Please guys don’t shoot the new guy but I have a question concerning modifying an existing T-Top on a boat.
I have a Pioneer 197sf that I would like to store in a shop instead of in the yard under a canvas. Shop ceiling clearance I have is 9ft 3in but boat needs 11ft 6in to clear.
Is there any good metal fabricators out there that could modify or have modified a top where it can be lifted off or folded down so it would clear the ceiling? Ceiling joist are as high as they can go and just didn’t want to have to build/rebuild the shop to make it work.
Paging Happy Bob…
Bob Van Gundy
Marine Designs,Inc.
Custom Aluminum Fabrication
803-727-4069
'06 Mckee Craft
184 Marathon
DF140 Suzuki
steve cramer welding in georgetown/choppee area.
steve cramer 843 546 6555
has done all my custom aluminum work… all has come out better than expected…
custom leaning post+ gaf/landing net holder
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custom t-top bracing+rod holders
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my t-top has a t-bag with no straps… he put bracing in and mounts… along with a flat structure for my e-box. everything is super tight and built to help brace my t-top.
my next trip to him is a new bow rail+rod holders and mount for a cutting station.
I have built both folding and removable T-tops(and poling platforms), but both styles were built from scratch for their specific purpose. To do such modifications on an existing t-top would be possible, but it would have to be done right to keep the structural integrity of the top intact. Other things to consider: Wiring would have to be long enough to allow the top to fold or spliced with quick connects. In both cases, the wires would have to be pulled to allow for cutting & welding. Does the top have braces or handrails that have to be removed and/or modified? For example, like the forward braces in the last picture above. Either one would fairly labor intensive, more so with the folding style.
If you want to send me some pictures of your boat, including a good side, forward, and aft shot, I can give you an idea of what it might cost.
My email is: bobvg@sc.rr.com
Unfortunately, I’m not able to do any work at this time. After about 3 weeks of back pain, I found out Monday, that I have a bulging disk on the left side of my spine. I’ve had to put several jobs on hold, until I get to where I can work again. According to the doctor, I may be down and out for 1-3 months. Hopefully surgery won’t be necessary.
Bob Van Gundy
Marine Designs,Inc.
Custom Aluminum Fabrication
803-727-4069
Thanks for the help guys.
Bob I really appreciate your input. Sorry to hear you are not feeling well and I hope you get to feeling better soon. Let me get some pictures to send to you if you don’t mind getting me a ball park price. As for the wiring, I was planning on pulling enough wire and using quick disconnects. I think that would be the best way to handle. I’ve been working pretty late recently so it may be a couple of days before I can get them to you. Thanks a lot Bob for your info.
Anytime, I’m not going anywhere.
Bob Van Gundy
Marine Designs,Inc.
Custom Aluminum Fabrication
803-727-4069
(**() Bob,hate to here that,you get better i got 2-3 projects on my mind…