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They say there is nothing quite like riding a Harley Davidson across country. Wind in you hair, sun or rain beating down on you, bugs in your teeth and the open road in front of you. I’ve never have had the opportunity to ride across county on a bike, but I have run a center console boat offshore may times and the feeling is great. The wind was in my hair, the sun or rain was beating down, the salt spray was flying, and I had open ocean in front of me. I have to say; I find few things as exhilarating as that run when it’s just you and the elements of nature.
Unfortunately the elements of nature can take quite a toll on you and your body and after a while, and if you plan on doing much fishing from a center console, you are eventually going to want some shelter. A properly outfitted T-top offers great protection from those elements as well as a superb structure for mounting antennas, radar domes, outriggers, spreader lights, navigation lights, storing electronics and life preservers, and offering additional storage space for rods.
Many boat manufacturers are offering factory installed T-tops as options these days, but when it comes to T-tops I say customize! I believe that a T-top needs to be set up from scratch the way you the angler wants it to get the maximum benefit.
To get a good T-top you must first find a craftsman with a good reputation. The lowcountry is home to over a dozen t-top builders and choosing a good one is a must. I would start by talking to you favorite boat dealership and your fishing buddies and find out who they recommend. Then go by and talk to those who where recommended. Tell them what you are looking for and ask them some essential questions: Do they offer warranties on their work? Can they provide you with some references? Do they have some tops they have recently completed that you can look at? How long will it take them to complete the job?
Once you have selected a builder one of the first decisions you will need to make with