"T" top

[limeydal]

Ever heard of anyone putting a T top on a rib console successfuly?
I considered a regular arch on my rib but wanted the back clear for fishing.
So saw adverts for T tops for regular centre console fishing boats.
I do not intend to do any rough water "adventures", but was still concerned about if they would take the beating!
Seemed as though a canvas top(have seen fibreglass also) would give some shade and with a solid bar across could provide mounting for ariels/GPs etc.
Anyone have experience on this?
cheers Dal

[rene van es]

hi dal,
I have got a t-top on my zodia pro open 650. I haven't been able to do some serious testing. But the previous owner removed the cavas because he had to much lift. I vised some kite sites and saw that a kite of 2 m2 produces a lift of ca 100 kg in a windforce of 4-5.
If I then look at the contruction on the pic I think you have to be careful.

greetings rene

[UKPOWERBOAT]

Hi

I have a T'Top on my Bombard Rib 7.3m and so far touch wood have not had a trouble with it, even at speed. It is very rugged but does a good job.

[rene van es]

hi, nauty buoy
What is the total weight of your boat and engine?
Do you even at high speed have no trouble with the T-Top? The previous owner of my boat claimed that the boat became slightly in unbalance when the boat came out of the water. This due to the lift he got from his T-Top.

greetings rene

[UKPOWERBOAT]

Hi

The weight of the boat is about 670kgs plus outboard at 215 kgs plus fuel which is a central 200 litre tank. I cannot say i have really noticed any lift, but then I often have about 4 people on board and a full tank of fuel which I rarely let drop to below half a tank. I will run the fuel down a bit lower, I am out most of next weekend on my rib so will try it out with less fuel also there will only be the two of us on it.

regards

Richard

[jwalker]

Here you go. It was successful but always cold.

[rene van es]

richard,
The weight of your combination is about the same as mine (pro open 650 + 150 optimax) even the construction looks the same The only difference is the amount of fuel ( max 120 litre). So I am very curious about your results specialy on high speeds.

greetings rene

[limeydal]

Thanks to all who replied;I can look into this a little further now as I was afraid it would be out of the question.
Rene,you brought up a point with lift though, that I hadnt considered,so will be interested to check that out more.
Mauri buoy-you have a very solid looking set up there.Was it custom made for you or available from a supplier?
jwalker -the larger size of yours would I have thought exagerated any lift issues,so if you have had no problems then maybe it would work for me.
Seems from the photo yours is supported at the back as well as the front.(Hadnt thought of that approach, but probably safer for the larger tops)
I had toyed with the idea of making a t top framework with almost a "roller shade "type canvas that could be deployed once anchored.That way I could eat my snack and fish in comfort!
Will get out the drawing board and put some sketches down on paper.
Have to do something while waiting for my new boat!
Thanks again,
cheers Dal

[rene van es]

dal,
The T-Top on mine boat is a standard accessoir of zodiac. If you want to I can make some detail pic's.

greetings rene

[limeydal]

Rene,
that would be great if not too much trouble.
I checked out the zodiac website but couldnt find any T tops.
Seems if they are a regular accessory for zodiac you would expect them to be able to take the abuse in rough water. Will be interesting to see any photos (or if you do find a link to a website)
cheers Dal