a tube or a knee boarder, but not sure yet....

ill be sure to document everything with pictures so i can share with the forum..

Cheers

 

[rexsteiner]

uh oh

ouch! are those two cars touching?
nice boat though!
is it the only lonestar in texas?:cheers:

when doing your tower just remembe bigger is better. at least for wakeboarding. not sure if you plan on doing that though.

 

[timmyboy76]

goin with this design, seems easy enuf, minus the 2k aluminum scissor design. Replace with gradual bend bar stock, with heims at ends.....
http://www.onlyinboards.com/ski-boat-accessories/switchblade-wakeboard-towers.html

 

[Thunderkat13]

LOL.. ya my neighbor hasnt figured out his garage..
Needless to say its like we are crammed in here thanks to the builder....
I dont plan on wakeboarding behind this little boy, since hes only a single engine and not sure the torque is there. So the tower is for mere looks and entertainment.

Nice design, I may have to follow right along and just get some machined peices for some flare....

Thanks guys for the input and comments

 

[Thunderkat13]

I think the scissors are a bit much and would look better with just the normal bars...

 

[rexsteiner]

what type of tube you gona use if your not using aluminum? steel? chrome moly? aluminized?

 

[Thunderkat13]

Im thinking steel due to the availabilty and having a welder handy if i stay away from aluminum.
Im a little worried about weight, but If I go with a smaller steel and just powder coat black or Red it will look awesome!!

 

[rexsteiner]

weight was my next question. are you using mandrel bends? or just a regular exhaust bender that crimps as it bends?

btw. the hydroturf makes a big difference on your boat. A+

 

[Thunderkat13]

Definately mandrel bends.... If im going to do it, Im going to do it right. Plus the crinkled bends would be weak and look like a junk yard build...

Thanks on the complament, and man without the turf you couldnt stand up or walk in the boat without busting ass, and the dogs are able to chill on the floor and not slide around!

 

[Thunderkat13]

alright... I need some help locating the mounting hardware for a tower.. any help would be great

 

[timmyboy76]

alright... I need some help locating the mounting hardware for a tower.. any help would be great

ebay, or google it, found sets everywhere, but in aluminum...

 

[mustangsisco]

your Sterio

I just got My Seadoo Sportster for Less than cheep and all I really needed to to was clean her up and give her some needed love, so not Im gonna focuse on the sound and Looks! Did you take the Seats off your self cause im having a hell of a time trying to get them off without breaking off the plastic screes on the back? Also the sterio looks great by the way, So im good at car sterios, you said it was a pain to get do it? Is there anything I should know about before I start Cutting into my Hull, Like placement or anything like that?

PS taking your lead and im gonna put the head unit right under the steering wheel

Sisco