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

[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

[RS]

Otto,
You might consider trying it for a season without the T-top if that is feasible. Personally, I prefer to be out in the open, maybe because I spend my days driving a desk.

[ScottM]

Otto,
Check out this T-top that Cman posted in the For Sale section. It has the "Key West cutout", which is nice because it cuts down on the overall size of the top but still gives you coverage over the helm.

http://www.classicseacraft.com/cgi-b...c;f=4;t=000458

[Mark]

Otto,

Not sure how soon you would be in the market for a top, but if you have a while yet, you might be able to try it both ways. I know of at least one SC23 with a top that would be in range of the Dania Beach flea market. You could go for a ride on a boat with a top and see if you felt it to be too confining. If so, leave it off of yours...?