More T-Top Questions

[Sea.P.A.]

I'd like to install a t-top. I have a bimini and have probably used it twice. It's just too cumbersome and always seems to be in the way. I inquired about the foldable t-top and before I spend that kind of cash I wanted to know if the guys with the factory t-top are happy with them, did it come with an electronics box or have you added one, how about life jacket storage? What would a factory t-top cost me to add to my '03 190Bay? any DIY'ers tackle a project like this yet? I've successfully added a swim ladder, battery charger, trolling motor with factory mount (access hole) second fishfinder head unit with transducer switch and a few other smaller items. Like to know if I could save a few bucks and do it myself.

[ILLOGICAL GGC]

i live in eastern n.c. and we have a local fab shop that does excellant work. if you go to the photo section ,you will see my top they made for me.
i have heard and read many threads on this site about factory furnished tops coming apart on the water,and tubes bursting from being frozen. 1 local owner has had 2 factory tops self-destruct on the rough water . my top was origionally installed not thru bolted to the deck because i forgot to tell keith to do so and he doesnt put holes in anybodys boat w/o their permission. see my boat is an '01 and it didnt have the molded in plates in the deck like the '05 currently do. anyway i used the boat almost a year with the top just being screwed to the deck and bolted to the console and it is as good as the day it was installed. i just went and thru bolted it to the deck this weekend due to the console on the 210 having a reputation of pulling free from the deck and i didnt want to take any chances on a fix i could do in 2 hrs.myself randy was supposed to add this t-top mfg. to or vendor links but it got lost on the changeover to this new format. i'll send him a message to add keiths site as they do really good work. he has made tops for 190's as well for the local dealer.

here is the site http://www.modlinswelding.com
robert

[ILLOGICAL GGC]

i also had a removable bimini t-top on my 186 logic which is in my photo section
robert

[foul-hooked]

Ive had a custom T-top installed on my 01. I followed the advise of the factory and removed the grey deck panels, created an access port for each leg and though bolted. Everthing was than sealed w/ rule.
The shop that built my T-top understood the punishment I would put it though and built it w/ 2" Al. tubes for legs.
Cost was $2,100.00 cash. It is customized for my fishing needs and the correct height for my electronics. The canvas top offers protection, but does'nt reduce casting movement. I have recently added Izon-glass on three sides of the console.
GOOD LUCK

[mtblife]

foul hooked, who built the T-top?

regards,
Sean Ford

[foul-hooked]

Had the T-top made at www.saltwaterspecialties.com
They located in Costa Mesa, CA.

[Putershark]

Something else to consider (when talking about the Bimini being in the way) is to have it modified to fit "inside" the gunnels and lay flat on top of the forward battery box. This is how I had ours made for our 190 Bay and since I can't find that picture right now, here is another link to help you see what I mean

http://www.young-boats.com/options_2.htm

The bottom left picture is what I am talking about and I have ours mounted on a slider so it can be adjusted forward and aft pending where you want the most shade.

Now I only use ours in the summer to have lunch under and unlike a T-Top (which may not matter in your location) I can still squeeze under some pretty short bridges under most tides that having a fixed top would prevent.

Just a thought...

Tight Lines!