[klm4755]

Enclosed is a step-by-step walk thru to install a wakeboard rack to a 2009 bayliner 175 without a wakeboard tower. My objective was to install a wake board rack that met the following criteria:
1. Was a robust system and could handle the various loads of the boat (not a wimpy design).
2. Could support 2x wakeboards.
3. Would not interfere with the Bimini (in deployed and/or stowed position).
4. Would not impede boarding/deboarding from the dock.
5. Would not interfere with docking the boat (cleat line obstruction, fender placement...).
6. Easy access to board.
7. Would not obstruct drivers view.
8. Functional and clean aesthetics.
9. Quick disconnect feature (no tools req'd would be nice).
I've looked at a few non-tower wake board systems and they are either too expensive or did not meet one or more of the criteria listed above. I bought, from e-bay a wake board rack at $120 sold by e-bay member "lipboating" and seen here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Quick-Release-RA...item2c50779240

the wakeboard rack, from e-bay

closer view, seems like a nice item, aluminum made. The features I was looking for was the ability to attach to a 7/8 inch rod and fully adjustable mounting angles

the adjustable mounting bracket

[klm4755]

7/8 clamp in vertical position

7/8 clamp in horizontal position

bracket removed from rack, quick disconnect

[klm4755]

bimini deployed on boat, the bimini brackets are 7/8.

attach rack bracket to Bimini aft vertical bracket

quick check of rack

Couple of issues:
1. wake board is too far back, would impede entry/exit of boat
2. aft bracket is not all that strong, worry about failure of bimini

[klm4755]

bracket as clamped to bimini rod

move board to middle bimini bracket

seems better. Can not exit/enter boat with wake board attached except:
1. seems board is too high
2. The bimini support rod system may not be able to support the rack and board
I'll need to fabricate my own 7/8 rod and attach to the boat about this location

stainless steel rod at 6 foot in length, $40 from marine west

[klm4755]

rod size

use a couple of these stainless mounting bases

vendor markings

mount one here

[klm4755]

they are pass thru style

mark the spot, center of rail

need to drill 1 inch diameter, need slight clearance size hole, where clearance = Diameter hole > diameter rod

first drill pass

[klm4755]

final hole size

close-up of 1 inch diameter hole

check base placement

drill holes for base fastener attach

[klm4755]

all 4x holes drilled

diameter of fastener Metric 4 = .153 inch

drill size .170 inch

use this tool to find grip

[klm4755]

need to make an Epoxy mix to close-out the exposed fibers of drilled hole

coat the hole with the Epoxy

coat fastener, work in the hole

view from bottom

[klm4755]

now to make the base, I'll need a non-pass thru style

trim lines

cut with band saw

check hole size with ball gage

[klm4755]

base plate done

cutting the 7/8 rod to manageable size

deburr end

pass thru rod

[klm4755]

secure base with stainless steel wood screw right into the boat floor, thru carpet

attach rack

add board

side view
Observations:
The upper bracket seems to be taking too much of the load. Seems to be carrying the moment as a short couple. I'll need to remove the upper bracket and replace with a aluminum guard

[klm4755]

aluminum sheet to make the guard

template size, based off the bracket

final size, after de-burr guard

installing guard

[klm4755]

as installed

trim rod again and de-burr

add wakeboard rack bracket to rod

attach wake board rack

[klm4755]

aft view with wake board attached

forward 1/4 view

forward view

from back left seat

[klm4755]

from drivers seat, little loss in visibility

rod and bracket with bimini installed

bimini with rack, plenty of room to enter/exit boat

view from back of boat, standing on aft deck

[klm4755]

wake overhangs enough so no wake drainage will get into boat

fwd 1/4 view

fwd view

side view, room to enter exit boat, does not effect docking of boat

[klm4755]

bimini stowed, no issues

bimini down, no issues
Review, observations and lessons learned:
1. The 175 does not allow wake board storage in ski locker
2. The final installed rod and attach system is very robust. I can pull my full weight on the rack without rack/rod deflection.
3. Little loss in visibility.
4. No entry/exit issues
5. Although I have not tried out the system, that review will need to occur spring/summer, 2010.
Enjoy,
Keithm

[Knightgang]

Remeber to keep the bracket location on the Rod a little lower than where it was mounted on the angled Bimi Support, or you will have an issue wit the Bimi deployed...



EDIT:

You were still posting as I was reading and made my post...Good Job. Looks great...

[Hit It]

Your installation looks great. I've struggled with this issue too, as I don't have the dough to fork out for a tower right now, but still hate having my water toys laying around in the boat. There is a guy on here, sharps45, who makes racks that hook right on the cleat on the side of your boat. That way you don't have to drill any holes or make any modification to your boat. I got a couple from him and they work great. Here's his webpage:

http://web.emerytelcom.net/users/rustut/page1.html

[briguy2817]

Very nice, I love the clean look that this has. Got my mind churning now.

Brian

[klm4755]

I have included a few extra steps to finish the wake rack install:
1. Drilled 2x small holes (about 1/2 thru) the wall at the base so the set screws will fit into the part thru holes. This will help resist rotation of the pole in the base.

2. I upgraded the base mounting fasteners to these stainless steel type, coated with epoxy

3. This cap was installed on the end of the pole for a polished look.

as installed

4. Lastly, I'll add a board to rack quick release buckle. Cut the elastic strap. Kinda hassle to use

[klm4755]

buckle and webbing base from REI

3/4 nylon webbing, soldering iron to cauterize strap end

nylon thread

strap end...nice and clean

[klm4755]

attach female buckle end to strap base

like so

now, mount the base to the wakeboard, use epoxy

paint epoxy on strap base

[klm4755]

bond to wakeboard

add make buckle end to the wakeboard rack, sew strap to rack base

buckle engaged

buckle disengaged