TripSavvy Outdoors The 8 Best Wakeboard Towers of 2023 By Jessica Macdonald Jessica Macdonald Facebook LinkedIn King's College London Jessica Macdonald lives in South Africa's Eastern Cape province and has been TripSavvy's Africa Expert since 2016. She also covers travel products and has written about everything from camping knives to climbing chalk. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 07/31/22 Fact checked by Nathan Allen Fact checked by Nathan Allen University of Missouri-Columbia Lindenwood University Nathan Allen is the Outdoor Gear Editor for TripSavvy. Nathan loves many outdoor activities but makes it a priority to run or bike on singletrack every day. TripSavvy's fact-checking Share Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. TripSavvy / Chloe Jeong These days, all wake-specific boats come with a built-in wakeboard tower. However, if you have an older vessel or plan on purchasing an all-around leisure craft, purchasing an after-market tower is the next best solution. There are many reasons to make this investment. According to Loren Swor, lead engineer and co-owner of Big Air Waketowers, “When the tow rope is pulling you from above instead of from the stern of the boat, popping out of the water and staying up are that much easier.” Managing Director of Wakeboard Towers UK, Mike Dovey, adds that a tower also makes mastering the basics easier for beginners while providing an attachment point for accessories including “shade-giving Bimini tops, wakeboard racks, and speakers.” The best wakeboard towers are collapsible (for easy storage) and constructed from strong, lightweight aluminum. Dovey points out the importance of making sure the model you are considering will fit where you want it, with the feet at the desired angles. Swor says good workmanship is essential since wakeboard towers undergo significant stress—and if they break, the potential exists for serious injuries. With this in mind, here are the best wakeboard towers on the market today. The Rundown Best Overall: Monster Tower MT1 Wakeboard Tower at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall, Runner Up: Big Air Cuda Wakeboard Tower at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Origin OWT-1 Advancer Wakeboard Tower at Amazon Jump to Review Best Mid-Range: Monster Tower MT2 Wakeboard Tower at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: Aerial FreeRide Wakeboard Tower at Aerialwakeboarding.com Jump to Review Most Innovative: Big Air Twister Wakeboard Tower at Bigairwaketowers.com Jump to Review Best Wide-Fit: Aerial Airborne 2.0 Wakeboard Tower at Aerialwakeboarding.com Jump to Review Best for Pontoon Boats: Aerial WakeWorks F250 Pontoon Wakeboard Tower at Aerialwakeboarding.com Jump to Review Table of contents Expand Our Picks What to Look For FAQ Why Trust TripSavvy Best Overall Monster Tower MT1 Wakeboard Tower 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Monstertower.com What We Like Zero-torsion mounts capable of precision adjustments Quick-release folding mechanism One of the more affordable options on this list What We Don't Like A simpler design aesthetic than some might like Not suitable for boats wider than 102 inches Although it’s no longer the most expensive or feature-packed model on the Monster Tower roster, the MT1 Wakeboard Tower is a much-loved original favored by many wakeboarding enthusiasts for its ability to provide strong, silent performance at a mid-range price point. Crafted from 2.5-inch 6061/63 aluminum, you can order yours with a polished and anodized finish, or with sleek black powder coating. The tower is designed to fit all boats with a beamwidth of between 60 and 102 inches. Zero-torsion mounts prevent stress fractures and spider cracks from developing over time, while stainless steel Heim Joints allow the feet to be adjusted to precisely fit different surface angles. The tower also comes with Monster Paws for mounting on curved surfaces. Other highlights include double header bars for extra strength and accessory space, and a quick-release folding mechanism (no tools required). All MT1 towers are protected by a five-year warranty. Price at time of publish: $999 Material: Polished and anodized or black powder-coated aluminum | Size(s): Fits beam widths of 60 to 102 inches Best Overall, Runner Up Big Air Cuda Wakeboard Tower Amazon View On Amazon View On Wakeessentials.com What We Like Can be forward or reverse-mounted to suit your style Includes built-in mounts for Razor Series wakeboard racks Five-year warranty What We Don't Like At the upper end of the wakeboard tower price range Relatively high minimum beam width requirement Those with a bigger budget and a taste for aggressive styling should consider the Big Air Cuda Wakeboard Tower. Inspired by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) towers of professional wake boats, it can be mounted with a forward or reverse slant, and features built-in corner trusses for an exceptionally rigid pull even on rough water. With an average clearance of 7 feet, it also affords plenty of space for attaching wakeboard accessories—with very little chance of hitting your head. The Big Air Cuda fits all boats with a beamwidth of 72 to 103 inches and can be mounted either on the side or on top of the gunwales. Each mount requires just one bolt, keeping the amount of drilling required to an absolute minimum. Other benefits include a telescoping top section (for easy installation) and the ability to fold the tower down for easy storage. The tower is made of 2.25-inch 6061-T6 aluminum with an ultra-polished or black powder-coated finish. Price at time of publish: $1,698 Material: Polished or black powder-coated aluminum | Size(s): Fits beam widths of 72 to 103 inches Best Budget Origin OWT-1 Advancer Wakeboard Tower Origin Wakeboard View On Amazon View On Originwakeboard.com What We Like Made from aircraft-grade aluminum Single-bolt mounting feet for minimum hull damage Five-year warranty What We Don't Like Can only support a maximum of two single speaker pods Only available in polished aluminum If you want to upgrade your boat without spending thousands, the Origin OWT-1 Advancer Wakeboard Tower is a budget-friendly option that comes in at several hundred dollars under the average price. Despite its cost-effectiveness, it’s still made from strong, 6063 aluminum with a tube diameter of 2.25 inches, and comes with all the aluminum fittings and stainless steel hardware you need to install it. According to reviewers, doing so is surprisingly easy—and once the tower is up, you can expect a reliable, sturdy pull. The tower folds down for storage in any standard garage. However, you’ll need to check the dimensions of your boat carefully to be sure it’s compatible, as the Origin OWT-1 Advancer has tighter restrictions than other universal towers. It requires a beamwidth of 68 to 98 inches and a boat length of between 17 and 22 feet. It also has less weight-bearing capacity than other models, with the top bar capable of supporting a maximum of two single speaker pods only. Price at time of publish: $750 Material: Polished aluminum | Size(s): Fits beam widths of 68 to 98 inches, and boat lengths of 17 to 22 feet. Best Mid-Range Monster Tower MT2 Wakeboard Tower Monster Tower View On Amazon View On Monstertower.com What We Like Curved leg design for added height Zero-torsion mounts to eliminate stress fractures Particularly well-suited for boats with longer windshields What To Consider Not the cheapest model in the Monster Tower lineup Only available in a polished, anodized finish The MT2 Wakeboard Tower from Monster Tower is an excellent option for mid-range customers. As the upgraded version of our overall winner, the MT1, it features a curved leg design that gives it up to 3 feet of extra height for easier jumps, added storage space, and more head clearance when moving about on deck. The tower fits any boat with a beamwidth of between 60 and 102 inches and is specifically marketed as a good match for boats with longer windshields. Made from 2.5-inch, 6061/63 aluminum, the tower comes with a polished, anodized finish for extra durability. A swivel tow point allows your rope to move freely in any direction, while a quick-release mechanism lets you fold the tower down without the need for any tools. Like all Monster Towers, this model also benefits from zero-torsion mounts with Heim Joints for precision adjustment and includes Monster Paws for easy mounting on curved surfaces. Price at time of publish: $799 Material: Polished and anodized aluminum | Size(s): Fits beam widths of 60 to 102 inches Best Splurge Aerial FreeRide Wakeboard Tower Aerial Wakeboarding View On Aerialwakeboarding.com What We Like High-end look at a lower price than OEM towers Includes coast guard-certified navigation light Available in two different finishes What We Don't Like Complete OEM look requires purchasing accessories separately Relatively high minimum beam width requirement If you’ve got the space in your budget to get a bit spendy, the Aerial FreeRide Wakeboard Tower has been specially designed with the statement-making aesthetics of an OEM tower. Expect a radical, forward-sweeping stance, solid reinforcing buttresses, and a twin H-top for extra strength and storage space. For an even more professional look, Aerial has also developed speakers, wakeboard racks, and a Bimini top that fit exclusively on this model—of course, these must be purchased separately. Made of 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum with a 2.25-inch diameter, the tower promises rock-solid performance; while the rotating mounting feet fit flush to any hull. You can choose yours in polished or black powder-coated aluminum. Other perks include a U.S. Coast Guard-certified navigation light, quick-release knobs for easy folding, and the protection of a five-year warranty. The tower will fit any boat with a beamwidth of 75 to 100 inches. Price at time of publish: $2,279 Material: Polished and anodized or black powder-coated aluminum | Size(s): Fits beam widths of 75 to 100 inches Most Innovative Big Air Twister Wakeboard Tower Big Air Wake Towers View On Bigairwaketowers.com What We Like Integrated, swiveling board racks Plenty of head clearance and storage space Five-year warranty What We Don't Like One of the more expensive models on this list Relatively high minimum beam width requirement Those that are looking for something a little different will appreciate the ingenuity behind the Big Air Twister Wakeboard Tower, which features integrated, swiveling wakeboard racks. With the twist of a knob, you can rotate your boards in and out of the boat for easy access—and, without paying extra for after-market racks, your tower comes with the ability to store up to four standard wakeboards. The tower itself is designed to fit any boat with a beamwidth between 72 and 103 inches. Built from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, it’s also strong, light, and completely silent. The single-bolt mounting feet can attach to the side of the hull or on top of the gunwales. With standard height gunwales, you can expect an impressive 7 feet of head clearance, providing plenty of space for attaching speakers and Biminis. The tower also includes a dual swiveling rope head for maximum freedom of movement, folds easily, and comes in either polished aluminum or black powder-coated finish. Price at time of publish: $1,699 Material: Polished or black powder-coated aluminum | Size(s): Fits beam widths of 72 to 103 inches Best Wide-Fit Aerial Airborne 2.0 Wakeboard Tower Aerial Wakeboarding View On Aerialwakeboarding.com What We Like Generous maximum beam width requirement of 108 inches Recently redesigned for added strength Includes coast guard-certified navigation light What We Don't Like High-end price tag Not available in anodized aluminum If your boat is too wide for the towers listed above, you might find a solution in the Aerial Airborne 2.0 Wakeboard Tower. Designed to fit beam widths between 76 and 108 inches, it can accommodate boats up to 5 inches wider than any other tower on this list. The tower itself has recently been redesigned with a thick aluminum plate welded in between the rear bends of the lower side rails, giving it added strength and rigidity. It’s also very light, thanks to its 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum construction. Available in a polished aluminum or black powder-coated finish, the tower features swiveling mounting feet that adjust to the specific angle of your hull. By using just one bolt each, the feet also offer better weight distribution without compromising the strength of your fiberglass. Finally, the tower includes a U.S. Coast Guard-certified navigation light at the tow point, folds easily for convenient storage, and comes with a five-year warranty. Price at time of publish: $1,519 Material: Polished or black powder-coated aluminum | Size(s): Fits beam widths of 76 to 108 inches Best for Pontoon Boats Aerial WakeWorks F250 Pontoon Wakeboard Tower Aerial Wakeboarding View On Aerialwakeboarding.com What We Like Designed for compatibility with almost any pontoon boat Can be folded for easy storage Includes integrated cleats and tow light What We Don't Like On par, price-wise, with this list’s most expensive tower Only available in a polished aluminum finish Pontoon boats require a specialist wakeboard tower, and the Aerial WakeWorks F250 is the first after-market model of its kind. Featuring an adapted foot design, it’s compatible with beam widths of 96 to 102 inches. The tower is made from aircraft-grade, 6061-T6 aluminum and comes with a highly polished finish. It can be folded for storage in a matter of minutes, although you will need to remove a few bolts with a standard Allen wrench to do so. If you have basic tools and DIY know-how, you should be able to install the tower yourself as well. It’s compatible with many additional Aerial accessories, from marine-grade speakers to wakeboard racks, and comes with two integrated cleats for storing and securing ropes. Other included features range from a U.S. Coast Guard-certified, 360-degree tow light to a five-year warranty for added peace of mind. Price at time of publish: $2,499 Material: Polished aluminum | Size(s): Fits beam widths of 96 to 102 inches What to Look for in Wakeboard Towers Materials Wakeboard towers are typically made of lightweight, rust-resistant aluminum. However, not all aluminum is made equal. Mike Dovey of Wakeboard Towers UK says, “the marine environment is tough, so unless you feel like polishing your tower every time you use it, don’t cheap out on a polished aluminum tower for saltwater use.” Instead, he recommends a quality anodized or powder-coated finish to ensure that your tower looks and performs at its best for longer. Fit Although after-market wakeboard towers are designed to be universal, they won’t fit every boat—or even all the same boats. As Loren Swor of Big Air Waketowers points out, all tower models have “specific requirements for boat width, as well as internal access and hull thickness.” All of these need to be considered when weighing your options. Some brands offer specialized options for unusually wide boats or different styles of boats including pontoons. Installation Wakeboard towers come with mounting feet that allow them to be installed on the side of the hull, on top of the gunwale, or both. Some can also be adjusted to conform to the precise angle of the mounting site. Dovey recommends this option because it “prevents torsional forces from passing through and damaging your boat.” Similarly, the fewer bolts required per foot the better. Less drilling means improved hull strength and integrity, and less chance of Gelcoat cracking over time. Frequently Asked Questions How much do wakeboard towers cost? After-market wakeboard towers vary widely in cost, from somewhere around $750 to well over $2,000. Stability, versatility, accessory compatibility, and aesthetics all inevitably improve as the price point increases. However, in terms of safety, as long as you buy from a reputable manufacturer (like those mentioned here), you can afford to spend in accordance with your budget and requirements. How do I know I need a wakeboard tower? Essentially, if you’re serious about wakeboarding but not quite serious enough to fork out for a wake-specific boat, you need an after-market wakeboard tower. The benefits are diverse, from “making it far easier to get up on the wakeboard when learning and allowing you to jump higher and further,” as Mike Dovey says; to saving valuable deck space by providing a mounting site for wakeboard racks and speakers. Why Trust TripSavvy When researching this article, Jessica Macdonald consulted the professional opinion of two wakeboarding experts: Mike Dovey, managing director of Wakeboard Towers UK, and Loren Swor, lead engineer and co-owner of Big Air Waketowers. She also read product overviews and roundups published on respected wakeboarding websites, then created a shortlist of 15 wakeboard towers based on her findings. The price, specifications, and real-life user reviews for each were compared to narrow the selection down to the towers featured in this article. Was this page helpful? 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