T-Top Question
 

Does anyone know how difficult it is to refit a custom t-top? I bought my 1973 SeaCraft that was fitted with a new t-top. Long story short the entire boat is being redone including the console which now resembles a newer center console. I have not lined the t-top up yet but I was wondering how hard is it to refit? Will it look right if changes have to be made? Should I consider selling it(I hate to part with it b/c it is built right and looks sweet)? Thanks in advance

Re: T-Top Question
 

Hey Fishbote - Tell us more about your new boat, you doing the restore yourself? I'm a fellow Ct. guy with a 1973 23 also.Anyway, to answer your question it can be done. I would say that if you need to widen the whole base of the top, i.e. cut the cross members, bend the legs outward, etc it would be a big job, but it could be done - but it really might not be worth it.But if the footprint stays the same and all you need to do is change the tubes to the console itself, that's not too big a deal.There is a very competent welder in Madison called Welding Works, who does a lot of work for me at the shop here, e-mail me if you want and I could call the owner and beg for some price mercy on your behalf.If you do decide to replace it, let me know because I have a 73 with the original small console, and I have been thinking of getting a T-top but this economy right now is putting a big hurt on the boat funds.Is yours a 23? .Anyway, good luck, show us some pics and keep us informed on the progress.
Bill

Re: T-Top Question
 

Billybob,

Did you get my email?

Re: T-Top Question
 

As long as you didn't change the width too much you should be ok. Even if you did change it too much it's not hard to change it to make it fit. I've done it a bunch of times for my customers that have done the same thing. The hard part is going to be, finding a builder that will do the job for you. Most guys don't want to take the time to help a guy out for a few bucks or only want to sell a new top. If you get in a bind, I'll be glad to do it, bring it down drop it off, go to the Casino's for 2 hours and come back and she'll be done.

Don Battin
Pipe Dreams Marine
www.pipedreamsmarine.com

[ January 23, 2003, 11:00 AM: Message edited by: PipeDreamsMarine ]

Re: T-Top Question
 

Pipe dreams-

I sent you an E-mail 2 weeks ago in regards to modifying a Tower, did you get it?

Re: T-Top Question
 

Trayder,

I can't seem to find your e-mail, I got one about a T-top from Snookered. But that was it. Please send it again and I'll be glad to address the matter.

Don Battin
Pipe Dreams Marine
www.pipedreamsmarine.com

Re: T-Top Question
 

no worries, I can't seem to find it here on my home computer, if I find it I will fire it over