T Top or No T Top

[BAYCOASTAL]

I am looking at a 2005 with a T top--for northwest florida--never been a fan of t tops--though I never had a boat with one. I have found a good deal on a 2005--with a t top---do they get in the way or are they worht it?

[k9reno]

I have an 03 210. My T-top has never gotten in the way. It has come in handy for mounting things, getting rods out of the way (rocket launchers) and for hand holds in rough water.

[peterturf1]

have a 210 with t-top absoluty love it very useful.

[Genelie]

When I first got my boat, she had no t-top. A year later I put one in. Best thing I ever did. Now to be honest, the draw back is less fuel economy. But not by much. And in rough waters you get to watch and hear things rattle due to the t-top. AND the shade is so important, no more sun burn on the head

[Putershark]

I would say that depends upon what kind of fishing you are doing and "if" you need to get under some low tidal creek bridges at high tide. For a T-Top can get in the way (like bow rails) and worse yet, can kill the 360 degree fishability aspect that many are looking to maintain. A Bimini top though will give you more actual shade than most T-Tops and I also do not even have the Bimini on the boat till the blazing heat of summer. Then only it is only put up for lunch breaks or if it rains, and then put it is back down and stored back out of the way again...

Now I had a custom Bimini top made on slider that (unlike the factory top) is even out of your way even when stowed on the boat which should give you some other options and ideas

[KevinC]

I just got my 190Bay with T-Tops and I love it. Previously I had a 170cc with a Bimini Top. While the bimini offers a little more cover the posts and straps on the sides when up always seemed to get in the way. Also with the Bimini up I seemed to catch more air than with the T-Tops. The downsides are clearance and that they are always up. Personally I like the solid feel as a grab rail while out in the water. The other plus are permanently mounting thing up and out of the way and while I have not used them the rocket launchers will certainly come in handy. Oh one little bonus, the all-around light is not some clumsy pole to be stored, I've got a small fold-down up on the T-Top, again out of the way.

-Kevin

[MolarBoater]

Had t-top made after 2 years without. Would not even think about not having one, bimini was ok but stuck so many hooks and then holes in that thing. With a t-bag or two, mounted vhf and fm, removable waterproof e-box, outriggers, rocket launchers and lighting as well as substancial hand holds....best money I've spent to improve my Bay 190.
I have no low bridges to get under, which is something to think about.

[JBAMFORD]

Do I nees to get a custom made T-Top for my 2004 190 bay, or is it better to get it from a Triumph dealer?
Any thoughts appreciated...
Jb

[MolarBoater]

There have been some "factory" t-tops that have developed cracks in the past but that may have been corrected. If it is the same folks that are making the factory "leaning posts" then definitely get a custom job....it will probably be cheaper.

Ask prices for 4 rocket launchers, at least 2 antennae brackets (one on each side), electronics box mounting brackets, anchor light, cockpit light and maybe even a bow light.

If you want outriggers, add those brackets as well as a plate for radar. Those extras may push the price up some closer to the factory price anyway.

If you want someone in LA(lower Alabama), let me know, although they are pretty busy right now with all the SKA boats etc so might be several months...hence, a good winter project.