Has anyone added an aftermarket t-top?

[tall tails]

Hello, I am looking to put a t-top on my 21' DV Center Console. I had one all picked out and it looks like the company went out of business. Has anyone here had one made locally (MA/NH area) or purchased one and installed? Thanks in advance for any feedback. Pic off boat to be installed on.

 

[warthog5]

T Tops are expensive..... Aftermarket/ Fit all's are always a compromise and always look 2nd rate.
You should see how that CHINA alum Glows when they are welded on... It's weird. I wouldn't use one...I'd save my $

 

[pelagic2530]

I'd agree with Warthog. I've never yet seen one of the aftermarket, one-size-fits-most, buy on the internet models that actually looks good when installed.

Can't help you with a local top shop, but I can advise you not to go the other route.

 

[Inshore Chaser]

Hello, I am looking to put a t-top on my 21' DV Center Console. I had one all picked out and it looks like the company went out of business. Has anyone here had one made locally (MA/NH area) or purchased one and installed? Thanks in advance for any feedback. Pic off boat to be installed on.

Go with a custom fabricator, better product and only a few hundred dollars more. Mini T top below...not for everyone but wanted to make fly fishable. Done in NJ.

 

[warthog5]

only a few hundred dollars more.

It's more than that now. PCola,Fl. T tops start @ $4500 for something substantial.

 

[tall tails]

Thanks, all, for the feedback.. Problem is the custom fabrication stuff is way more than a few hundred dollars more. I have talked to two shops that called me back. One starts at $7,000 and the other at $8000. Just a hard top and frame, no accessories or rocket launchers. Hoping to find something in the middle somewhere. If I strike gold I will report back but I am not optimistic.

 

[Inshore Chaser]

Thanks, all, for the feedback.. Problem is the custom fabrication stuff is way more than a few hundred dollars more. I have talked to two shops that called me back. One starts at $7,000 and the other at $8000. Just a hard top and frame, no accessories or rocket launchers. Hoping to find something in the middle somewhere. If I strike gold I will report back but I am not optimistic.

Did you try pricing out a t top with stamiod fabric rather than.a hard top? Assume the hardtop feature is driving the price up.

 

[warthog5]

They start at $4500 here.

 

[offduty5]

Yup

 

[GW Performance Welding]

Hello, I am looking to put a t-top on my 21' DV Center Console. I had one all picked out and it looks like the company went out of business. Has anyone here had one made locally (MA/NH area) or purchased one and installed? Thanks in advance for any feedback. Pic off boat to be installed on.

As a few other have mentioned we would recommend not going with the one size fits all. I'm not saying this because we build custom tops but to save you from spending your money on something you probably won't be happy with in the long run. 7 to 8K seems high if they are doing a canvas or skin top. If they are doing a cored top, then you could spend that much on just the fiberglass alone. Like Warthog said for pricing should be about correct starting out wise.

Over the years we have seen a lot broken since they never fit correctly to the boat in order to make the universal.

It could hurt the resale valve of the boat if whoever is looking to buy it decides they want something that fits better they will have to have fiberglass work done to repair the holes that more than likely won't be where a custom builder would be mounting a new top.

I could list even more reasons but I'm sure you can understand where we are going with this. Just somethings to think about.

 

[scoggin0728]

I have owned Parkers with t-tops but have never had to have one made but I would first call Parker and ask them if they would give you the name of their fabricator and go from there. I doubt if Parker makes their own ,they probably use a shop near their plant in Havelock . The cost maybe than you want to pay but long run you will be happier with it .

 

[scoggin0728]

Parker Boats is located in Beaufort,N.C. not Havelock N.C .

 

[RedTaco]

Fishmaster
$1,600 includes canvass, rod holders, & lights. FoIds down for long tows. Looks great and works perfectly. Installed it with a buddy. No need to spend $4-5k, that’s ridiculous.

 

[rseate]

I have owned Parkers with t-tops but have never had to have one made but I would first call Parker and ask them if they would give you the name of their fabricator and go from there. I doubt if Parker makes their own ,they probably use a shop near their plant in Havelock . The cost maybe than you want to pay but long run you will be happier with it .

Hi-Speed Welding in Wilmington, NC fabs for Parker

 

[offduty5]

Atlantic Towers in New Jersey. I have no problem with it. $ 1600.00. Settled on this after a lot of research. Custom guys up here way to expensive and some just didn’t even call back. Works great on my 1800 going into my 5th year with it.

 

[tall tails]

Did you try pricing out a t top with stamiod fabric rather than.a hard top? Assume the hardtop feature is driving the price up.

Yes. Saves $1000-$1500 was all.

 

[tall tails]

Thanks everyone for the feedback, I appreciate it.

 

[tall tails]

Atlantic Towers in New Jersey. I have no problem with it. $ 1600.00. Settled on this after a lot of research. Custom guys up here way to expensive and some just didn’t even call back. Works great on my 1800 going into my 5th year with it.

Atlantic Towers in New Jersey. I have no problem with it. $ 1600.00. Settled on this after a lot of research. Custom guys up here way to expensive and some just didn’t even call back. Works great on my 1800 going into my 5th year with it.

Do you know if that is the "radius T-Top" you have there?

 

[SamR]

As others have said going custom would be my approach. I would look for welding shops that are not boat specific but do a lot of marine work (gangways, etc).

Chances are there is a welder in the shop that is looking for some side work, has a passion for boating/fishing and can use the shop after hours.

 

[tideridesc]

X2 Hi-Speed Welding. They added my top for the previous owner.