Hardtop

How is everyone?
I was wondering who would have any input on putting a hardtop on a 1989 V20 with a cuddy, that I have owned since new. I am interested in doing this to mine soon, but want to make sure I don't make any regrettable mistakes. Pictures of V20s with them would be great for ideas.
The boat is in Rhode Island, so if you know anyone that makes a quality product, not too many states away, let me know.

Thanks
JJBroc
Seventh Wave

[Blue_Runner]

Hello JJ, doing fine, how are you?

Our moderator Macojoe recently bought and installed a new top on his Sea Ox. If I remember correctly it wasn't a bad deal at all and I know he is very happy. I dug around and found the old link with pics. He'll probably be along shortly to fill in the details for you. He is in Mass, so I'm not sure exactly how close that is to you. Anyway, here it is:
http://www.wellcraftv20.com/communit...ead.php?t=9479

Thanks, liking that alot! Wish I knew if you could make it fit our V's though. I have seen a few in the RI area and left a couple of notes, but no one has got back to me yet.
JJBroc

[macojoe]

Thanks!!

That top was made by Atlantic Towers in NJ. http://www.atlantictowers.com/

Mine was $3000 with the extra adjustable rod holders, and the mounts for the electronic box. Delivered.

CB and I installed it in about 3 hours, pretty easy! They will make to your boats spec per Wellcraft, ship to you in one piece. You will need to cut the legs to your height, and mount with all hardware supplyed.

Sean also just installed a T Top on his center console from them.

I am very Very happy with mine!!

[bradford]

That honcho man known around these parts as Charlie the Tuna has a hardtop on his cuddy. Looks pretty good, but not as good as Charlie himself.

Macojoe/Bradford,
Lovin the look of your hard top Macojoe don't know if I can put that much into her right now. I am stuck between a rock and a hard place with this. Wife and two minnie meez need shade and I have no canvas left whatsoever. Don't want to waste money on getting canvas when I really want a hardtop.

Boy, I hope my kids are enjoying the way I am investing in their college tuition. I sure hope the value of these V20s keeps going up.

What did Charlie the Tuna do for a hard top?
JJBroc

[SkunkBoat]

I had mine made and installed at Shore Towers in Brick,NJ for $3200 with 6 rod holders and a 1 inch thick "honeycomb" top. I LOVE MY TOP but I'll pass along my only misgiving....
It is really strong, even OVERbuilt for what is needed. The guy said it would be strong enough to put a helm up there! He wasn't lying. But I'm not in Florida lookin' for weed lines.... I have done cannonballs from up there when the fluke don't bite.
He used 6 attaching points instead of 4.
The "problem" is that the windshield door can't open all the way to lay flat on the port side because it hits one of the legs of the frame. It goes just past half way so it will stay open except in a strong crosswind.
If you get one done, make sure you can lay the windshield open.

One of the uprights has a pass-through hole inside the welded connection to the tube that goes around the top, so you can snake wires to lights and antennae...Very important!

My plan was to get some Eisenglass for the front and sides. Honestly, I had that with my old bimini top and I always took it down. I like the wind and spray. And when it gets cold, coveralls are cheaper and easier to clean.

[RWilson2526]

that is one sweet top.....like the skunk flag by the way

[bradford]

Hey Skunk, Sweet hardtop! How much headroom do you have underneath it?

[SkunkBoat]

I've never measured but I'd say at least a foot at the helm and 6 inches under the rod holders. I'm 6 feet tall. These pix give you an idea of headroom. I have never bumped my head on this top. I can reach the rodholders but my shorter fishing buddys have a hard time.