Installing a wakeboard tower is one of the best ways to upgrade your boat for fun on the water. However, before you start drilling, one of the most important steps is ensuring your boat’s hull is strong enough to handle the added stress of a tower and riders being towed.
At Big Air Wake Towers, we require a minimum hull thickness of 3/8” for safe and secure installation. If your hull is thinner than that, don’t worry. With a few simple steps, we will walk you through the process of reinforcing your boats hull to the proper strength and enjoy years of reliable performance.
Why Reinforcement Matters
Wakeboard towers put unique loads on your boat. Each pull from the rope and each wave you hit transfers stress through the tower mounts into your boat’s fiberglass. If the hull is too thin or weak, it can flex, crack, or even fail over time.
By reinforcing about a 6″ x 9″ area of your hull to at least 3/8” thickness, you’re giving your tower a strong, stable foundation that keeps both your boat and passengers safe.
How to Check Your Boat’s Hull Thickness
Before you start reinforcing or installing your wakeboard tower, it’s important to know exactly how thick your boat’s hull is. Here are a few ways to check:
- Use a Caliper or Depth Gauge:
The most accurate method is using a digital caliper or depth gauge to measure the fiberglass thickness from an accessible area near your mounting location. - Measure Through Existing Openings:
If you have access to an area like a storage compartment or speaker hole, you can measure the fiberglass edge with a caliper or a drill bit gauge. - Contact Your Boat Manufacturer:
Many manufacturers can provide hull specifications or schematics that indicate average fiberglass thickness in the gunwale or deck areas.
If your hull measures less than 3/8”, reinforcement is required before installing your Big Air wakeboard tower. Even if it’s close, we recommend reinforcing to be safe and prevent stress cracks over time.
Recommended Reinforcement Materials
When reinforcing your hull, the goal is to create a solid, flat surface that spreads the tower’s load evenly. We recommend one of the following materials:
- Marine-Grade Plywood:
A popular and cost-effective option. Marine-grade plywood is durable and designed to withstand moisture. Cut a piece about 6” x 9” to fit behind each mounting point.- Purchase a full kit with adhesive – Big Air Hull Reinforcement Kit
- Flat Sheet Aluminum:
Aluminum offers a clean, corrosion-resistant reinforcement option. Use a flat sheet about 6” x 9” and ensure it contours to your boat’s interior surface.- Purchase a full kit with adhesive – Big Air Aluminum Hull Reinforcement Kit
- Fiberglass Reinforcement Kit:
Ideal for a fully integrated finish. With a fiberglass kit, you can layer and build up your hull thickness to meet or slightly exceed 3/8”. This method may take longer but offers a seamless and permanent solution.- Purchase a Fiberglass kit here (not affiliated) – Bondo Fiberglass Kit
How to Reinforce the Mounting Area
- Identify Mounting Locations:
Confirm where the wakeboard tower’s four mounting feet (two port side and two starboard side) will be installed. Ensure each area has clear interior access before drilling. - Measure and Cut Reinforcement Panels:
Prepare a 6” x 9” reinforcement panel for each mounting location, using your chosen material. - Secure the Reinforcement:
- For plywood or aluminum, bond the reinforcement to the inner hull using a marine-grade adhesive or epoxy.
- For fiberglass kits, follow the manufacturer’s directions to build up multiple layers until you reach the desired thickness.
- Verify Final Thickness:
Once cured and bonded, check that the reinforced area measures 3/8” or slightly more. If the area becomes thicker, you may need longer mounting bolts when attaching your tower.
Ready for Installation?
Once your hull is reinforced, you’re ready to install your wakeboard tower!
If you haven’t selected one yet, check out our most popular models:
- Big Air Cuda Tower – sleek, stylish, and universal fit.
- Big Air Vapor Tower – strong, stable, and easy to install.
- Big Air Ice Tower – great for beginners and most cost effective.
All of our towers are designed to give you the perfect combination of performance, looks, and durability.
Final Tips for a Strong Installation
- Always reinforce before installing your mounts if your hull is less than 3/8″ thick.
- Double-check each location for interior access before beginning.
- Take your time with prep. A solid foundation is key to long-lasting strength and performance.
Reinforcing your hull is an essential step to ensure your wakeboard tower installation is strong, safe, and built to last. Whether you choose plywood, aluminum, or fiberglass, taking this extra time now will help protect your investment and keep you enjoying the water for years to come. We have many customers that have contacted us after 10+ years of having a Big Air tower installed on their tower. We can’t wait to add you to that list!
