T-Top Questions

[Scoop Sea]

I'm looking at possibly putting a T-Top on my 05 SeaPro 2100SV, does anyone have any advice pertaining to this possible venture, i.e.:
Who to use locally (I'm in Wakulla, but local would be good from Apalach down to Perry and in between)?
Is it feasible to buy a used one and put it on?
Any features I should be looking for?
Price range for a basic set up?
Any cons to getting a T-top (I park my boat outside in the backyard so storage isn't a big issue).

Any advice from folks who have gone through this adventure would be appreciated.

In advance thanks.

[Redfin]

I have the same boat--- I bought a used one that was a close fit from Marine liquidators in Perry and had Gulf Coat modify it to fit. Added new canvas - saved me about $800 when I was done.

Gulf Coast Fab in Perry builds nice tops. I believe Yancy from there - gets on the forums at times.
Features- rod holder- electronic box, nav light, and antennae wired when installed. Leave cord to pull future wires. Spreader light.

[Scoop Sea]

I have the same boat--- I bought a used one that was a close fit from Marine liquidators in Perry and had Gulf Coat modify it to fit. Added new canvas - saved me about $800 when I was done.

Gulf Coast Fab in Perry builds nice tops. I believe Yancy from there - gets on the forums at times.
Features- rod holder- electronic box, nav light, and antennae wired when installed. Leave cord to pull future wires. Spreader light.

top.jpg

That must of been around the time I bought the boat cover from you a few years ago, how about I just keep up the tradition of taking your discards and buy your T-Top from ya....

[Badbagger]

T-Tops are great and have their place. IF your primary goal is shade, think hard before spending. Depending on the angle of your boat and the sun, shade can be hard to come by. When I had my G3, I installed a Fishmaster T-Top which has breakaways so it folds. It is NOT as easy and they purport it to be. This go round, I chose an oversize custom bimini. Cannot beat it for FULL shade. I had it made 6" taller than normal so we can easily stand under in on the rear deck. The straps are only a minimal issue and when not being used, I've got standoffs. For the purpose of SHADE, I'm VERY VERY happy as is the wife. I'd do it again in a minute.

[Carlabear]

I purchased a t top extender for my boat and love it! It went well with brackets that comes with it. This is easy to fish around and no straps in your way. We went bottom fishing and trollling and really made a difference in shade on the boat.

[Juan]

I have the same boat too.. I wanted a hard top and a fold down crow's nest for sight fishing.. I looked at a couple of used ones, but couldn't find one that I liked or one that would fit without a lot of modifications so I had mine built in P-cola so can't help with where to have one made between Apalach and Perry but I suspect cost may be similar... mine ran right at $2,300. built like I wanted it and out the door. That was several years ago and I still consider the top one of the best additions I've put on the boat. If you plan to get a hard top with rod holders, I'd suggest having the rod holders placed straight up... it makes them a lot easier to reach when straight up as opposed to at an angle when fishing from the top.
The pros FAR outweigh the cons in my opinion but I did lose about 2-3 mph at WOT with the additional weight and wind resistance, and I haven't tried using my fly rod on the boat since the top was installed but I suspect that might be an issue.
If you park it in the back yard, especially under trees, expect the canvas to get funky on top but a little bleach water now and then cures that.

You might ant to check out the Sea Pro boat owner's forum... there's some other T-top options and some good discussions on the topic there: http://seaproforum.proboards.com/

[Scoop Sea]

Thanks Juan for the heads up on the forum. Nice set up you have there.

[Salty Gator]

Get it, you won't be sorry. The only other con is that they make casting a little harder as they take up space, but the shade makes up for that IMO. Gulf coast fabricators did mine and it is great. I would make sure to get rocket launchers. I also had them make an area to store PFD's above my head. Like a T-bag but it is part of the main canvas. It looks better than a t bag and cleares up some storage. Personally, I wouldn't even consider a Bimini top, but that is just me. You can spent $1200-$1800 for a new top. Around $2250 and you can think about a crows nest. Good luck