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.