Mounting T-top 190 bay

[2007Triumph]

I picked up a used T-top that fits pretty good but I want to have a T-Top fabricator customize and install it on my 2008 triumph 190 bay. I want the top mounted exactly where the factory mounts. From looking at pictures of where the factory mounts it looks like the feet land where I have screws in these locations on my boat. Under these screws is there back plating? Can bolting down the back t-top feet be reached and back plated from under the floor access panels? Does anyone have any experience with this. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Picture found on the net of where factory mounts are:

[2007Triumph]

T-top has been mounted. To answer my own question, yes there is back plating under these screws.

[la_refms]

Where did you find your used t top, how much and how hard to install?
New member with a bay 190 ( first boat ever owned) thanks to me newly married wife as a retirement and wedding gift.Thanks,Wayne

[2007Triumph]

I bought it used off of a guy that was having his 19' century boat repo'd. I payed $300 and I believe it was $300 to have it modified and installed. I had it mounted in the same place as the factory mounts

[FloridaBoyFishin]

Did you have a bimini top prior to the T-top? Do you have any regrets adding the T-top? I currently have a bimini top and wish I had gotten the T-top. Sounds like you were lucky to find a boat with a T-top that would fit. What advantages did you gain by adding the T-top? What was lost? Can you still get coverage from the sun with the t-top? I am in a delima (crossroads) and really could use your thoughts on this. Just to give you an idea, I had a T-Top quoted for my 2008 190bay and it would be $2400 installed... Ouch!

[Putershark]

I like them and they have serious advantages in providing more shade while driving and giving you some more storage options and deck lighting options however the reason's I do not have one are...

• The act like a sail at times.
• They can slow down the boat from the extra aerodynamic drag.
• They can add more weight / draft to the boat.
• Can prevent you from getting under some low bridges.
• Many times they kill your 360 degree castability which if you don't live on the Flats like I do, that may not matter much...

Now granted the factory Bimini hogs up a lot of room even if stowed, so you might want to take a look at how I had mine made that stores inside the gunnel's. Pictures of it are in the 190 Mods photo album

[2007Triumph]

Yes I had the factory Bimini top prior to the T-Top. I have no regrets by adding the T-top. I have seen no performance changes since it was installed. I anticipated losing something but it rides and runs the same. Yes you can still get plenty of sun even with the T top on the front and back decks. If you have one made make certain to have it braced and backplated at a number of places. When you get to that spot I can send Pic's of what worked for me if needed. Also you may consider a fishmaster brand top? Personally I did not like the collapsable becase of where they mounted on the 190, I wanted mine to mount in the exact factory backed spots and also I wanted it to be super stiff with no chance of vibrations so extra brace and aluminum were added to the one piece. I like to go offshore so the T top just works better for me. Whewww $2400. Where in Fl are you?The advantages for me have been...

Gained

• It just looks cool!
  
• Much Better shade
• No performance changes that I could see as far as speed. It probably costs more in fuel but I have not bothered to run the numbers.
  
• Flood running lights, navigation lights and rear lights are nice to have.
• Better storage. The T bag holds all of the life jackets so the front battery box is free for dry storage.
• No more fishing around the Bimini.
• More places for friends and myself to hang on to as we run out.
  
• The rear navigation light is not needed with it on top of the T top. Now it is not in my way or the light in my eyes when I stand on the deck to cast.
• The Antenna can go up top increasing range.
  
• The Bimini folded down was always in the way!
• Extra rod holders on the T Top.
  
• The leaning post back rest can be put up in the T top rod holders and out of the way while fishing. Now use the holder for a pole and sit back and relax.
  
• All around fishability.
• Ability to hang an electronics box. (Not done yet)
• Ability to add curtains. (Not done yet)
  
• The 190 has large casting platforms on both box and stern so the cast ability is still OK when on them.
• Also the garmin GPS still works fine under the top.
  

Lost.
Alot of $$$$$$$

• My wife complained even more that I spend too much time and money on "THAT" boat becasue once I found the top then I thought... now i need a aluminum weldr/ installer, Lights, wire, A cover, A new Antenna, A Electronic box, Curtains, T -Bags.......etc you know how it goes.
  
• After the T Top was put on I realized that I would now need a new boat cover. More $$ but a friend pulled a favor of another and made one out of sunbrella for around $350.
  
• You can not put big long rods in the the rod holders- or should I say (water holders) on the console. Your Gaff, net and small rods will still fit nicely in the water holders.
  
• It probably did add more weight but again I saw no difference.
• If you have really low bridges it could be a problem( I have none that I cannot get under)
• You worry more when driving under low tree's!
  
• Extra windage when towing. you may consider if you tow far.
  

[Putershark]

Another option that you may want to consider if a T-Top is a little too expensive or you do not want to fix mount something to the boat

Portable Shade options