have 09 LSV. i love it except the tower. when folding it down you have to be extremly carefull not to rest the side poles om the gunnel as it will scratch or chip the gel coat -- terrible design -- my brother has an LS and has the same issue. So far what i came up with to get through the season is using foam beverage can coolers and slip them over the pole so the pole doesn't rest on the gunnell. Does anyone have suggestions? i could buy a step plate but that requires screwing into the gunnel?

help anyone?