Custom T-Top

Snookerd · #1 01-15-2003, 05:29 PM

Has anyone ever heard of a t-top being modified (such as a hinge and lock system that folds forward)to be able to go under a low bridge? I plan on keeping my 18 and rebuilding a 23 w/t-top, but the problem is that a regular t-top would be artificial reef the first time I pass through this bridge.

Finster · #2 01-15-2003, 05:43 PM

Sounds like a question for pipedreams.

Snookerd · #3 01-15-2003, 05:54 PM

Thanks Finster. Your right, he is the one I should talk to.

PipeDreamsMarine · #4 01-16-2003, 11:24 AM

Snookerd,

Yes it can be done. The only thing is the point at which the top breaks. If you break it at the floor ,you then have to rewire everything on the outside of the legs with enough slack to allow the top to move. Then which way do you fold the top ? , fore or aft. If you fold forward then you cant see in front of you and you need to drop your antenna's aft so you don't break them. Folding aft the top may hit the seats or leaning post and not drop low enough to clear. There are a lot of factors that need to be addressed with this idea. It can be done, but it may not be as easy as you may thing it is as far as how quick you can do it and the effort involved in doing it. If you need it to fold I recommend a top built just for the job, It would be a T-top in the scence of the name but look alot differant because it needs to fold. To take a stock standard t-top and cut it in a few places and put nuckles in it to bend, you gonna have about 10 pins and bolts to undo and redo. Build a custom top made to fold your gonna have two pins .

Don Battin
Pipe Dreams Marine
www.pipedreamsmarine.com

ScottM · #5 01-16-2003, 04:52 PM

Snookerd,
A buddy of mine has a 21' Hydrasport CC with a folding t-top that the previous owner had installed. It bolts to the top half of the console, not all the way to the floor, hinges in front ahead of the windshield, and folds forward. When folded, the trailing edge of the top stands about 6 feet above the deck. Like Pipe Dreams says, you can't see in front of you while underway, unless you stand on the leaning post and look over the t-top or stand next to the console and look around the side. Otherwise, this setup works well, its made of stainless so it's real sturdy, and doesn't look any different from other traditional t-tops.

Snookerd · #6 01-17-2003, 10:40 AM

Thanks Scott and Don. It sounds like it has been covered a few times before. Great. I'm not game for this height restriction that this bridge poses. I figured that blowing up the bridge was out! When the time comes, I will arrange another little FL. vacation for you Don-with adequate R&R. Thanks. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

PipeDreamsMarine · #7 01-17-2003, 10:48 AM

Snookerd,

I just noticed that your from Bradenton. I have a cousin that lives there!! You maybe in luck. In your travels around that town and in and out of boat yards and Tower shops. If you run arcoss a top builder that used to work for Pipe Welders in St.Pete by the name of John Hudson aka. the "Great Hudini". Tell him I said hi and have him build you a folding T-top. As the nic-name applies he's magic when it comes to folding thingy's

Don Battin
Pipe Dreams Marine
www.pipedreamsmarine.com

Billybob · #8 01-17-2003, 10:54 AM

http://floridasportsman.zeroforum.co...thread?id=3968
Check out this thread,it has a few pics of a folding top - looks pretty sharp.

Snookerd · #9 01-17-2003, 03:33 PM

Don-What a deal. I will look him up. Thanks
Billybob-great thread on a folding top. Real good photos. Thanks. There is hope beyond c-4 explosives! The top looks great.