I recently purchased a 2001 20 ft. sea hunt triton and I would like to get a Ttop on it. I have looked at the fishmaster ones, which are great from the money aspect, but I dont know about their durability. Has anyone owned one for 2-3 plus years and offer a review?
I have also contacted a custom fabricator and gotten a price for a custom Ttop, albeit $1100 more than a fishmaster.
I think Im leaning more towards the custom, but would like to hear what people have to say.
I am in the same situation. I want a custom top and Marc Googer does excellent work but my financial situation right now will not support the extra grand. I really wish I could.
I plan on ordering a Stryker t-top for my boat this week yet. They are running a special that if you order a top before the 22nd they throw in a free electronics box. I have scoured many forums and only have heard positive comments.
Yea, Ive talked to the guys at stryker as well- their ttops do look nice and they are running a nice special. But, they are backed up and arent shipping until July.
Most of the stuff Ive read are people that recently had the “universal” ttops installed and how pleased they are with them. I want to hear from someone that has had the ttop for a couple years, and what they think of it now.
not to take the wind out of your sails, but nothing uglies up a boat like a cheap t-top… granted beauty is subjective, but those stryker things are hideous.
you won’t regret spending extra on a quality custom built t-top.
side note: hankel has had a pathfinder with one of those cheap t-tops sitting on their lot for months… guarantee it’s at least part of the reason it has not sold.
I second Brooks Oswald @ Oswald Props n Tops. He is good people and will make a sweet custom top for a fair price. And a cheap t-top looks like a cheap t top. If you don’t ever plan to sell it, then I guess it doesn’t matter as long as you like it.
Someone better buy Cpt steves t top before palmetto trooper builds another grill…
2007 Scout 221 150 Yamaha 4 stroke
He’s already done that. How about a backyard swing???
In my opinion, a custom top is the way to go. That way the lines of the t-top will match the lines of your boat. The “one size fits all” tops just don’t look right most of the time. If you’re looking for just function rather than form, get one of those. If you want something that looks right on your boat, spend the extra and go custom. Like already stated you get what you pay for.
Bob Van Gundy
Marine Designs,Inc.
Custom Aluminum Fabrication
803-727-4069
I agree about those Stryker tops, they look mail ordered. An extra grand on a pure fishing boat is one thing, but a grand on a family/fishing boat is another.
Commercial Towers in Monroe NC did mine and I love it.
I’ve had my Fishmaster since 2008 and have been pretty pleased. I have done zero maintenance to it and it still works great. I was looking for the most cost effective shade covering for my family and the custom made manufacturers said they couldn’t compete with that price. Unless you have some mechanical skill, I would recommend a professional installing the t-top.
quote:Originally posted by sandlapper1977
...the custom made manufacturers said they couldn't compete with that price. Unless you have some mechanical skill, I would recommend a professional installing the t-top.
You’re right. Custom aluminum T-Top builders can’t compete (on price) with Chinese imports.
But our American madeShadow folding, stainless steel T-Topless kit can!. It’s the ONLY folding T-Top on the market priced less than $900 … its $849 list and on sale for less this week + free Rod Holders. Plus you can install it yourself in about 1-1/2 hours.
I have had this fish master on my skiff for 3 years and never had any issues. Plus I trailer from Greenville to Hilton head and charleston all summer at 70 + mph. I would never argue that its as nice as anything custom but for the money it’s hard to beat. Plus there accessories like e box, rocket launchers ect are very well priced and there customer service is awesome. Have delt with them several time ordering additional supplies or questions and they were great.
Of course you also have a little nicer boat than I do so maybe a custom top is the way to go. Then again I have zero complaint about the fish master.
