Soft tops

cSickNick · #1 04-23-2003, 03:06 PM

Thanks Guys for the info, very helpful!

I talked to few shops that can make "stand-up" style tops. ( i assume it would look like Scott's 23' Sceptre top ... pretty nice!)

The problem for me is that i like to troll standing with the rod in hand out over the side windshield while driving . With this style top, i would have the back posts and possible straps in the way.

So .... to spend more money .... i was thinking of the possibility of having a custom "t-top" style made like most center consoles. My thoughts were to have the aluminum frame follow the lines of the Seafari windshield then bend over and back allowing the side areas to remain open, zip/snap in sides and windshield, soft top, plate to mount antennas, rocket launchers ..... eh .... cost and looks might be a problem ... then again someone might say "that looks SICK!!! ..... Nick!"

Is there such a top on any cuddy? .... Nick

JohnS · #2 04-23-2003, 06:40 PM

That is "Sick Nick". Ahhh, you opened the door on that one. I think you are refering to an "Arch", as I would call it anyway. This would be a good idea and shops will make up something special for you for a price. You can then have rod holders, antenna mounts, and even riggers mounted up there too if you like. Heck, just go crazy, it is only money and you only live once! In all reality, that would be a good idea and, they can definitely add a strapless bimini to an arch. See it all the time and it looks great too. You could them have the canvas run forward and attach to the windshield frame or something else, entirely up to you. They can custom bend the tubing to run with the lines of the boat and blend in with it. I strongly suggest using a good grade of tubing and at least a 1" schedule 40 aluminum pipe, which will measure about 1.315" OD. I have seen them powdercoated and just plain. My new boat has powder on the T-Top. Generally speaking, I like it but, only having the boat a few weeks, the jury is still out on the long term reliability of it. I will have to let ya know in about a year or so on that.

John

Miles Offshore · #3 04-23-2003, 09:49 PM

Csick, Im not sure am following want you want exactly, but if the link works you will see the hard top that my partner in crime recently had made for his 78 Formula. I did the curtains for him, but the rear drop curtain picture isnt included. The aluminum top w/white starboard, rod holders and pre wired along w/tracks cost him 1100$. I didnt charge him for the curtains and upholstery but made him but the materials that came out to ~400$. 2 sheets of .030 Strataglass and 7 yds of black 60" sunbrella. That gives a good idea of what the cost could be with a little bargaining and a friend with a sewing machine !

Hope the link works, if it doesnt let me know and I can post the pictures or e-mail them to you. and good luck-craig

http://www.snapfish.com/thumbnailsha...589/t_=3523860

cSickNick · #4 04-24-2003, 07:44 PM

Guys, thanks again for the info.

John, i did think about an "radar-arch" like solution that you stated above. The problem may still be there depending of the rake and mounting of the radar arch that it might obstruct the side windshield area. It would be nice to have a mounting structure for stuff. Need to look for some pics .... , Craig i could not open without an ID, can you send or post?

Let's try this for "maybe" what i am looking for ...... Craig take your "T-top" off your boat. Cut a few feet off all 4 post legs and mount the top on my 20' Safari. No big deal ... right, a "T-top" (or what could be a "Hard Top" that is an option on boats) on a cuddy boat.

My problem is now with the back 2 posts. I can drive and hold my rod to troll fish out the side, but when i try to hook "striper-zilla" the rod with clang off the back post. I could live with this, but was wondering if the back 2 posts could be bent forward along the side windshield to the top forming a "U" - shape to allow the sides to be open? Then to close up, zip in a windshield poly piece and 2 side "U" - shape poly pieces?

In center consoles the back leg pipes of a top do not extend past the steering wheel, allowing them fish out the side. On cuddy style boats, the top's back leg pipes are mounted behind the seats.

I get it ..... buy a center console. - Nick

Miles Offshore · #5 04-24-2003, 09:38 PM

I think the hosting service is down, I cant pull the pix up either, will try again tomorrow. As far as the frame goes any good aluminum fabrication shop, (there are several around here and all do excellent work, dont know about where you are but I do know of one who posts on this website ? Pipewelders marine I think can probably tell you he can make most anything you want. I will e-mail you the other pictures when I can get them to pop up. craig

PipeDreamsMarine · #6 04-25-2003, 03:19 PM

[img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] Hey I think you guy's are talking about me!!!.. lol Nick you have mail.. [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

JohnS · #7 04-25-2003, 06:29 PM

Nope, we were not talking about you, just getting ready to spend some of Nick's money for him is all!!!!

Well, maybe we were talking about you. Come on and help us spend Nick's money for him. I don't think he will mind TOOOOOO much........

See Nick, there ya go. Solutions, solutions, solutions!!!

Get that custom arch made and I bet that will be one sweet ride with all the hot hardware trimming it out!

John