I have also installed a MT on my 2000 Outback LS (purple one on MT customer photo section). Definitely aim for it to fold down onto the back seat. When I do that and then swing the two arms together, it forms a perfect arch over the ski pole that holds the cover up . Also double check before you drill that you won't run into any stiffening ribs up near the windshield. I think the glass is plenty thick in that area but just to be sure, I bought a cutting board made of UHMWPE plastic and cut it into 4 pieces. I bought some marine sealer/adhesive at West Marine and slathered the back side with a generous amount to fill in the boat curvature and then placed that under the aluminum plates. It helps to distribute the load and I have yet to get any spider cracks. Make sure you countersink the ge l coat just a bit so that if a mounting bolt does shift, it won't hit the brittle gel coat.

Check where the top deck screws onto the hull on the inside of the rub rail and make sure there are plastic strips that the screws are going into. I was told that earlier models did not have this and that it was added to accommodate towers.

Andy