T-top speed reduction?

[R Socey]

I was wondering about speed /fuel loss after I get a T-top installed. Are some tops more aero dynamic? I have a 25' that does about 45mph. Does anyone know, or want to guess - I wont know for awhile.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: T-top speed reduction?

I was wondering about speed /fuel loss after I get a T-top installed. Are some tops more aero dynamic? I have a 25' that does about 45mph. Does anyone know, or want to guess - I wont know for awhile.

it depends entirely on the boat... If you have a very light, efficient hull, (think bass boat), then a top of any sort is going to cause a speed loss. (yes, not many bass boats have a T-top, but the same applies for a bimini) If you have a hull that runs a low pitch prop, heavy, and lots of wetted surface area, then a t top isn't going to impact it much.

 

[NHGuy]

Re: T-top speed reduction?

It won't affect a 25'er too much. About as much as a change of wind direction.

 

[rallyart]

Re: T-top speed reduction?

Power loss due to aero drag is not great at 45 mph.

 

[robert graham]

Re: T-top speed reduction?

For what the T-top provides in protection from the sun and rain, it's worth a few MPH's in top speed!.....doubt you'd ever notice it on a 25' boat anyway! T-tops provide a great place to lean on/hang on during rough water also! I'd get it!

 

[R Socey]

Re: T-top speed reduction?

For what the T-top provides in protection from the sun and rain, it's worth a few MPH's in top speed!.....doubt you'd ever notice it on a 25' boat anyway! T-tops provide a great place to lean on/hang on during rough water also! I'd get it!

yea, not to mention the xtra storage, more rod holders, radar mount, antena mount, dome light etc, I was just wondering about
speed /fuel reduction - thanks to all!

 

[robert graham]

Re: T-top speed reduction?

Only way to know for sure is to check speed with GPS at WOT with and without the top. I know my Bimini slows me down some...probably more than a T-top would, since the Bimini is more like a big parachute catching the wind. A T-top could be pretty aerodynamic depending on all the equipment and stuff you have hanging on it!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: T-top speed reduction?

someone should design a T top with a little "spoiler" flair on the back. it won't make a bit of difference for speed/economy, but it would sell more T tops!

The typical boat, unlike cars, is not designed with aerodynamics in mind. It's like a convertible with the top down. Your boat is basically driving in city traffic, if you compare it to a car. Hydrodynamics are what matters.
In theory, a hard t-top would be better than canvas, but only in theory; how much difference does it make on a car, in city traffic, if it has a convertible top (closed), vinyl top (remember those?), roof racks or a smooth metal top?

 

[dingbat]

Re: T-top speed reduction?

It doesn't slow you down nearly as much as the waves

 

[mikeneal]

Re: T-top speed reduction?

I put a wakeboard tower on a 20' bowrider and it costs about 3 MPH on top end.