Hardtop for 23 Sceptre
 

We are considering adding a hardtop to a 77 23' Sceptre. Anyone have any comments or experience with hardtop builders or where to look, and effect on performance negative or positive?

We have a hard top on our Sceptre. We love the shade and structure. Have no adverse effects on performance. Highly recommend getting one, it really changes the boat. We had ours built in 1991 and I can't remember the name of the fabricator though.

We added one to our Tsunami a few years ago. The downsides are pretty much what you would expect. The boat is slightly more bow heavy and a little more tippy. It tips a little more with a cross wind. It's a little slower with the additional windage as well. While all of these changes were noticeable I would not say they are enough to bother me.

We have a very large top and I would do it again in a heart beat. The shade makes the boat much more enjoyable. It's a great spot to mount an antennae. It keeps me dry when an unexpected shower pops out. I can't wait to add curtains.

All of the above comments cover any that I would have added. Get it, you won't regret it at all. Mine is not exactly a "hard" top but performs the same without any extra weight. Where are you located?

Contact Mike at Mainland Welding in Port Saint Lucie (772) 521-1286. He has great write ups in Florida Sportsman.com and the hull truth. here is a picture of a top (not a hard top)for a 23 Sceptre he did for a client so he is familiar with the boat. He said the Sceptre is also his favorite! He is backed up approx 2 weeks when I was talking with him. Not too far from Orlando for you.
-Fred