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 !!!

[PipeDreamsMarine]

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

[gw204]

Otto,

Call Don and let him do this for you:



Imagine how good it will look when complete!!!

I looked at the Atlantic Towers tops a few years ago. IMHO, you are correct, they are poorly designed and built. That has been the opinion of several owners I have talked to that have also experienced problems.

[Vaguada]

Gentlemens;
Talking about T-Tops, Somebody knows about the classic image marine T-tops? quality,warranty etc.
this is the link.
http://www.classicimagemarine.com/index1.htm
Thanks
[img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img]