2005 Challenger 180 waketower install

[tyler16]

Hi, Looking for some help on how and where to install a waketower on my 05 seadoo C180. I purchased the joystick tower, having seen pictures of my boat with this tower on it. I can see the general location, just not sure on how to get into the bow. Through speakers, cupholders, removing seat panels??? Just not sure or if i need to cut into the boat somewhere? Also not sure on how to remove the front seat panels, this seems to be the location to put the front backing plates.

Thanks.

 

[cycleguy88]

the front seat panels have 2 screws on the bottom (one at each end), and then you just slide the seat up to get it off. To do the back, you just have to reach in thru the rear hatch on either side of the boat. I'd pay a shop to do it.

 

[tyler16]

Hey Thanks, I was quoted by a couple shops here, won estimated around $500.00, the other said it could take out to 16hrs to install but would give me a $60.00 an hour rate but have the risk they took the full 16 hrs to do it. I only paid 900 for the tower and shipping so was hoping to do it my self. I have seen one picture of the same boat 05 C180, no name to get a hold of though, and it looks like the mounts went up by the front seats, and the back around the controls on driver side. Therefore I don't think it would be possible to reach back through the hatch. Maybe I can put the tower further back as you may be suggesting?

 

[cycleguy88]

I just know that's how it is on factory towers that i've seen.

 

[rexsteiner]

im not familiar with your tower but the seat backs are just slid on. if you grab underneath and pull them straight up they will pop up and off. i had to cut some holes behind my front seat backs to mount my tower. $500 to install a tower is absurd. it took me about 2.5 hours start to finish to do mine with 1 other person.

 

[tyler16]

Thanks for the info. Did you put a extra backing plate on, such as the marine plywood? Mine came with 1/2", 2x4 backing plates but have been reading everyone recommends putting in the bigger backing plates. And for your back mounts, did you just reach back through the end storage compartments or go through speaker holes?

Thanks.