t-tops

[Broadbill]

Has anyone had experience with the stainless T tops in a box built in NC. by C.E.Smith? Worth considering?  Thanks for any insight. Paul

[Bushleaguer]

I've done a ton of research on T-tops (I'm looking for one also).  Most of the message board feedback I've heard on the CE Smith SS tops is that they are noisy, have too many parts that come loose, and can be difficult to install.  Stainless is said to be a poor material choice for a T-top.  There is too much spring in stainless- alluminum is the preferred material for T-tops.

If I could afford it, I would go with a custom T-top (I may just put the project off and save up).  There are other alluminum T-Tops out there that you can order and self install.  Taco makes one, as does Atlantic Towers.  I also found an interesting setup called a T-seat, made by GG Schmidtt.  It incorporates the T-top into the seat, rather than the console.  All of these have websites and are comparable in price to the CE smith one.

Also, in the classified section here, Capt. Rick has a nice looking used T-top for sale, which I would have snagged if it were the right size for my rig.  Check it out, you might get lucky.

Hope this helps.

[John Jones]

The one's put together with set screws, etc. do not hold up IMHO.

A friend of mine purchased a hard top in a box from Atlantic Towers and I'll have to say I was impressed.

[Bushleaguer]

I'm seriously considering the one by Atlantic towers as well.  It seems simple, sturdy and a pretty good deal for the money.

[cervo]

I got my T-top and leaning post built by Classic Image Marine a couple of years ago.  They are by far, the best deal that I could find and the quality is great.  I e-mailed them a couple of pictures and measurements of my console and a couple of weeks later, the top and leaning post were freight delivered to my home in NY.  It's all heavy stock, welded aluminum and it fit perfectly.  I did a lot of shopping around before buying my t-top. I saved about 50 percent including shipping by buying from these guys.   Do yourself a favor and check them out.
www.classicimagemarine.com

[Marcq]

I got my T-top and leaning post built by Classic Image Marine a couple of years ago.  They are by far, the best deal that I could find and the quality is great.  I e-mailed them a couple of pictures and measurements of my console and a couple of weeks later, the top and leaning post were freight delivered to my home in NY.  It's all heavy stock, welded aluminum and it fit perfectly.  I did a lot of shopping around before buying my t-top. I saved about 50 percent including shipping by buying from these guys.   Do yourself a favor and check them out.
www.classicimagemarine.com

Yup, sure looks like a good deal

Thanks for the link

Marc..