Explorer 225 Bimini to Hardtop Conversion

[vipirate]

I am looking into purchasing a 2000 Explorer 225 with bimini top, and would really like to convert it to a hardtop so that I can mount my radar (Garmin 18HD) and GPS antenna. Can someone recommend an aftermarket hardtop that fits this boat? I guess the other less desirable option is to go with a radar tower. And once I get the hardtop, is there canvas/glass that fits it, or do I go to my local canvas guy for a custom enclosure. Suggestions?
Thx,
Bill  

[bumpster]

I am looking into purchasing a 2000 Explorer 225 with bimini top, and would really like to convert it to a hardtop so that I can mount my radar (Garmin 18HD) and GPS antenna. Can someone recommend an aftermarket hardtop that fits this boat? I guess the other less desirable option is to go with a radar tower. And once I get the hardtop, is there canvas/glass that fits it, or do I go to my local canvas guy for a custom enclosure. Suggestions?
Thx,
Bill  

I am by no means an expert on hardtops. Lighting yes  hardtops no , but, I would go to a place that makes them and have one made that looks exactly like you want. Any special features/mounts whatever you can dream up and of course what the wallet can afford. I had a T-Top made for my 200 many years ago and I sat down with the designer and built the exact top i wanted. You pay a little more but you dont have to think about having to settle for less than perfect

[seabob4]

I'm guessing by the "vi" in your sig that you're in Virginia.  You may want to try Atlantic Towers in New Jersey.  But really, all the way down the east coast, especially in the Hatteras area and then down into Florida, there are a bunch of good Top builders.  Over here on the Gulf coast as well.

The original builder of a top for your boat was G.G. Schmitt, based out of Lancaster, PA.  They had (maybe still do) a plant down Old 301 from the Wellcraft/AS plant.  Here's their site, give the Sarasota # a call...http://www.ggschmitt.com/

[John Jones]

If Bob's link doesn't work out I do know that Atlantic Towers mentioned above has standard hardtops for many popular boats.  A couple of years ago a buddy ordered a hard top for his 88 Grady-White from Atlantic and they already had a jig for that boat and he got it way cheaper than any custom top locally.  I would rate it right there with any custom top except that it had slip joints to the mounting bases that were supposed to be epoxied.  It came with a base plate for radar and antenna mounting, rod holders, and light mounts.  The only drawback is that you would have to install it yourself or pay the labor for a shop.  He paid to have it mounted and then had them weld up the joints instead of epoxy.  He still came out a couple of grand cheaper than the local shops.  It's right here in my yard if you want more detail.  It's too hot and the cover is too heavy to take it all off but if you want a close-up of something, let me know.

[gran398]

Thats a good looking top. Has almost the arch effect, not a bunch of extra crosspieces, etc.

[John Jones]

He had an Isinglass enclosure made which is sweet when it's snotty out but $$$.

[vipirate]

Guessed wrong! VI is for Virgin Islands - I have some bare land down there that I hope to build on someday. I am based in Rhode Island right now.

Thanks for the great info. Will check out GGSCHMITT and Atlantic Towers. I am looking for something in production that is pre-fit to the boat (<$$), not something custom (>$$). I don't mind getting my hands dirty a little bit installing it with bolts, epoxy, etc. But I don't want to make a major project out of it custom fitting something that was built for another boat.

[seabob4]

I have been known to guess wrong before...ASK THE WIFE!

Schmitt made our tops, they should have the drawings.  But I've heard good things (and bad, goes with the territory...) about Atlantic Towers.  Those, I believe, are your best bet...

[vipirate]

Talked to Atlantic Towers today. They actually have the identical top that John Jones posed above on the AT website, and they sell it for around $3K, including radar mount, lights, 2x antenna mounts, and 4x fishing rod holders. Sounds like a good deal. I am planning to run the boat as-is this year with the bimini top, then convert over to hardtop next year. Also, AT mentioned that for an extra $200 they will install tracks for the front, side and back curtains for a full enclosure. Sounds like a good way to go. The bimini top I have now is adequate for enclosure, but nowhere to mount radar.

I called GGSchmitt in PA this AM, and they directed me to their Florida office. I left a message for them to call me back for another quote.

[jcaesar625]

vipirate I was seeing if you ever got your half tower installed, and if so what you ended up with. I am looking to do the same this winter.

TIA.