DYI T-Top

[elbori00]

Have any of you make your onwn tee or T-Top. After looking on the net I found some railing adapters and been thinking on making my own top. I will start on a PVC pipe prototype to see if possible to create the top and legs to support. Any of you guys have try it, any advices or outputs on the best way this can be done.

Alberto

[pete]

I've seen homemade t tops,some look great,some look terrible and are structurally unsound.If you can weld and fabricate aluminum then it could be ok,if not maybe consider a bimini top,they are affordable and give more shade than a t top.
Good luck  

[flounderpounder225]

If trying to keep the budget intact, I would search CL or other avenues for a nice used one, then pay someone or if you know someone who welds aluminum, get it modified to fit your boat, usually the places that make T-Tops will have cut-off pieces that they will give away, or real cheap that you can use to create additonal length for legs and feet... I did this with my previous boat, came out great, and paid $500 for a hard top with cobia tower.

[gran398]

Have any of you make your onwn tee or T-Top. After looking on the net I found some railing adapters and been thinking on making my own top. I will start on a PVC pipe prototype to see if possible to create the top and legs to support. Any of you guys have try it, any advices or outputs on the best way this can be done.

Alberto

Alberto,

How far are you from San Juan? Here on the mainland we have places that are sort of "boat junkyards" where you can get things cheap. You will see a lot of parts from boats damaged in hurricanes, etc.

You may be able to find a place like that in San Juan.

Best in your endeavor sir

[GoneFission]

The Fishmaster top ships in two boxes and they are currently offering free shipping!  On sale for $995 to your door.  

 http://www.fishmaster.com/

Oh, and you get a free calendar with it...  Make sure you scroll down  

http://www.fishmaster.com/products/calendar.htm  

       

[elbori00]

I live about 5 minutes from San Juan. Also we a have a boat yard but someone I know told me there was no tops available. I found a company selling Speed Rails that are like pvc accesories but in aluminum. http://www.hollaender.com/index.cfm?fus ... E83A8C403F
The only drawback I see right now would be that the top would be flat. So it would be an aluminium rectangle as a top.

Alberto

[gran398]

Gotcha.

You could rig up something using those parts, but most likely you won't be happy with the way it looks, performs, or lasts.

The one Gone Fission linked to is a really nice, well-made, attractive top. Quality product. And the price is right. A custom made top like that is easily $2500.00 here.

He has one on his boat and it is deluxe. Plus, it folds down if you want it to.

You'd be very happy with that top. And since PR is pretty much the 51st state...bet the shipping is still free.