T-Top or No T-Top?

[JGH]

Just got used 25' center console, which came with a factory T-top. If I were buying new, I'd probably skip the T-top because I almost only fly fish -- seems like it would get in the way and it hinders vertical rod storage. So now I'm considering getting rid of the T-top. What do fly fishers out there (especially those with T-tops) think -- should I keep it or or go topless? Thanks

[jrzfly]

I recently purchased a boat with T-top, I have been faced with the same dilema you have. I fished this fall with the T-top and it did not really get in the way.

Anybody have some pictures out there with custom radar mounts on CC without T-tops?

[JGH]

Thanks. I've seen a few CCs with radar mounted on a pole attached to the side of the console. Looks a little funny, but probably gets the job done.

[mendy]

We've been really happy with the custom radar arch made for the new McKee at Fastech in Plymouth.

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa103/john_mendelson/F223.jpg
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa103/john_mendelson/F222.jpg
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa103/john_mendelson/F221.jpg

[JGH]

Boy, that is a sweet set-up. Do you have vertical fly rod storage?

[NMB]

my boat is a 21' center console with a t-top. i fly fish almost exclusively. it never gets in the way and actually adds to storage space.(i store my rods in tubes fastened horizentally to the inside of the t-top, and have cinch straps on the t-top for storage of other things.

[mendy]

Thanks. No vertical flyrod storage on the boat. We have room for 8 spin rods in vertical racks and 8 flyrods under the gunwales.

[JGH]

my boat is a 21' center console with a t-top. i fly fish almost exclusively. it never gets in the way and actually adds to storage space.(i store my rods in tubes fastened horizentally to the inside of the t-top, and have cinch straps on the t-top for storage of other things.

Do you happen to have any pictures of this rigging? Would love to see it. Thanks.

[riptide]

If your going to have ANY pipework done I give a BIG thumbs up to Brian at Fastech in Plymouth as well!!!!

[sagamoron]

I would also recomened Fas-Tec, they did some repairs for us and Brain was fast and came in right at his estimate.

Regarding the T-Top. We have one on our 21 CC and although it does present some challenges when casting, I think being able to get out of the sun and have some shelter from Rain is a fair trade off.

[JoeA]

Last year I bought a 23 seacraft without a t top. After one season of about 20-25 days out I bought a t top and would never go out for more than a couple hours with out one. There were some days that I literally felt sick from being in the sun. Once in July I came home so burnt from the sun I was almost unconscious. Don't take that t top off. You will definatly regret it. Also skin cancer can develop at young ages because of the depleting ozone layer. Kentfab engineering in hanover made mine and they do excellent work. They are a very professional firm which does exceptional work.

[Bob Parsons]

Since I have only a 17' boat... my t-top is a bit small..

[tommat]

I have never been a big fan of T-Tops..The only ones I do like are the ones that are built smaller then the norm.

[Slamdance]

Here are some other T-Top alternatives similar to Mendy's . Most of these are from Fas-Tec as well.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh182/slamdancecharter/T-Tops/DSC_0333.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh182/slamdancecharter/T-Tops/DSCN0015.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh182/slamdancecharter/T-Tops/20070601_IMG_0148.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh182/slamdancecharter/T-Tops/20070713_IMG_0219.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh182/slamdancecharter/T-Tops/boat1.jpg

[RogerStg]

Just got used 25' center console, which came with a factory T-top. If I were buying new, I'd probably skip the T-top because I almost only fly fish -- seems like it would get in the way and it hinders vertical rod storage. So now I'm considering getting rid of the T-top. What do fly fishers out there (especially those with T-tops) think -- should I keep it or or go topless? Thanks

On small boats ~ 20', I generally don't like them. On bigger hulls I think they add too much function to not have one.

On a practical note, since you already have one you can use it for a year and then make up your own mind.

[teflon_jones]

Having a T-top gives you a lot of advantages and very few disadvantages. The increased storage and the shade they provide are enough reason for me to always get one.

[NMB]

sorry jgh, but i don't have any pictures and the boat is in storage for the winter. i will be doing some work on it in lat feb/early march and can take some pictures then. if this is not too lat just send me a reminder.

[JGH]

Thanks for the advice. Love those smaller t-tops in the pictures. I think I'll keep it for the year and see how it works out.

[JGH]

One more follow-up on this topic....I was at the Marlborough show on Friday, and stopped by the i-fly rod holder booth....the guy showed me a t-top rigged with holes cut-out for the rod tips (when the rods are stored vertically on the console)....the holes in the t-top are ringed in plastic. Interesting idea.

[jrzfly]

Thanks for the Pics guys!!!!:)

[Eddy Merckx]

.the guy showed me a t-top rigged with holes cut-out for the rod tips

A few t-top manufacturers sell these. Birdsall has one that comes with a plastic plug so rain doesn't come through when the rod isn't stowed through the grommet. Listed as 't-top bushings' on the birdsall site.