T-top mock up

[Bigtalljv]

Here is the mock up of my future t-top. 4'x6'. Will have radar, gps antenna, vhf antenna, nav lights, deck lights....

The local guy works in stainless and that might be handy and we are considering attaching it to the existing console rails. He just did that for another Williard in Santa Barbara

Jason

[biffer]

[kerny]

I bet a T top fitted on a small rib would look pretty cool

Has it ever been done anyone ??

[biffer]

Er mm yes

[kerny]

Originally Posted by biffer

Er mm yes

Good to know ... any pics biffer

[biffer]

Somewhere yes. I'll have a look. They are on an old phone. It was a 7metre boat but a smallish console. I posted it on here ages ago. It was done in black with bolster seating. If I can't get the pics I know where the boat is

[kerny]

I know that it would be very Blingy Bling but a smaller version on a 5.4 if it could be done.... would look unusual I know..... but cool.

[Bigtalljv]

Cool. I realized mine looks a bit goofy in one aspect, I'm 6'7" so it sits up a bit higher than most. I think I can drop it an inch or two.

The trailer I have sits the boat up high so the overall trailer height is sort of an issue, I'm going to be within a foot of max, 12' high or so on the trailer with the radome

Jason

[jumpinjack]

in the for sale section = one with the T top
http://www.rib.net/forum/f21/7-5-met...0-a-62550.html

[ncp]

[QUOTE=Bigtalljv;621921I'm going to be within a foot of max, 12' high or so on the trailer with the radome
[/QUOTE]

I think that you can go up to 14' in California. And remember, you're "overwidth" and need a permit to tow! ($90/yr - I'll admit, mine lapsed last Oct)

Here are some Navy pics. I saved them because they just went off the console.

When the new thingy get mounted on the transom bracket?

[Bigtalljv]

Yeah, 14' is max but I wanted some safety margin, as much as I could get.

I saw that top on the auction. That one folds I think. It harder with the diesel still under the console as it all needs to tilt, not a problem for me.

Outboard guy was working on ordering rigging today but was having part number issues with Suzuki. Hopefully Friday but probably not till next week. The new motor has been sitting in the yard for three weeks. Killing me.....

Jason

[Bigtalljv]

Actually California regs say 13' 6" as recommended max with an absolute max of 14' and a requirement that you pay attention to low obstacles. The radome is 11" so I'll be just around 12', maybe 12' 6" with a bit of a riser so I can carry stuff up there

I'm not crazy about the trailer as I think it carries the boat a foot higher than other styles.

Jason

[jumpinjack]

Bimini and console rib fishing boat | Waterlooville | Gumtree

Nothing to do with me but on Gumtree

[Bigtalljv]

Probably a bit much to ship it across the pond but good to see somebody else has done similar.

I'm not looking at too much more than that for custom fabrication. As I have said before, as long as i like what the fabricator wants to do it will all be good

[jefflee2k]

I had a T-top on a 5.4 meter Avon. I liked the shade but not the extra wind drag. It also put a lot of extra stress on the deck. I actually discovered that I had a soft spot in the deck when the whole console went airborne at 70mph going down the highway. After putting in a new deck, I kept the T-top for a while longer, only with some breathable sun shade fabric, but eventually went back to a smaller console altogether to gain more deckspace.

[Bigtalljv]

Good points. I have another 2 meters so I have some more space. Also we are looking at attaching the top to the console only to save floor space. The fabricator doesn't think I need to but I think we should tie it internally to the old Diesel engine mounts. Your story makes me think I should push for that. With electronics it's a good chunk of change riding up there.

Jason

[jefflee2k]

If you've already got the tie in points, may as well. I'm sure the fabricator knows what he is talking about, and the console should support it, but you have to think of the T-top as a giant lever attached to a sail. The it can generate a lot of torque that could lead to tiny cracks in the fiberglass and eventually give water a place to work its way in and maybe lead to delamination.

If you fish, it is nice to be able to have the rod holders and electronics up there. You may also need to tweak the pitch of your prop once you get it installed. I lost 2 mph on the top end, but I have a lot less power than you do.