T Top

ccentreville · #1 01-16-2008, 08:53 PM

I have a 1971 I believe its a 71 20 ft seacraft I'm starting to restore its a beautiful boat does this boat lend its self to a ttop and if so how big also any other bits of advice are greatly appreciate my email is craig@bridgetownfarms.com

SteveH · #2 01-16-2008, 10:18 PM

I think most regulars on this site would like to see pics of the boat. There are a lot of 20 seacrafts with t-tops. Console size is of course an issue. A t-top should not be too hard to locate. Here in Tampa, there are a handful of companies that will custom-make one. Not the cheapest route, but probably the best way to go IMO.

NoBones · #3 01-16-2008, 10:50 PM

A T-Top if designed properly is invaluable...
Here in Daytona and in the Keys I use a removable
tower. It is great for spotting Manta Rays with Cobia on them or holes in the Keys that have bugs in them....

Just have it made for the type of fishing you do.

See ya, Ken

3rdday · #4 01-21-2008, 01:36 AM

Bones,
That is a killer top on that rig! looks very solid and stable Id get up there in any sea!.

Ikan Besar · #5 01-21-2008, 03:51 PM

To put a t-top on your boat or not is entirely a matter of personal preference. Some people like them, some decidedly do not.

Here's what a 3x5' top looks like on my 1971 SeaCraft 20'. The console is 28" wide and there are three Birdsall grommets on each side of the t-top for rods to go through:

ocuyler · #6 01-21-2008, 11:50 PM

Being diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer was a powerful incentive to choose the personal preference of having a t-top to stay out of the sun. I'm confident melanoma and the treatment is far more painful than the cost of a custom top.

A public service announcement from enjoyyourseacraft.com.

SteveH · #7 01-22-2008, 12:45 AM

I agree with four boat theory. After spending twenty-some- odd years fishing out of our 1978 20 seacraft with no t-top, it is a real treat to stay out of the (Florida) sun for much of the day under my birdsall t-top on my 23. At the end of the day, I have a lot more energy due to the shade afforded by a t-top. I would not own an openfisherman without one.

htillman · #8 01-22-2008, 01:53 AM

I have no experience with Sunbrella but does it offer "SPF" protection or are you still exposed to the suns rays. I am getting ready to purchase a bimine for a Sceptre and have been told to stay away from Sunbrella and go with a tradional vinyl top. Any recommendations?

Old'sCool · #9 01-22-2008, 07:42 AM

Check out WebLon fabric.

Ikan Besar · #10 01-22-2008, 01:42 PM

Quote:

WebLon fabric.

+1