To T-top or not...that is the question
 

Sorry for asking all the questions guys, but you are the experts.
I light tackle fish, especially fly, out of my 18 and while I would like the comfort of getting out of the Florida sun as well as be able to see my electronics screens easier, I don't like the idea of a large structure trying to grab hold of my backcast [img]/forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]
I also love the lines of the Seacraft without a top.

Also, are there alternatives to a full T-top besides the Manta (which doesn't bode well when running)?
I have thought about some sort of small top, like on a buggy, that would fit into the rod holders on the leaning post and be removable.

What do you guys think?

Re: To T-top or not...that is the question
 

Key West style small top. It will be custom made anyway.

Re: To T-top or not...that is the question
 

T-tops are a great option, but If you like the looks without one, then go with a 4 bow Sumbrella bimini top that lets you get it out of the way when fishing. My 18SF had one. I have access to the local marine surplus shop that has them for $300 new.

Re: To T-top or not...that is the question
 

Snook, not a big fan of a bimini top but I may be forced to go that way if I can't come up with something else.

Reel, what makes the top a Key West? Is it the smaller front (I know it's smaller port to starboard but is it also bow to stern) ?

One other thing, I'd have to make it removable or collapsable so it can fit under my boat port.

Re: To T-top or not...that is the question
 

That's what I have learned them to be......narrower front, wider back, but not as wide as a regular top. All that means less shade and still a place to snag a fly line but probably the answer. That Fla sun can be brutal.

Re: To T-top or not...that is the question
 

Re: To T-top or not...that is the question
 

Mark had a custom T-Top made for his SeaCraft here in Stuart, just enough shade for the captain & one. Coupled with custom fly rod holders, we fished many days (some in extreme sea conditions mind you) without ever snagging the top on a back cast, even from amidships. Even I maintained the coil and I suck at fly fishing :eek:

I just visited the local dermatologist on Monday. My years in the Florida sun have taken their toll. I DO NOT like the scalpel :mad:

BTW: If your going to spring for the bucks, get one made your way!!

http://www.classicseacraft.com/marks20/medium/0011.jpg http://www.classicseacraft.com/marks20/medium/0018.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...k/flychuck.jpg

Re: To T-top or not...that is the question
 

That folding top is the way I'd have to go McGill to clear my boatport but did you see the calender on that website :cool:

Chuck, I'm freinds with the owner of BT's Welding in Titusville so it would be custom built to offer the least amount of obstruction to my less than ideal backcasts :rolleyes:
Having spent 55 years in the Florida sun myself, I know the importance of some protection from it.

From your responses it looks like I should go for it and get a custom Key West style folding top.
I knew this was going to be expensive :D

Re: To T-top or not...that is the question
 

I have had many a conversations with Bobby Birdsall(West Palm Beach "Birdsall Marine") Those hinged/folding type tops are very hard to secure. They like too Shake, Rattle & Break :mad:

Re: To T-top or not...that is the question
 

Murphy's law ,Anything that fold's will eventualy fold in the wrong direction. There is alot of pressure on the t-top from the wind
Waytogo

Re: To T-top or not...that is the question
 

Chuck, if I can't get a folding one, I'll have to consider another option due to my storage arrangement and those will be limited, unless I want to keep the SC outside...which I don't :(

I talked to BT's today and he can build me whatever I want.
I had a bay boat a number of years ago with one that had the "knuckle" on it and it was pretty solid. Then again I didn't take it in extreme conditions being a bay boat.
I don't plan on it with the SC but you know how we put them thru their paces at times...just because they can ;)

Re: To T-top or not...that is the question
 

The fish master top is just an idea - I don't know any thing about them and the design looks weak from an engineering perspective.
In fact, I think their final hinging point(the one on the top)is unnecessary an a weak link.
By buddy's Carolina Classic 25 has a hinging tower, and it does not shake rattle or roll unless I'm up there doing the swordfish dance to some blaring Santana:D No, it really doesn't even move even under those conditions.
It uses specialty pins similar to these to lock it:
http://tacomarine.com/item--Breakawa...away+pins.html

and a similarly designed hinge kind of like this:
http://tacomarine.com/cat--Aluminum-...alum_pins.html

Using those principles of locking and hinging, I expect your fabricating friend could make a bullet-proof folding small top for your rig. I'll try to get some pics of his on the next excursion.

Re: To T-top or not...that is the question
 

i have a t top on my 18 cc and i love it. south carolina sun is almost as bad as fl sun and its nice to be able to escape. have had biminis in the past and hated them. usually yanked them when i got the boat, only to be broken out when small children are on board. ive seen a lot of folding and bracket on t tops and they just look like trouble. the only one i ever saw that i liked was on a Scout flats boat and it was bracketed to the grab rail encasing the center console. i agree w/ the other posts that custom is the way to go. also if you go custom those cut outs for rod holders on the side are great. not sure if you have superwide original console, i dont and will be modifying mine for console side rod holders when i get the canvas replaced.

Re: To T-top or not...that is the question
 

Hey 1step,


If you don't go with BT's go with Bausch Enterprises in Stuart. Picking up my boat tomorrow with my new top (20 footer). It is the same company that built the top on the boat (Mark's) that Chuck posted. Although mine is a little bigger than Mark's. His was 6' x 3'. Mine is 6.5' x 4'. Ask for Dana and tell him Brian Meyer sent ya ;). Quality work, and very fair prices.


FD

Re: To T-top or not...that is the question
 

Charlie is the man !!!

See ya, Ken

Re: To T-top or not...that is the question
 

Thanks guys.
I talked to Bill from BT's this week and he assured me he can build anything I want. I don't mind the folding knuckles as I had them on another boat without incident but it is a PITA raising and lowering.
I'll keep you posted on my journey.

Re: To T-top or not...that is the question
 

Here is after my journey yesterday to Stuart to have my console (Wildfire Marine) and T-Top (Bausch Ent.) installed. I'm a happy camper. :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...9/000_1678.jpg

Re: To T-top or not...that is the question
 

I'd love to have a bimini top one day, too expensive for me. Till then, I'll just keep sticking the beach umbrella in the rod holder, works for the wife anyways.

Re: To T-top or not...that is the question
 

Please post pics of the "key west" t-top on your boat. That'd be sweet on a SC20.

Re: To T-top or not...that is the question
 

fishindaze.....great looking T-Top. Can you give us a ball park figure of how much that T-top cost?

1STEP, I am in the same situation as you with wanting to get get a T-Top but no having enough clearance with the roof on the side of my house. So, I am paying very close attention to the comments and ideas being discussed here. Maybe we can get a better deal if we order two .... ;)

Here is a pic of my boat ready and waiting for a TOP


http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/p...R/IMG_0128.jpg

Re: To T-top or not...that is the question
 

Here's one copliments of SeaCraft website :rolleyes:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...keywesttop.jpg