To T-top or not...that is the question

[1Step]

Sorry for asking all the questions guys, but you are the experts.
I light tackle fish, especially fly, out of my 18 and while I would like the comfort of getting out of the Florida sun as well as be able to see my electronics screens easier, I don't like the idea of a large structure trying to grab hold of my backcast [img]/forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]
I also love the lines of the Seacraft without a top.

Also, are there alternatives to a full T-top besides the Manta (which doesn't bode well when running)?
I have thought about some sort of small top, like on a buggy, that would fit into the rod holders on the leaning post and be removable.

What do you guys think?

[Old'sCool]

Key West style small top. It will be custom made anyway.

[Snookerd]

T-tops are a great option, but If you like the looks without one, then go with a 4 bow Sumbrella bimini top that lets you get it out of the way when fishing. My 18SF had one. I have access to the local marine surplus shop that has them for $300 new.

[1Step]

Snook, not a big fan of a bimini top but I may be forced to go that way if I can't come up with something else.

Reel, what makes the top a Key West? Is it the smaller front (I know it's smaller port to starboard but is it also bow to stern) ?

One other thing, I'd have to make it removable or collapsable so it can fit under my boat port.

[Old'sCool]

That's what I have learned them to be......narrower front, wider back, but not as wide as a regular top. All that means less shade and still a place to snag a fly line but probably the answer. That Fla sun can be brutal.

[McGillicuddy]

www.fishmaster.com

[1Step]

That folding top is the way I'd have to go McGill to clear my boatport but did you see the calender on that website

Chuck, I'm freinds with the owner of BT's Welding in Titusville so it would be custom built to offer the least amount of obstruction to my less than ideal backcasts
Having spent 55 years in the Florida sun myself, I know the importance of some protection from it.

From your responses it looks like I should go for it and get a custom Key West style folding top.
I knew this was going to be expensive

[Capt Chuck]

I have had many a conversations with Bobby Birdsall(West Palm Beach "Birdsall Marine") Those hinged/folding type tops are very hard to secure. They like too Shake, Rattle & Break

[McGillicuddy]

The fish master top is just an idea - I don't know any thing about them and the design looks weak from an engineering perspective.
In fact, I think their final hinging point(the one on the top)is unnecessary an a weak link.
By buddy's Carolina Classic 25 has a hinging tower, and it does not shake rattle or roll unless I'm up there doing the swordfish dance to some blaring Santana No, it really doesn't even move even under those conditions.
It uses specialty pins similar to these to lock it:
http://tacomarine.com/item--Breakawa...away+pins.html

and a similarly designed hinge kind of like this:
http://tacomarine.com/cat--Aluminum-...alum_pins.html

Using those principles of locking and hinging, I expect your fabricating friend could make a bullet-proof folding small top for your rig. I'll try to get some pics of his on the next excursion.

[Capt Chuck]

Mark had a custom T-Top made for his SeaCraft here in Stuart, just enough shade for the captain & one. Coupled with custom fly rod holders, we fished many days (some in extreme sea conditions mind you) without ever snagging the top on a back cast, even from amidships. Even I maintained the coil and I suck at fly fishing

I just visited the local dermatologist on Monday. My years in the Florida sun have taken their toll. I DO NOT like the scalpel

BTW: If your going to spring for the bucks, get one made your way!!