2023 sx190 monster wake tower MTK install

[ryanotown22]

Just got the monster tower MTK with Bimini and waiting for it to arrive. I have a few questions that might have been answered but for older sx190’s
I will post progress pics as I go…

1. do I need to add more reinforcement other than the plate the comes with it. I looked under and it looks like it is thicker all the way back to the fuel cap area?

2. if I fold forward how much higher than the window is it? If I fold backwards does it hang past rear deck?

3. it looks like I will need to raise the rear up 3” or 4” to make it sit right. I am thinking an aluminum plate between the base and the mounting bracket would work for that?

4. how close to the back of the window should I mount the front base?

 

[Michal]

If your going to install on the top gunel, no reinforcement needed other than the plates. However, I still used marine plywood for a little help with reinforcement. As far as measuring and placement. Get a couple of friends or family to help you out. Put the tower together and then place it where you think you may want it. My tower folds back and it sticks out about 3 inches past the rear deck. I didn't use anything for a riser.

 

[Michal]

I followed this video.

 

[ryanotown22]

Ok did you try folding forward and not low enough?

 

[Michal]

Exactly! It would sit a little higher than the windshield and it would not have fit through the garage door. Folding back is perfect for me.

 

[rtaylor]

Just got the monster tower MTK with Bimini and waiting for it to arrive. I have a few questions that might have been answered but for older sx190’s
I will post progress pics as I go…

1. do I need to add more reinforcement other than the plate the comes with it. I looked under and it looks like it is thicker all the way back to the fuel cap area?

2. if I fold forward how much higher than the window is it? If I fold backwards does it hang past rear deck?

3. it looks like I will need to raise the rear up 3” or 4” to make it sit right. I am thinking an aluminum plate between the base and the mounting bracket would work for that?

4. how close to the back of the window should I mount the front base?

 

[rtaylor]

2020 sx195. Mine folds back. Had 4 in risers made to level at a local machine shop. I used some plywood in addition to the supplied plates. Monster sent me longer screws. Mine does hang off back a bit. But needed to go back to fit in garage.

 

[Michal]

Like @rtaylor said, I totally forgot. Longer screws are a must if you're installing on top gunel.

 

[ryanotown22]

Do you know what size they sent you? I will probably just pick some up locally.

 

[Michal]

Call them and ask, they will send them to you for free. I paid a couple of dollars for shipping.

 

[rtaylor]

Like @rtaylor said, I totally forgot. Longer screws are a must if you're installing on top gunel.

 

[rtaylor]

Yes, they sent them out no charge to me as well. If you are going to use a riser plate of some sort, you will really need long bolts. My tube extensions had nothing to do with that but still needed longer bolts because of the combined thickness of fiberglass, wood and supplied plates. The machine shop ordered a threaded rod and cut in half, then drilled and tapped the cylinders. Really easy job for machine shop. I think it was like 250 or so. I tried 6 inches first, but that was too long for our gunnel. He took couple inches off for me and re-tapped. I would put the forward bracket pretty close to where the windshield comes down. I could have gone a little closer and would have given me another inch when folded down. And definitely get couple guys to help like Michal said. My son and I did it and we really could have used more. I will send you a pic of a pvc bracket I put together for tower to rest on when folded back to take all stress off brackets when folded.
I am about 185, and contorting my old ass to get access to tighten bolts is fun but can be done. tip: wear a long sleeve shirt, the fiberglass around the compartments will eat your arms up. (Ask me how I know)

 

[rtaylor]

So could have gone little
Closer to windshield. Had some old pvc laying around and threw together a rest for the tower to take weight off brackets when folded. Just sitting in cup holders

 

[Michal]

That stand is awesome! Let me take a picture of mine and you'll have a good laugh.

 

[Michal]

Notice I went as close as possible to the windshield frame.

 

[rtaylor]

That stand is awesome! Let me take a picture of mine and you'll have a good laugh.

Hey it works right! Notice I have couple double layer koozies on bottom that fit nicely in cup holders. Wife was like that thing doesnt have to stay back there I hope when we are boating. I just laughed

 

[Michal]

Those koozies are a great idea! May have to use that.

 

[rtaylor]

Next install was an in dash ride steady where phone holder was.

 

[Michal]

Very nice! One of first mods was chart plotter/ fish finder. As well as thrust vectors. I have a thread somewhere on the chart plotter.

 

[ryanotown22]

Are you sure that only hangs off past the back deck 3” maybe the pic makes it seem further