28' tower beginning to crack?

[thw0802]

Has anybody had any problems with their tower cracking on the 28'. We have a 2001 28' and the tower has begun to crack in 4 different spots??

Took the boat to Layton's today and he is getting the guys that built the tower to take a look at it.


Just thought somebody might have some input.


Thanks,
Tommy
Sea Gypsy

[Laukia]

What exactly is cracking.......the aluminum or the glass under the support footings?

[bmgbilly]

Have a 05 CC28. Found cracks in welds on starboard side vertical ladder leg that connects to horizontal rocket launcher rack. Boat had less than 25 hours when we found the problem. Advised dealer who stated he never heard of this problem. Contacted local welder who installed 2 heavy duty gussets. He suggested drilling a hole underneath each ladder step to prevent water from laying inside and freezing which would burst the rubber pads. Here's a picture

[backman]

3 times for me

First where the forward arm on the foredeck meets the main forward tower leg.

Second at the weld at the base of the main forward legs (both). Its in the process of happening a second time this year - I'm living with it till winter...

Third - on of the encircling arms that comes out of the upper box - that cracked at the hole the spreader light wires come out of.

All 3 cracks according to the local welders are because the tower does not have enough fore and aft support which allows it to work when the boat is pounding.

They say an extra pipe should be added from the front leg back to the side of the boat behind the air intake vents to help control the load more. They have showed me other boats which have that arrangment; effectively following the line of the side windshield. I have not added that....yet!

[outrigger]

tower cracks

cracks are caused by too much movement, besides gussets at cracks some more suppotrs/cross pieces ets are needed. unless you are really pounding the heck out of her

[thw0802]

The aluminum is cracking at the front arms of the tower just above the hardtop. I wish I had taken some pictures to show you exactly as it is kind of hard to explain. Both of the larger support peices are cracked. Haven't heard from the guys up at Edenton yet. Thanks for the reply's, hopefully this is nothing serious and can be handled pretty simply. We will see.


Tight lines.

Tommy
Sea Gypsy

[Catch Basin]

I find new cracks after every trip out. If I had to catagorize my list of complaints with these boats it would be very short, but at the top would be tower design. I have added more diagonal bracing, improved welds, used ropes to lash weak spots, etc., and still find cracks. Worse even is finding anyone to do a good job on repairs. But thats another story. I think appearance is placed before function. Love the boat, needs better tower.

[Qman]

What year 28's do you guys have that you are having trouble with tower cracks. I have a 01 with 800 plus hours and don't think I have any cracks. Will be sure to check though next time I am on her.

[thw0802]

tower

We are fishing a 2001 with about 1500 hours on her.

[Qman]

Thanks for the reply. After this storm passes I'll have to double check. I know my tower doesn't have the angle pieces that the above picture shows. Which motors do you have 1500 hours on?

[thw0802]

cummins 250s

[Qman]

Nice we have same setup, any major issues in the 1500hrs. So far knock on wood other then quirky water pump in first 50 hrs. They've been solid.