1981 Aquasport 170 rebuild in Sweden

[RickK]

I'm thinking of building a T-Top. Anyone that knows where I can find a drawing for one?

I don't remember what you used for your sole material - did you build in the reinforcement necessary for a t-top mounting? Hate to see you hurt your purdy craftsmanship 

[larsli68]

I think my sole would be strong enough. It's called divinycell over here. High density stuff.
I don't think I will go T-Top this year. I might in the future.
Wet sanding is on the agenda for this weekend. It is still pretty cold here with high 30's called for this weekend.
I will get more inspired when it finally warms up...

[Capt. Bob]

I wanted a waterproof panel since my boat will be in the water all summer long.
I'm thinking of building a T-Top. Anyone that knows where I can find a drawing for one?

I've done some limited searching and haven't found a whole lot. I'm assuming you have seen this but it may be a route you can go.
http://www.atlantictowers.com/products_tiab.php?gclid=CjwKEAiAyMCnBRDa0Pyex-qswB0SJADKNMKAHCCxjpVaxS-DwRVSilsftfWwX-Ql-e4Y1CwXQ-rufRoCSZ3w_wcB

And another.
http://www.strykerttops.com/?gclid=CjwKEAiAyMCnBRDa0Pyex-qswB0SJADKNMKAAmFCz4OWHxYtHnopCQZMXoWoabQyR8FUF37lGejZUBoC6nPw_wcB

The thought here is the shipping costs may be palatable because of the shape of the container. You have to install of course but I doubt that is any problem. You can also contact them if you need any "tweaking" but I'd guess they have a generic that would fit your hull fine. I'll keep looking for some drawings.

This may be worth a peek.
http://howtobuildaboattargatop.com/

Good luck.

[larsli68]

Thanks guys!
Thanks Captain Bob for the links! Great reading. I might attempt to design something myself. My brother is a licensed welder 
It is almost beer time here in Sweden. It's been a rough week at work, and I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend.
Hopefully some wet sanding tomorrow or Sunday, weather permitting.

Once again, thanks guys!
Great to have your company on my project.

//Lars

[Capt. Bob]

Here's something where you add your dimensions.
http://www.google.com/patents/US6725799

Printable .pdf
https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/pdfs/US6725799.pdf

And another
https://www.google.com/patents/US5918613?dq=patent:5918613&hl=en&sa=X&ei=x5jwVLK_EISWgwSS2oCwAQ&ved=0CCUQ6AEwAQ

.pdf
https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/pdfs/US5918613.pdf

Good luck.

[larsli68]

When you showed me the patent link, I found this.
Many moons ago, but I have to admit I'm proud. For a Swedish guy to have a US patent is pretty cool.
My name is on several US patents from working in the US for 5.5 years, but this one is mine 
https://www.google.com/patents/US6659752?dq=patents+lars+lindqvist+over+molded+meter+cover&hl=sv&sa=X&ei=66bwVKT9L6LkyAPyz4BQ&ved=0CDgQ6AEwAw

Didn't mean to brag... I'm a little proud and not many people care... hehe

[RickK]

 
That's one more patent then I have  - maybe I should have documented some of the shenanigans I went through during this rebuild and submitted them   

[RickK]

As for your sole holding the t-top - the t-top will become the go-to place to grab when you have to hang on, either taking off or slowing down, especially slowing down quickly, like when hitting a big wave.  There will be a tremendous amount of stress on the locations where you attach the t-top.  The preferred way is to get some thick, 1/4" or so, aluminum and thread holes into it to match the t-top holes and somehow get them under the sole.  Craig's rebuild shows an example of planning that into the rebuild.  Another form of stress on the t-top mounting areas is just hauling the boat down a high speed road, having the wind using the t-top to lift your boat off the trailer.

[flatbackpaul]

Every time I see that EcoWolf name, it makes my skin crawl.     Glad you had a better experience. 

[larsli68]

Thanks guys,
Felt bad after posting it... but I am a little bit proud of it...
I understand that adding a T-Top would add serious stress to the floor.
I have given up on it for this season. I will focus on getting the boat in the water and enjoy her this year.

Flatbackpaul, how are things working out for you? Any progress on your transom?
I'm sorry for your troubles. I really did have a good experience with the product. But I put in endless hours to clean the wood, dry the transom and adding additional strength
to the shell before the pour.

[larsli68]

Working on my boat today. Sanding, drilling and grinding away on my center console.
Did a mock up with some of the components to go on the console.

[larsli68]

I'm done sanding for today. We had a beautiful day here in Sweden. 60 degrees today, and sunny.
I have been outside all day. Early beer time today... Feels good to have a lot of sanding done on the center console.
I will paint it. There is just too much work to do gelcoat repairs.
I hope everyone has had a nice weekend.
//Lars

[RickK]

Looks good Lars.   
If you use the Duratech additive in gelcoat and a 2.2 - 2.5 tip, follow the instructions on the duratech can and you get a really nice shiny layer of gelcoat.  Then it needs the higher number in sandpaper, 400, 800, 1200 and some compound and she'll look great.

I sprayed my console but when I came back to check it out bugs had ventured too close and were now ornaments on it   . I'll re-spray while it's still cool out and before they come back out (lovebugs are what they are called).  If you look at my rebuild you'll find pics of what it looked like.

[larsli68]

Thanks Rick,

I will look into that. I wonder if I can find that product here in Europe?

Sounds like a better plan than painting.

[RickK]

Paint vs Gelcoat is like comparing car brands - everyone has their own preference.  I know that the only paint that can be left in water for extended periods is bottom paint, any other and it's "not recommended". Above the waterline, paint is a lot less labor to put on and you can get some good results from it.