T-top or not to T-top...

[ocuyler]

Gentlemen,

The 23CC is nearing completion and my current delemma has to do with the T-top. On my 21 Laguna, I installed a large Atlantic Towers T-top with a fiberglass top. I liked the look and size of the big top.



The problem came with trailering. The top acted as a wing and had a lot of lift. Ultimately, as it rocked back and forth in the wind, several of the welds on the frame failed and the most important welds ultimately broke completely when subjected to the occational airbourne slam (she was no SeaCraft).

First question: Is this poor workmanship, driving too fast, poor design or what?

Second question: Would the "drag" and "lift" be the case with a traditional canvas T-top that came with my 23?

Third question: From a trailing perspective, is a bimini a better idea.

I will be installing all of the electronics into the console and don't really need the electronics box, although it's nice. I like having the antennas on top, but can work around that too. Finally, the T-top reduces the choices of where I can park the boat inside. Last but not least, I would like to have a full mooring/trailering cover built and assume making one around the T-top is more difficult.

I'm sure a case could be made for forgoing a top altogether and wearing a hat and sun screen. I did this on the new Whaler this summer and was fine with it. But I wasn't spending a the whole day out there either...

Any comments?

[Mark]

I think there are good reasons for going either route and the proponents of each will surely post below.

A t-top cuts down on fuel mileage when towing, raises storage fees at dry-stack facilities, gets in the way of casting a fly rod, provides a venue for birds to evacuate their bowels upon, and the list goes on and on.

As for myself, the dermatologists' scalpel is all the encouragement I need to add a t-top to every future boat that I own....and I'm at the ripe old age of 37. My time in the sun over the years is already posing problems.

I simply don't like needles and knives much [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

[Scott]

Hey Otto

Me personally ..T-Top....Shop around ...remember all T-tops are not created equal...

Your situation is tough .... but I like and need the cover .... Protection (esp. if you do an enclosure) from sun and rain....wind with the enclosure, antenna mounts, radar, rocket launcher for rods....plus with a well built top I like how they look....

Mooring cover …. There’s a guy down in MD that will make one for you …. Secures it in a snap [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] (talk to Brian [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] )

Robin has been on the boat sans top ... T-top that is [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] .... and did not care for it .... got to love when the "first mate" supports spending on the boat !!!

[ocuyler]

Brian,

It looks like Don is off to good start on your top. Did I understand he's putting a hard top on it?

I acknowledge your theory. Having been there and done that, it's only fun when money is good. I'm considering adopting the YOU CAN ALWAYS ADD IT LATER THEORY.

[TUGBOAT]

I don't think by looking at that photo that a "T" top is Your problem ! Does Rabbit,Fertile,Birth Control,lil'Girly Things , $$$$$$$$, mean anything to Ya ? Man o Man one of Your Daughters ,Boy freinds is Gonna be a Tough one save Your Strength ! You can only handle a few at a Time ! I feel Bad(Really) for the Wife ! When do You have Time for "BOAT'N" ?
Back to the thread,Just make sure Your "T" is to your deck,I've seen a couple of consoles flipped on the side of the boat (Turpike).I don't think anyof them should be doing 70 mph down the pike with vibration & other circumstances that'l come along.. I have a bimini & like it, take it off /move when needed .Also I can't have a "T" where I live or I'd probably have one !
Scream'n reels'
"TUG"
Any BOYz ?? [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

[ScottM]

Otto,
How much for the women? The girls, how much for the girls? (Just a little Blues Borthers humor there) [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]
Definitely go with a T-top, and consider a hinged unit that will allow you to fold it when on your Transcontinental road trips. I wish I had a pic I could scan and show you of my buddy's setup. IMO a bimini is no good if you fish a lot. Similar to the full arch, you can't work a fish around them too easily. At least a bimini folds down though.

[Ed]

Hi Otto-

I've owned boats with a t-top and without. I personally prefer the t-top for several reasons. First, it keeps me out of the weather (sun and rain). Second, it allows for mounting of an electronics box and Third, i think boats look better with them (personal opinion).

The only draw backs are they can get in the way of fly-fisherman and they're expensive.

On a good note, the Bluewaters Towers t-top on my Mako 231 is 13 years old and looks pretty darn good and does not have any cracks. In fact, I just had TACO outrigger mounts welded on to it and the guy who did the welding said it was a very, very sturdy t-top and was in exceptional shape.

As far as trailering is concerned, yeah...it probably affects my gas mileage but to be honest, I don't really care all that much. In my opinion, the difference between 10mpg and 12mpg isnt that big of a deal because I only trailer an hour or two.

Good luck with whatever you do.

Ed

[strick]

For sure get the T top and have someone make you a t-top that is not going to fall apart when you trailer it.. that should not occure and is due to poor craftmenship and or design. Have the electronics box installed and use it for something else (that's what I do) as it makes good storage. Build a cover for the boat that you can park it under.

Lastley see how happy the girls are because of the t top.. there is your answer!

Nice Laguna by the way.. I almost bought one of those once as they are the best boat Sea Ray ever built.

Strick

[laser]

Hey Otto,
What about an arch with bimini built in? The best of both worlds and you fold up the bimini when trailering.
I put 2 biminis on my 20 cc cuz I don't want to deal with skin cancer!!! I lay mine down for trailering and sometimes I collapse them together like an arch for a change (and cuts down on engine noise!).
I'm going to run with a bimini on my 23 until I figure out what to do like you!
Bill

If one is good then two is better

[PipeDreamsMarine]

hey Otto.. Give me a call.. it would take me too long to type in what I have to say... 609-485-6607