T-Top Installation

[DBLD]

Hello,<br /><br />I have a '75 19 foot Mako center console. I want to purchase and install a T-Top. <br /><br />I know nothing about how to do this - can anyone shed any light on the topic? Is is as easy as bolting the T-top to the side of the center console? Or do I need to somehow bolt it to the deck too? If I bolt to the deck, I don't think I can get underneath to anchor a bolt with a nut - can I screw it into the deck?<br /><br />I want to make sure I do this right because I don't want a little wind to blow my T-top off, taking the center console with it and leaving a hole in my deck!<br /><br />Thanks for your help!

 

[JerseyJim]

Re: T-Top Installation

you are going to definately have to bolt it to the deck...perhaps even a combination of through the deck and to the console.<br /><br /> THIS i do *not* know how to do. Every boat with t/tops or rocket launchers that I have had were either installed when i wasnt there or were already there when we bought the boat.<br /><br />let the group know how you make out with that t-top and how much it costs, etc.

 

[DBLD]

Re: T-Top Installation

Yeah, I was afraid that I would have to attach it to the deck. The boat is so small, there is no room to get in under the deck through the bilge area under the console.<br /><br />So I have no means of access to get any sort of a backing plate under the areas where the T-Top's feet would mount onto the deck.<br /><br />This could take a little planning - I will let you know how I do. <br /><br />If anyone else has any tips, I'm glad to hear 'em!<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[DBLD]

Re: T-Top Installation

Hi,<br /><br />I have learned quite bit about T-tops and installation since first posting my question - thought I'd share what I learned.<br /><br />The T-top's feet must be secured to the deck. Generally, t-top manufacturers use screws to secure the feet, but they also use a healthy amount of 5200 adhesive to keep the feet in place.<br /><br />The t-top also has mounting surfaces that attach the console. Here, you drill holes through the console and thru-bolt the top to the console. I think a good idea would be to put some sort of backing plate on the inside of the console to distribute the load a little bit.<br /><br />That should do it. Now I just have to find a top and put it in.<br /><br />I'm debating between a custom made top for my boat vs. a pre-fabricated top that can be fit to my boat. The custom made top is almost twice the cost. <br /><br />I've gotta get this top on there before I cook in the summer sun!

 

[JerseyJim]

Re: T-Top Installation

who makes the pre-fab top? any urls? i have a t-top on my boat that the previous owner fabricated himself (did a pretty goddamned good job actually) but I always like the look of polished/bright aluminum.

 

[DBLD]

Re: T-Top Installation

Hi Jim,<br /><br />Check out this site - I found it to be the best price around. Also, I called them and they stand behind their product - claim it is the best t-top in the market. If I do buy the pre-fab, I think I'll use them. <br /><br /> http://www.marinehardwarefabric.com/boat-t-tops.html <br /><br />Also,if you go to www.google.com and just search under "t-top boat" you get a ton of hits and many of them are pre-fab producers who sell to the public.<br /><br />I may go with a local guy who custom makes them because after I consider the cost of shipping the pre-fab top, plus the time it would take me to install it, the custom job is only a couple of hundred more.<br /><br />Hope this link helps you out!

 

[rage]

Re: T-Top Installation

As far as bolting to the deck they do make "anchors" fot lack of actual term that allows you to drill through deck, install anchor, and screw intoi anchor. Holds really well and not that expensive. I have 4 holding dow fron of entire back seat that hinges and have yet to have any problems. Most marine stores have these.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: T-Top Installation

i have a custom hardtop on my 20' cc. it is infact bolted to the deck and console. bit of advise- if you get a top with an electronics box, have the guy run several power lines through the chase going from your console to the box. makes it much easier when you put electronics in the box. also make sure he leaves room in the chase- i spent 3 hrs yesterday trying to get a gps antenna line from the box down to the unit.