HOME MADE T-TOP - The Hull Truth

shark bait · 03-04-2003, 08:05 PM

I want to put a t-top on my sea hunt 172 as soon as it comes in.But I don't have 1,400.00 plus dollars to plunk down on one...Thought I could maybe weld one up myself out of one inch stainless tubing.Think it will be too flimsy, and too much of a risk? or has it been done before. I have a MIG. and a TIG. at home, and are pretty good at welding. I've heard of some bad t-top stories in the archieves and don't want to make a big mistake. Anyone have some suggestions?

strikerthree · 03-04-2003, 08:11 PM

1 inch might to small i would try 1 1/2- 1 3/4 and make sure to bolt it to something soild on the baot like the floor and not the sides of the console

Never - Satisfied · 03-04-2003, 09:54 PM

Shark Bait,
The first concern that I thought of is the weight of the stainless steel tubing versus the weight of aluminum that T-Tops are usually made of. I would think the stainless would weigh considerable more.

Tight Lines
Never - Satified (Harry)

smellsfishy · 03-04-2003, 10:23 PM

Check out this thread. Some pretty good points were brought up.
Thread

Asport222 · 03-05-2003, 01:23 AM

unless u are absolutely sure, don't desecrate your investment w/ an experiment, enjoy the boat, wait til next year

pimpin aint ez · 03-05-2003, 06:37 AM

I agree with Aqua.

Dont destroy your boat with a home made POS. I know you may be able to weld, but have you ever polished out stainless welds? Have you ever tigged stainless tubing? It is a bitch.

Have you ever welded anodized aluminum? If you haven't then you are in for a suprize.

Spend the money for a custom. Your boat will look like the boats you laugh at when you are out in the water if you dont.

If it ain't broke don't fix it.

gw204 · 03-05-2003, 06:56 AM

Way ahead of you man....

http://userpages.umbc.edu/~bmille4/s...projects3.html

Go with aluminum. Cheaper, lighter and just as strong.

http://userpages.umbc.edu/~bmille4/sirreel/index.html

reelgator · 03-05-2003, 08:55 AM

In my opinion a 17 foot boat is about 6 feet too short for a t-top. It will only get in your way. Even if trolling and you set the hook your rod will probably hit the rear ot the top. Been there and done that and got rid of it Quick.

aquasport17 · 03-05-2003, 10:13 AM

reelgator...i think a 17 is just fine for a t-top if it's designed properly.

sharkbait...dont waste your time unless you are a proffesional welder.

Heres a pic of a fastech top on my old 17 aquasport. look like it's in the way?

kahunaoftuna · 03-05-2003, 10:43 AM

If you go to Mako.com, you will find a tread to a Marine Mart? in Fla, they have new TTOPs they bought from manufacturers when models change. If you have the dimensions you need, you may get lucky and pick one up for cheap.

27"6" Albin CConsole, img http://www.fishingworks.com/Users/Us...ges/myboat.jpg

jtburf · 03-05-2003, 01:03 PM

It depends on how you fish Trolling/ bottom they dont get in the way Casting you will hang up on it all the time . Get a bimini top and that way you can have it up and use but still lay it down and not have it in the way something T tops dont provide is shade ...John

reelgator · 03-05-2003, 03:04 PM

Certainly don't mean to start an arguement - but my opinion hasn't changed. To each his own.