Stryker and Dolphin T Tops

zip · 29 September 2015, 14:07

I'm looking for an alternative to spending 3-4K for a custom T Top.
It looks like a pre fab might be the way to go.
The biggest issue is probably gong to be finding one that will allow me to lift open my engine cover. I have an I/O.

A couple of guys at my marina suggested Stryker and Dolphin.

Any recommendations?

cgoing · 29 September 2015, 21:30

A friend of mine has a Stryker and loves it. he ended up modifying it and mounting to the console instead of the deck when he changed consoles. Actually last I checked Stryker had a photo of his red Zodiac on their site.

zip · 30 September 2015, 05:45

There is still a pick of a red inflatable on their site.

I never thought about mounting the t top right to the console instead of the deck.
It would be an easier install, but a heck of a lot more weight for me to lift when opening engine cover.

ncp · 30 September 2015, 06:01

Atlantic Towers offered custom removable stantions to brace to the console.

Stryker won't do anything special. What comes off the boat from China is what you get. Also Google for quality issues reported with Stryker.

With that said, I like the styling of Stryker over Atlantic Towers.

You should be able to get those for $1000-$1200 with a DIY install.

Pacific Yacht Towers in Vista is (approx) $1850 base, $250 for canvas, and $150 for installation (or skip that and DIY). Just a good comparison.... And they are full custom with tubing bent to the lines of your console, etc.

If you do go custom, remember, every tweak & upgrade is $$$.... You could easily go from $2100 ($1850+$250) to $3500 in a heartbeat.

Bigtalljv · 30 September 2015, 07:37

The stainless guy up here did a small top on a 733 mounted to the handrail and sized so you can still flip the console before he did mine. PM me if you want his info. He's a bit more affordable than down south. He dies travel down south to do work. I think he's originally from Ventura.

Jason

zip · 13 October 2015, 14:16

Jason,

Thanks for the referral, but my top is going to have a fair amount of weight on it, so it would probably be best if deck mounted.
I expect the quality to not be the greatest if I do go with a Stryker, but I am more concerned about the customer service. I saw quite a few negative reviews online regarding shipping/delivery issues. I contacted Stryker and was informed the top is in stock and ready to be shipped, but the canvas has to be made, which would take 2-3 weeks.

zip · 13 October 2015, 19:40

Quote from local shop is $3K for anodized aluminum versus pre fab Chinese for $900.

jyasaki · 13 October 2015, 23:21

Be careful with aluminum - if there isn't enough bracing, you get vibration (penduluming), which will quickly weaken aluminum tube.

jky

zip · 14 October 2015, 03:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyasaki

Be careful with aluminum - if there isn't enough bracing, you get vibration (penduluming), which will quickly weaken aluminum tube.

jky

Wouldn't you get that with any material you use?

Since my center is movable, I would imagine the braces would have to be able to be removed to lift the console.

I saw one on a 733 where he just had a couple of rubber wedges stuffed in between the tubing and the console.

zip · 15 October 2015, 15:46

I think I'm gonna hold off for awhile.
I know you get what you pay for, and SS is probably what I should go with.
If I have a T top, windlass, and seat made, plus adding radar, I could easily hit $10K, and I'm not ready to spend that after 1 month of ownership.

jyasaki · 15 October 2015, 16:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by zip

Wouldn't you get that with any material you use?

You would, to a degree, but aluminum doesn't flex too many times before catastrophically failing. SS deals with flex a lot better (and is stiffer, so you get less flex to begin with.)

jky

Bigtalljv · 15 October 2015, 22:12

You might be over thinking the metal. If it was a big concern you see t-tops flying off all over the place.

zip · 17 October 2015, 13:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigtalljv

You might be over thinking the metal. If it was a big concern you see t-tops flying off all over the place.

HA! HA! Good point.

jyasaki · 04 November 2015, 17:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigtalljv

You might be over thinking the metal. If it was a big concern you see t-tops flying off all over the place.

I'll get a pic of my arch, which has failed twice (that's twice on either side) from repeated flexing of the aluminum tube (2"? 2.5"?) It's currently left broken, but located with an ABS surround taped in place, and a couple of ratchet straps to hold the broken ends together.

jky

h2ohunter · 08 May 2016, 06:10

I just had a local shop install a Fisherman's T top on my Bombard RIB. Very solid construction, a bit of a hassle as they had to move my center console to leave room for the support legs, but it came on nice. 1200 and some change. Also had a local company spray Line X Berliner on floor to cover up fade marks from old location of console. Looks like a new boat.