Bimini top or T-Top?

[Mike Answeeney]

For my ’73 22’2 rebuild, should I stick with a Bimini top for authenticity or go with a T-Top for functionality?

[LilRichard]

Neither... go with a dual station half tower- MHO.

[John Jones]

A bimini actually provides more shade if shade is what you are looking for.
Do you fish?  A t-top is in the way for casting.  

I agree with LilRichard by the way ;)

[RickK]

Tough question.  Bimini does provide more shade but also is in the way for any kind of fishing except straight down.
I've never owned a T-Top on a boat, so I don't know how much they get in the way but I do see they don't provide much shade.
If you don't care about shade, then I agree with Rich.

[steved]

In my opinion, you should be sure what you need for functionality and go with that.  I would not be tied to "originality".  On the other hand, you may find that the bimini is what you need in any case.

[GoneFission]

I debated the same thing a couple years ago - bimini versus t-top.  Actually ordered a t-top, but it did not get here in time for the week-long fish trip.  It worked out though, because the area I was fishing was best served by a ramp where you had to go under a low bridge to get out.  I never would have made it under that bridge with a t-top!  Also, I fly fish a good bit, and I think a t-top would simply be a fly trap!  

So I went with a bimini - put it up when you need it, take it off and leave it home when you know you won't need it.  Also I used the slide mounts that allow you to move the top toward the front or back up to 36" - that means I can move the top all the way back to shade the stern of the boat, or move it up to cover the console or even some of the coffin cushions.  

There is a new product out there that I also considered - the Bimi-Tee Top by TaylorMade.  It is kind of like a cross between a bimini and a t-top, but did not allow quite the flexibility of the bimini.  You can check it out at:  http://www.bimiteetop.com/index.html

If you are looking at installing radar or need overhead stowage, t-top is the only way to go.  Otherwise, I like the bimini.  

$0.02 and almost worth it...

[Irish Rover]

What percentage of the time do you spend fishing.  if it hight then you want the T-top.

I like the bimini top because it is easy to take down for when you want some sun.  Plus is the Northeast it is easier to cover for the winter months, don't need as big of a tarp.  

Not to mention the boat weight is lighter, better for fuel and all that.

If your running the boat hard to beat a storm home its nice to be able to take down that wind resistance.

I find that people are more often holding on to the bimini frame when at sea gives an added comfort to the wife and kids.

Down side to the bimini the cost to replace material ever five to six years.

I have been on boats with both and I always end up fishing in the stern of the boat so t-top or bimini didn't really matter.

Unless you have someone else running the boat then you can cast from the bow while they do there fishing in the stern while running the boat.


Hope this was helpful

Justin

[Mike Answeeney]

In the restoration process, I'm going to have the deck removed and the stringers replaced.  I'll be sure reinforce the deck to accomidate a T-Top.

For now, to keep my restoration costs under control, I think I'll go with the bimini since I have the origanial frame and it's in pretty good shape.  That will give me the option to upgrade to a T-top in the future.

I'll probally change my mind again before it's all over, but oh well.  

[Mike Answeeney]

Since I'm getting the stringers and deck redone on my '73 222, any ideas on where to put a live bait well?  Should I even have one built in?

Anyone have good experiences with bait wells not built into the boat?

[LilRichard]

Mike, check out a leaning post livewell- something like what hammerhead makes:

www.hammerheadlivewells.com

45 gallons, and you can have a seat top buitl onto it.

[Mike Answeeney]

Yea, I've seen the stuff that Hammerhead does.  Nice wells but I'd rather have a bit more comfort in my leaning post.  I plan on some fishing but not as much to justify something that size.

I was thinking something long the inside corner of the transum that could double as a seat?

[LilRichard]

Mike- I wasn't suggesting just that type- there are several versions that all double as a leaning post- the reason being that 222's sit a little low in the rear, so any added weight back there can be a drawback.  Check this one out- it's probably more comfortable... just add a cushion to it and you're golden.

[Mike Answeeney]

That's nice, did you make that mold?

[scott_gunn]

There's some nice options here:

http://www.commandcenterseating.com/

(but they're pricey)

[LilRichard]

Actually Mike, no... I wish.  But that can be purchased for around $400-500 I think.  Same for the center console.

I can hook you up with James should you wish to pursue...  You have my number, right?