Dimensions of original 1974 22-2 center console?

[BTF112989]

Hey everybody!

I have found a super cheap stainless steel center console t-top in pretty decent shape that I am considering purchasing. It's nearly impossible to find one like this used & in east Tennessee, so I want it if it will fit. Does anyone know the length & width of an original 22-2 console? The dimensions of the top for sale are 41" wide, 43" wide, and 7' tall.

Will this top fit the bill or do I need to continue the search?

Also, I searched & could only find the dimensions for a 19-6 console. The boat is 140 miles away from my current location right now, so if anyone knows the dimensions that would be great!

Thanks,
Ben

[gran398]

Hey everybody!

I have found a super cheap stainless steel center console t-top in pretty decent shape that I am considering purchasing. It's nearly impossible to find one like this used & in east Tennessee, so I want it if it will fit. Does anyone know the length & width of an original 22-2 console? The dimensions of the top for sale are 41" wide, 43" wide, and 7' tall.

Will this top fit the bill or do I need to continue the search?

Also, I searched & could only find the dimensions for a 19-6 console. The boat is 140 miles away from my current location right now, so if anyone knows the dimensions that would be great!

Thanks,
Ben

Ben,

Do believe they are the same, but will measure the old one off my 73 this morning and post back.

If you don't have a 22-2 console, you can have this one for shipping. Its in decent shape.

[Capt Matt]

If the price is right on the T-top you can always get a little cutting/wielding done on it to make it fit.
Capt matt

[BTF112989]

I believe the console I have is the original.  Here are some old pictures that show my console:


Thanks for all of the help guys!

I need to see what type of shape its in in person & how I would need to modify it.  May go take a look this weekend.

-Ben

[gran398]

1973 22-2 console: 41.5 long, 40 wide

[BTF112989]

Thanks for those dimensions! The deal on the t-top ended up falling through. It was too good of a price to stay around for very long & someone else bought it before I could go look at it. I am trying to decide if I would want to buy a folding t-top(strykker, fishmaster, birdsall, or custom-built), so I could still fit my boat into a garage. That's if the garage could fit a 27' boat/trailer overall length. If I can't even fit the whole package in a garage length-wise, I might as well find a good, used non-folding t-top.

I'm just trying to decide if a t-top is worth all of the benefits, or more of a hassle for storing, putting on a covered boat lift, putting on a boat cover, etc.

Tennessee isn't the best place to try & find a used t-top, or to get a new t-top built.

I will continue my search!

Thanks guys!
-Ben

[gran398]

Ben, tops are great, terrific protection from the elements.

Gone Fission installed a new folding top on his 222 CCP, it is really attractive, and you would never know it folded to look at it. Reasonably priced too.

He'll be on to tell you the brand he purchased.

[Capt Matt]

good sun protection and rod storage, not so much fun to fish around though, Grew up with a mako 23 with a t-top and was forever banging and even breaking rods on it.
Capt Matt

[slvrlng]

Gone Fission got a Fishmaster. They are willing to deal if you come and pick up from them. They are located right by Lake Lanier in Cumming Ga.

[BTF112989]

Yeah, I saw Gone Fission's boat on the Fishmaster customer photos page. I like the fishmaster because it is made of 2" tubing, but I wish it had just a few more little things to make it look just a little more heavy duty. I like having grabrails on t-tops & I wish it had some supports under the top that run bow to stern instead of just having supports running port to starboard. The birdsall top has these supports running bow to stern, however the cost is significantly more. I would also get an electronics box to go underneath the top for radio, gps, fishfinder, etc. It's good to know they are willing to deal on the price if I pick it up. I go down to Atlanta fairly often, so that would be good.

I also thought about Capt. Matt's side of it all too. I could see a t-top getting in the way a lot of the time. I was looking at towers for the boat too eventually. I don't know how far along that would be in the future, but I saw a t-top type thing with a 4' tower coming out the top of it. That seems like the best of both worlds.

So do yall prefer t-top, tower, or the classic look of just the console?

[gran398]

Check out the third photo...this is Fitz's beautiful '73 22-2. Probably pretty close to what you are considering.

Very functional, very attractive.

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=7133

[BTF112989]

Fitz's t-top is exactly what I was talking about & what I would like to have! It's a t-top most of the time with the ability to be a tower when you need it. I'm guessing the tower part is removable when needed for trailering? It is also the design that I like with the railing underneath the main t-top frame. I'm guessing that top is custom made?

How much does it usually cost for a top to be custom fabricated? If a top like fitz's is in the >$2500 range, the fishmaster will be a lot more attractive.

[Capt Matt]

If your going with a tower get controls up there, Its just one more tool to catch more fish. Once you have rode a boat with a tower you will have to have one. A used tower is always a option, the dual station controls do get expensive quick though
Capt Matt

[fitz73222]

Fitz's t-top is exactly what I was talking about & what I would like to have! It's a t-top most of the time with the ability to be a tower when you need it. I'm guessing the tower part is removable when needed for trailering? It is also the design that I like with the railing underneath the main t-top frame. I'm guessing that top is custom made?

How much does it usually cost for a top to be custom fabricated? If a top like fitz's is in the >$2500 range, the fishmaster will be a lot more attractive.

The tower folds down for trailering or low bridges and has a support while it's folded down. The tower was custom built for the original console as you can see. It is one of a kind as far as I know. You crawl up on steps through the forward seat area and has a U shaped zip out canvas that allows you to access the top platform. It holds two people standing up inside the super structure and I can't keep people out of it when cruising. It's really great up there. The main purpose is for spotting Cobia and allows the guests to interact during the hunt or just hang when easing along at dusk with a libation at that 27mph sweetspot ride. I can't lay claim to the design; the previous owner whom I've known since I was a kid had the tower built to his specifications when the new engines were installed in '95. What's cool is the electronics box location at chest high. You can watch whats going on with nav system and bottom reading while resting on top of the box so you can glance at the electronics and still pan while you are running. The system works well for the application and is built like a brick chit house. To replace it today would be any ones guess but I would think you could be there for $3K. If you want to dive into detail I can send more pics if you like. It's really a great attribute to the boat and I never stop getting complements about it. I just reskinned the canvas and had a custom Tbag built so I'm really happy.

[BTF112989]

I would love to see additional pictures if you have any readily available!  I like it more each time I look at that picture. I just like having the ability to have a tower up there if needed.  The tower is tempting too, but I wouldn't have as much use for it in Tennessee as yall do in Florida.  I would want to have a tower with controls on the top & go all out for it if I'm having a tower fabricated anyway.  Unless I could find a used one.  Does anyone the ballpark price of a tower with controls on the top?  I'm thinking the t-top may be more practical for my application, but it would be an awesome feeling to drive on top of a tower too.

-Ben