MasterCraft has built a reputation for having the easiest folding towers in the industry. For 2023, MasterCraft continued its tradition by welcoming three all-new, easy-to-fold towers: the standard Z6 tower with clamping board racks, the Z8 hydro-lock tower, and the Z10 power tower. All three towers are easily lowered and raised by a single person while maintaining the strength and security needed for premium water sports performance. In this article, we’ll discuss which MasterCraft tower is right for you and your family!
Where the Towers Started
Before the Z series towers, MasterCraft began with the ZFT towers (Zero Flex Tower), which came in three options. First, the ZFT2 tower was introduced in 2011 and featured bungee-style board racks, manual threaded tower knobs, and hydraulic assist capability. The hydraulic assist capability made the tower incredibly easy to fold and set the standard of how MasterCraft towers would operate for years to come.
Next, the ZFT4 launched in 2012. The ZFT4 had hydraulic assist capability like the ZFT2 but featured clamping board racks instead of bungees, making securing boards easier than ever before. Lastly, the ZFT5p, which later became the ZFT7 power tower. This was MasterCraft’s first electric-operated tower that could be folded and lifted by the press of a button.
New Innovations
As new technology and innovations were designed, MasterCraft decided to revamp their towers. The new generation of MasterCraft towers is called the Z series.
Though similar to the ZFT towers, these new towers feature standard clamping board racks. This innovation makes the lift of boaters and riders more convenient and reliable. Along with the standard board racks, the Z6 tower is the slimmed-down version of the ZFT4 tower. It is more aesthetic and stronger than the previous generation of towers.
The Z Series
MasterCraft launched new innovations with the release of the Z series towers. These new upgrades include the hydro-lock technology found on the Z8 tower. By simply pressing and holding a button found on the top of the tower, you can manually raise and lower it with ease. Another benefit of this technology is that you don’t have to lower the tower fully. It will lock wherever you release the button.
This technology is useful for parking your boat in a boat lift or garage. Along with the innovative Z8 tower, the Z10 tower utilizes even more technology. This is the power tower that requires no manual effort to raise and lower. It is fully electronic and was upgraded with a new design.
Both the Z8 and Z10 towers have been redesigned and built to be stronger than ever before. Both towers feature chromax inlays with 15 color options. These accent colors provide a unique look to these boats whenever out on the water.
Another feature that is now available on all three towers is the upgraded power board racks. These innovative board racks allow you to store your boards with the press of a button. With added padding that is coupled with the automatic board racks, these are the ultimate board racks to add to any MasterCraft tower.
Which Tower is Right for Me?
Deciding on the right MasterCraft tower can be difficult which is why we’re here to help. The main factor that determines what choices are available is which series of MasterCraft you’re choosing. All of the wake series boats come standard with the Z6 tower. You can upgrade to the Z8 or Z10 tower on the XT, X, and X Star S series boats.
As for the NXT series, your only option is the Z6 tower which is perfect for these boats. If you are choosing an XT, X, or X Star S boat, you may choose to upgrade to the sleek Z8 or Z10 tower.
The way to decide between the Z8 and the Z10 tower is whether you want it to be fully automatic or if you don’t mind doing a little bit of work to lower and raise your tower. If you want a fully automatic tower, the Z10 is the best option. If you want the sleek look but don’t care to have the fully automated tower, the Z8 will be the best fit.
Enjoy Your MasterCraft
Regardless of which tower you choose to accent your MasterCraft, you can expect nothing short of perfection. The towers have been carefully crafted to accent each boat, no matter which you choose. These towers are meant to perform great for all things watersports.
With a boat and a tower picked out, it’s time to enjoy countless hours on the water with your friends and family. MasterCraft boats will ensure your time on the water is nothing short of enjoyable. The tower is just another feature to add to your overall experience on the water.
