T-Top Fit

[Wayne'sWorld]

I'm wondering how does one "fit" a t-top for a boat.  I'm talking about the size of the top and assuming a canvas top as opposed to a hard top.  With a 20' CCP, can you have a 6' wide x 7' long t-top?  Is there some rule of thumb to follow?  I can't help thinking that a t-top represents a big sail up there reacting to wind force.  

Mounting one on the boat also poses some questions.  The center console basically straddles the stringers.  Say if the fore tubes of the t-top are attached to the deck and the aft tubes to the console.  Attaching to the console seems straight forward, but attaching to the deck is another matter.  Do you use a backing plate?  If so, there doesn't seem to be any way to access the empty area between the stringer and the gunwale.  All access plated on my boat are between the two stringers.

If anyone has an article or site that is like "T-Tops for Dummies" of "Everything You Wanted To Know About T-Tops But Were Afraid To Ask", please post the link.  I can't help it, I get a little analytical sometimes.

[GoneFission]

Check out this info from various companies - I think you can find what you are looking for:

http://www.canvascountry.com/t-tops.html  

http://www.greatlakesboattop.com/t-top

http://www.atlantictowers.com/at_sub/T- ... nAodPkt9lA

http://www.fishmaster.com/pdf/Fishmaste ... Manual.pdf

Good luck!

[jdupree]

I think the best thing you can do is take the boat to a t-top fabricator.  He can custom make a top to fit your CCP.  If you get a good one like I did, he can make your top strong as an ox :!:

As far as wind resistance, I have not noticed any.  The top of mine is the standard 5x7 size.  You will be surprised how much shade you can get from that if he sets the top at the right height.  One thing is for sure, since I got mine made I would not have a center console without a t-top :!:

[slippery73]

TACO makes an adjustable t-top now that is actually pretty nice, it will accommodate different size consoles etc. The only thing that sucks on it is the canvas, its held on with a ratchet strap. If you were looking for something removable so you could adapt it to another boat when you sell it thats a good option otherwise just have one custom made.

http://www.tacomarine.com/item--Neptune ... eries.html

[DOCREED]

Remember to attach the T-top to the console at several places. otherwise is will be like its made from jello at speed.
Mine was only attached at two places on the forward legs.  I took the boat to my T- top guy here and he attached it to the rear legs and added another pipe as a handhold and that stiffened it up alot.

The more places you brace it from the console the stiffer it will be.

And while you are at it, have an enclosure made it will be the best money you spend.

Ok there is my 2 cents worth.