I will be in the market to add a t-top for my key west 225cc in a few weeks and I have been shopping around. I would like to get the canvas top and crowned legs, and also have an electronics box with lights, and all the fishing hook ups (outrigger mounts and rod holders, ect). The primary purpose of this top will be for offshore fishing, but also to provide as much shade as possible without getting in the way. The stock tops from key west seem expensive and too short for the boats.
I see lots of places that are hours from here selling great work, but does anyone know where I can get one made locally and how much that should cost? I know there are places around, but I cant find any examples of their work. I dont want to drop a few grand and find out that their style wasnt what I wanted.
Go see Marc @ Carolina Custom in Mt.Pleasant, he’s where the trailer shop is.
21 Contender
Man, I wish I still had my shop!! If I had the room, I could build exactly what you want. Oh well. I’m sure some of the folks here can give you some leads. Marc Googer is a name I’ve seen a lot here. I’m not sure if Capt. Ed is building t-tops, but I’ve seen some of his aluminum work and he does great work.
As far as getting the style that you want, any good t-top builder should be able to do that for you. Just don’t let him try and charge an arm and a leg to curve(crown) the legs. It’s not that hard to do.
Give me a call and I’ll give you an idea of what it should cost.
Bob Van Gundy
Marine Designs,Inc.
Custom Aluminum Fabrication
803-727-4069
Carolina Custom Rigging
Marc Googer 843 478-6706
He’s not cheap, but he does great work and his tops hold up. There’s no such thing as a bargain T-Top when it comes to fishing offshore, the cheaper tops will cost you more in the long run than a quality top will. As far as the crowned legs, keep in mind if you want to add canvas enclosures, it may be difficult to accommodate
Thanks for the info. I will check those leads at lunch time. Im excited about the idea of getting this thing done right. Now I just have to convince the wife it is money well spent… I dont think anyone can do that easily.
Key West 225cc Yamaha 225
quote:
Im excited about the idea of getting this thing done right.
Then call Raymond Martin. Martin Marine Design in Hardeeville. Nobody does better work than Raymond. A lot of people do cheaper work.
843-784-6110 Shop
843-368-4993 Mobile
lunker@hargray.com
quote:
There's no such thing as a bargain T-Top when it comes to fishing offshore, the cheaper tops will cost you more in the long run than a quality top will.
Amen.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
Martin Marine has some nice work, but it would take me about 2 hours to get there. I see they cost a little more than I want to pay, but I will keep them in mind.
I called Mark at carolina custom rigging. His numbers are right where I want to be, so Im going to drag the boat down to Mt P monday. Sounds like he WANTS to build exactly what I need. Should take a few weeks to get results, but I will post some pictures when it gets done.
I just purchased this boat used last year, and now Im dressing it up as the budget allows. Ill get with you guys again when I get some more cash to spend and ideas to build. Thanks for all the info, there is no replacement for good local experience!
Key West 225cc Yamaha 225
Alright, I got a small picture for now. Marc did great work for a very fair price. He had lots of great suggestions about making the boat even nicer. He knew exactly what I wanted, and built it. With some of his suggestions, we came up with a design that looks great. He definatly knows what makes a great top! I have to gather some cash and come visit him again!!!
Im going to try to add the picture, but this is my first time so lets see if I can pull it off
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Key West 225cc Yamaha 225