Incorporating it into the gunnels would give you more space inside and shed most of the water overboard. IIRC -Hawaii seems to have their share of pilothouse boats. I love them for their function and their looks.
The Everglades boats I have seen lately have a lot of stylish glass around the T-top making for a nice enclosure, most all I have seen are powder coated and flawless.
img_4e664ddc25458_9.jpg
img_4e663fd67b55e_35.jpg