To T-top or not...that is the question

[1Step]

Chuck, if I can't get a folding one, I'll have to consider another option due to my storage arrangement and those will be limited, unless I want to keep the SC outside...which I don't

I talked to BT's today and he can build me whatever I want.
I had a bay boat a number of years ago with one that had the "knuckle" on it and it was pretty solid. Then again I didn't take it in extreme conditions being a bay boat.
I don't plan on it with the SC but you know how we put them thru their paces at times...just because they can

[McGillicuddy]

The fish master top is just an idea - I don't know any thing about them and the design looks weak from an engineering perspective.
In fact, I think their final hinging point(the one on the top)is unnecessary an a weak link.
By buddy's Carolina Classic 25 has a hinging tower, and it does not shake rattle or roll unless I'm up there doing the swordfish dance to some blaring Santana No, it really doesn't even move even under those conditions.
It uses specialty pins similar to these to lock it:
http://tacomarine.com/item--Breakawa...away+pins.html

and a similarly designed hinge kind of like this:
http://tacomarine.com/cat--Aluminum-...alum_pins.html

Using those principles of locking and hinging, I expect your fabricating friend could make a bullet-proof folding small top for your rig. I'll try to get some pics of his on the next excursion.

[2182]

i have a t top on my 18 cc and i love it. south carolina sun is almost as bad as fl sun and its nice to be able to escape. have had biminis in the past and hated them. usually yanked them when i got the boat, only to be broken out when small children are on board. ive seen a lot of folding and bracket on t tops and they just look like trouble. the only one i ever saw that i liked was on a Scout flats boat and it was bracketed to the grab rail encasing the center console. i agree w/ the other posts that custom is the way to go. also if you go custom those cut outs for rod holders on the side are great. not sure if you have superwide original console, i dont and will be modifying mine for console side rod holders when i get the canvas replaced.

[Bmoney1209]

Hey 1step,


If you don't go with BT's go with Bausch Enterprises in Stuart. Picking up my boat tomorrow with my new top (20 footer). It is the same company that built the top on the boat (Mark's) that Chuck posted. Although mine is a little bigger than Mark's. His was 6' x 3'. Mine is 6.5' x 4'. Ask for Dana and tell him Brian Meyer sent ya . Quality work, and very fair prices.


FD

[NoBones]

Charlie is the man !!!

See ya, Ken

[1Step]

Thanks guys.
I talked to Bill from BT's this week and he assured me he can build anything I want. I don't mind the folding knuckles as I had them on another boat without incident but it is a PITA raising and lowering.
I'll keep you posted on my journey.

[Bmoney1209]

Here is after my journey yesterday to Stuart to have my console (Wildfire Marine) and T-Top (Bausch Ent.) installed. I'm a happy camper.

[fishing_fanatic]

I'd love to have a bimini top one day, too expensive for me. Till then, I'll just keep sticking the beach umbrella in the rod holder, works for the wife anyways.

[zach]

Please post pics of the "key west" t-top on your boat. That'd be sweet on a SC20.

[ROBCAR]

fishindaze.....great looking T-Top. Can you give us a ball park figure of how much that T-top cost?

1STEP, I am in the same situation as you with wanting to get get a T-Top but no having enough clearance with the roof on the side of my house. So, I am paying very close attention to the comments and ideas being discussed here. Maybe we can get a better deal if we order two ....

Here is a pic of my boat ready and waiting for a TOP