Alternative T-tops

[daniel123]

A while ago (last Fall?) there was a discussion here regarding alternative T-top designs, including one that was supported off the console. I thought I bookmarked the site for that, but cannot locate it. Can anyone help?  

I had the '72 170 down Capt Matt's way in Pine Island Sound last week for it's maiden voyage and he gave me advice that allowed my wife, son and I to catch a mess of trout pretty much anytime we needed a meal. The 17 footer was perfect for those waters and, except to some low-speed issues and stalling with the rebuilt 1993 Johnrude 115, the rig ran great and turned plenty of heads from those who appreciate classic center consoles and Aquasports in particular.

Daniel123

[bmozz]

i actually started the discussion. here is the link viewtopic.php?f=1&t=7931#p61834

i actually haven't put one on yet. i was actually thinking of possibly getting this https://www.ttopsetc.com/Stryker_Tops.html
or http://www.atlantictowers.com/products_tiab.php

[seabob4]

Keep in mind that a console supporting a top HAS to be beefed up considerably at least at the attachment points, if not entirely.  Tops exert a lot of force when under way at a good clip.

An alternative is to buy a standard top where the feet go to the floor, getting some plexus, covering the bottom of the mounting feet with Plexus, then lagging the top into the floor.  At Proline, we wanted to put a leaning post on a Pro-Lite 20 that no way in hell could be t/bolted.  So my fellow engineer and I did exactly as described above.  Let the plexus cure entirely (overnight), then picked the back end of the boat up from the leaning post...no problems.  We then removed all the lag screws and repeated the process.  Let the boat hang there, supported by plexus alone.  If not for our production manager really wrestling with the transom, that boat would probably still be hanging there...