240 stability with full tower with controls

[orb]

I am trying to get my 240 project moving forward. I am thinking of putting a gunnel to gunnel tower, like the one in the 240 advertisement, on the boat. How stable does the boat feel with the full tower.  I know there are a few members here that have had the tower boat. I assume it should handle it ok, seeing how they sold them brand new with them. The low deadrise should keep it from rolling too bad, I would think, but the beam is only 8'.


thanks
Oliver

[Capt. Bob]

Oliver,
I never have owned a 240 but think about this.

The boat (as advertised) weighs in at 2600lbs.
The hull was designed to accompany a full tower.

Since stability is related to the boat's center of gravity, how much does that change due to the overall weight of the structure and the height. In the grand scheme (your case) not that much.

Under most acceptable sea conditions, I'd think you would be surprised at how little it truly affects the ride.

I say this in having operated a bigger boat (27') with a full tower but with a deeper V.

Just curious, would you have the new tower build on the same lines as the original. Personally, I like that look.

Good luck.

[Georgie]

X2

Just like in the ad you pasted, the 240 was factory designed to support a tower like you mention, and those designs included actual "engineering" and "calculations" for balance, sway, etc.   :)   Have faith in the designers!

Add to that the fact that I don't think any one of our members who's rebuilt with a tower has complained about the ride or sway (in fact, many of them are pleasantly surprised), and most were constructed on the smaller and much lighter 222.  Also, my oldest friend here in S. Florida recently had a cobia tower w/steering added to the hardtop on his 24' spacecraft (a very narrow hull) and it didn't affect the ride one bit even when driving from the tower.

[Blue Agave]

Should handle the tower no problem. If I were you I'd in vest in a narrower console and have the tower mounted to the floor and console as opposed to a gunwale to gunwale tower. This will give you more room to fish around the entire boat.

[orb]

Bob,
That makes sense. It is just a pretty narrow boat. Having someone on the tower I am sure will effect it, but that is to be expected. I would love to find one of the towers that came on the 240, 246 or 222, but that might not be possible.  First off, I really wanted a hard top, like the 285 mako, the big dog! But the more I think about it, having someone on the top, in a little tower, especially when divers are in the water, even more especially drift diving, or in the keys, would be optimal. I want it to be a smaller version of this dorado.

[orb]

Thanks for the help. If anyone sees one of these towers, let me know. I will probably post on the classified section -a wtb tower.

Blue Agave,
I am rebuilding the 240 back to the original layout, side console and forward seating----except for the 3' hull extension. So, I think the gunwale to gunwale is the best top/tower option.

[xo4001]

Orb,

I'm rebuilding a 240 also
The engines get mounted at this moment
I have a full tower also as in the advertisement not mounted yet
When I get it all together in the near future then I can let you know how she handles with and without tower
As you maybe know in the Bahamas everything moves a little slow
But we get it done sometime

Rgds
Martin

[gran398]

Orb,

One of the biggest surprises we had on the 22-2 splash was just how stable the boat is. With three crew, one guy could walk to the gunnel....the boat never dipped. Was pretty neat.

Give Jake at Marine Connection a call. They have a yard full of all kinds of tops, arches, towers.....cheap. There are a number of marine salvage companies across Florida as well. Would be great if you could find one that fit, and with an eight foot beam that shouldn't be a problem. The condition of the aluminum is no biggee...powdercoat is reasonable.

Best

[pzart]

Orb,

I'm rebuilding a 240 also
The engines get mounted at this moment
I have a full tower also as in the advertisement not mounted yet
When I get it all together in the near future then I can let you know how she handles with and without tower
As you maybe know in the Bahamas everything moves a little slow
But we get it done sometime

Rgds
Martin

Martin, any jobs down there? My little woman wants to move there, told her I needed a job there first. I am a Operations Manager with a IT background, was also a mechanic for 15 years   Derail over....

[orb]

xo4001,
I really look forward to hearing about your progress. I am planning on a single outboard, maybe a 250, probably a 2 stroke, for weight reasons. I read the thread you started a while back about your rebuild. You have alot of good pictures. Keep the pictures coming. Where did you get your tower?
Oliver

[xo4001]

Martin, any jobs down there?

Sorry no jobs over here
We are struggling like every where else or maybe worse
It is really bad over here

Oliver,
I found the tower in someone backyard that used it as a shade area for his dogs
Made him a reasonable offer and did some repairs and modifications
Want to post the pictures when ready for the water so be patient
Best
Martin

[Aswaff400]

heres one in tampa
http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/boa/3671654235.html

[orb]

Wow, thanks. I called the guy. He had already sold it. Thanks though!

Oliver