Gladiator Towe Custom Surf Rack

[LakeSurfer 10]

So I have been trying to figure out how to hang a few more surfboards on Gladiator tower. Thanks to Pipers new racks, I got it figured out. I had a cross bar fabbed and then mounted Piper's racks to it. The cross bar is mounted to the upper mount tower speaker location. The pics have to only two boards, but I believe there is room for 2 in each rack. I also believe clearance under the boards is around 6' 3 " (have not had a chance to measure it). I really think this came out great!

 

One it has been lake tested and proved to hold up. I am going to have the racks spread red like the rings on my Rev 10s.

[LakeSurfer 10]

two more

[WakeDoc 471]

Looks good...How is the clearance with the bimini? How hard is it to get the board in and out?

[h20king 794]

Awesome lake.Does the bimini still fit?

[LakeSurfer 10]

Looks good...How is the clearance with the bimini? How hard is it to get the board in and out?

 

Getting the boards in and out if easy. I have not tested the bimini clearance yet. My biggest concern is the two bars that come out of the back of the tower. With that said, Just eye balling it I think it will work. Next time T is over, we will put the bimini up to see how it fits.

 

Even if the bimini does not fit, I still like this mod. I could basically use it March-May and then Sept-Dec. That is actually when I need it most since I am generally riding with the guys. I spend more time in the summer swimming and tubing since my kids are small.

[Carter13 69]

Looks really nice.

[LakeSurfer 10]

Just keep in mind, the bimini goes on top of this tower. The board racks are obviously on the bottom. I will be pretty surprised if the bimini does not fit.

[h20king 794]

Just got to my home computer been at the hospital all morning with my wife so I was looking at the pics on my phone.Now that I can see full size pics it looks even better.Great job lake once you color match the racks they will look like they came with the boat :thumbsup: :thumbsup: ....................................H

[LakeSurfer 10]

So to answer a few questions:

1. Bimini: The lowest part of the Gladiator bimini is at the back. here is a pic with the to back bars, as you can see there is plenty of space for the top. The only issue I see may be the fins. Might have to take the large ones off. That is no big deal

 

2. Height below the boards: Low Point: 6' 3" High Point: 6' 6". So for me, this is plenty of clearance. There are a lot of 6' tower.

[doug743 53]

looks great, if need be, you can always tweek the 2 poles upward and it will give a little more space. take some pics when you have it up

[LakeSurfer 10]

looks great, if need be, you can always tweek the 2 poles upward and it will give a little more space. take some pics when you have it up

 

That or just add a spacer between the cross bar and where the racks mount. But like I said, I believe the bimini will clear with at least a few inches of space.

[Spud 7]

That looks awesome !!!

[DrNate 426]

That does look awesome Lake! If indeed the bimini fits with no issue, I will be wanting one for sure. Thanks for doing all of the research and legwork on this. Much Thanks!

 

The other good thing about it is that the bimini will protect your boards from the Sun, which is awesome.

Edited March 25, 2012 by DrNate

[Spud 7]

That does look awesome Lake! If indeed the bimini fits with no issue, I will be wanting one for sure. Thanks for doing all of the research and legwork on this. Much Thanks!

 

The other good thing about it is that the bimini will protect your boards from the Sun, which is awesome.

 

X2

[LakeSurfer 10]

Since I got a lot of questions about the bimini, I dragged mine out and put it up. I have to say, since its a 7' tower and I am not close to 7', putting it on the tower is a PITA for me. So Nate, you owe me a beer.

 

With that said, there is plenty of clearance for the boards. I dont even have to remove the fins.

[LakeSurfer 10]

one more

[h20king 794]

Lake that is so awesome great job.Do you think the 3/8 aluminum is going to be strong enough?? looks real solid to me.Is the rev 410 now out of the plan?? if so are you thinking another set of Rev 10's??

[piper907 0]

Lake....DOOD!!!! that looks soo sweet

That is the first time I have seen my racks mounted upside down.

 

Very very sweet setup!!! Thanks for posting up!

[LakeSurfer 10]

Lake that is so awesome great job.Do you think the 3/8 aluminum is going to be strong enough?? looks real solid to me.Is the rev 410 now out of the plan?? if so are you thinking another set of Rev 10's??

 

H: I think the 3/8 aluminum you suggested should work great. It is really solid. My biggest concern (and I wont know until I get it out on the lake) is if I hit a big roller at speed and it causes the cross bar to flex in the middle. With that said, I dont think this will be at all very likely. The set up feels very solid.

 

With regards to speakers, the tower is done. I dont have any room to add anything else. It was either the Rev 410 or the racks and for what I do 95% of the time, my current stereo is way more than I need already. So adding the racks was a no brainer.

Edited March 26, 2012 by LakeSurfer

[truekaotik 458]

That is friggin bad bro!!!! OMG!! So better than a rev410!!!