This SUCKS

000's · #1 04-15-2015, 11:07 AM

Just thought I would share my story

I have seen several posts about putting a hard top on your boat, I think I even chimed in on a few. Found a top on Craig's list, hauled *** to buy it ,made a few modification ,new top 500 bucks in it, That's what IM talking n about.

Ok you know the old saying ,when its to good to be true it usually is.
Yep better believe it. Noticed a crack on the weld at the foot of the top ,no worries have a buddy that can hook me up, fixed, no worries. Year goes by crack again same weld, need a better welder. Went to a custom top fabricator (someone I know) the top is built all wrong, after a close inspection a lot of welds have cracked ,due to a poor design and too small of piping was used not enough supports etc.

Having a custom top built now 3200.00 ,that's what a real top costs.
Morale to the story DONT BE A CHEAP *** it will cost you more in the long run.

Just thought I would pass this along next time you see a top on Craig's list make sure you know what to look for in a hard top .Hopefully this wont happen to anyone else.

Vabeachin · #2 04-15-2015, 11:27 AM

That sucks about the top you had purchased. 3200 clams is slot to shell out for a custom top. I'm looking for a hard top to modify and fit on my 79 but now your post makes me wonder if that's the right move. Post some pics. Either if you can. I like skunks top a lot with the arch I think he said he added plates to span weak joints.

Kracker Jack · #3 04-15-2015, 11:46 AM

Va beachin just wanted say whats up. Im here in va beach also. That does suck about your top OOO'S. im getting ready to purchase a cheap stainless t top for my build but im gonna have my welder add gussets in a few spots.

000's · #4 04-15-2015, 12:34 PM

photo 1.jpg photo 2.jpg

The problem on the front is only one leg and way to far forward ,pipe is too small, on the back it should look like a ladder and the foot should be father back(so it can be larger) .

The fabricator said he sees a lot of tops built like this, the only ones that don't break are the ones that they don't use the boat.

Price should have been around 3500.00.My old mate knows him and has sent him a lot of business.

Other bad thing those curtains are strata glass, that really hurts. We hope the old curtains can be cut down ,because the front will not be as far forward, so they should be a little longer .If not That will Really suck ,that's almost as much as the top!!

RidgeRunner · #5 04-15-2015, 01:32 PM

Holy crap that thing looks like a Sportfisher with that top.. Get-er done

SkunkBoat · #6 04-15-2015, 06:45 PM

Mine was $3000 incl 4 welded rod holders. extra ones were $100 each, 10 years ago. So you need $2000 just for the rodholders!

Just a note... when you get one built, make sure you can open the windshield all the way without hitting a brace.
Take a look at mine. It's pretty solidly built and it still got cracks after 10 years. Just had brace plates added last year. There are a couple threads here and you can look at my Albums here.

Kracker Jack · #7 04-15-2015, 06:51 PM

U

Kracker Jack · #8 04-15-2015, 06:55 PM

Im intrested in buying that top when you remove it. I really would like a gunwale to gunwale top like that on my cc. Im looking for a donor platform to modify and customize to my boat. You not to far from me either i would be willing to help you remove it also.

Vabeachin · #9 04-15-2015, 07:46 PM

That top does look sick on the v. Kracker what's up man I checked out your build you do some killer work. I'm gonna pull my cap and redo mine this winter if I like the way it handles this summer. I assume your down the county somewhere I'm up at the oceanfront maybe I'll see you out or we can get up and do some fishing this summer side we are both vb boys.

step up here · #10 04-15-2015, 07:57 PM

My top was made and installed by a top fabricator in Virgina about a guess of 25 years ago. Their is still a decal on the starboard rear lower leg, I think Fishmaster may have had it done along with the full enclosure. I bought the boat from CTT who was reasonable and great to deal with! (Really).
Marc should know a little more about the history of the boat, but I could tell you as of about five years ago. This top to this day has not one crack or kink or hole in it. Yes its still 100% clean!!! Now I installed Lee heavy duty T-Top outrigger holders,with aluminum brackets custom made to the top rail threw the hardtop without a crack or twist in the bracket or a split or crack in the hardtop. Also have Taco 16' heavy duty Doubled rigged outriggers, that take a beating when up and being used. If you look closely to the picture you can see the two rod holders in the picture. When these are trolling lures especially spreader bars they take a punishment and still stay together. I pull a spread of eight rods around the thirty fathom line and a little beyond so anyone fishing out their knows how good your equipment should be. Sometimes this little boat should not be out in conditions like that but if you don't bend the rules you may not win!Skunk boat is correct about the port window touching the support leg when open; but it doesn't effect you from going to the bow when open. I don't suggest running with it open.
I run this as hard as possible but am not stupid with it as am 68 years old and the top is still perfect!Attached Thumbnails