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Author Topic:   T-Top for Dauntless 14

Dauntless_14_TX posted 05-20-2009 12:16 PM ET (US)
I have a Dauntless 14 that I love, but when fishing the Texas sun can be a bit brutal. Have a bimini top, but not that great for fishing and kind of removes the advantages of having the center console. I'd love to have a t-top, but due to the boats length/ width not sure how ideal this would be. Was looking at the ss version from CE Smith and doing it myself. Though the top length is nearly 1'2 as long as the boat itself and nearly as wide... so plenty of shade, lol. So my question is, does anyone have a t-top on a Dauntless 14 and what is it like or two, what are everyone elses thoughts on the subject? Would such a large top to boat length/width ratio create too much of a kite like effect in windy conditions? Only use it as a bay/lake boat so don't have to worry about rough conditions as she stays in the garage then. Thanks for the help.
fishgutz posted 05-20-2009 12:35 PM ET (US)
Personally, I see no problem with it. It will look a little funny, because for you to fit under it, it will have to be quite tall. For some reason I recall that Boston Whaler does NOT recommend putting a t-top on a Montauk 170. So I would guess they wouldn't recommend you put one on a Dauntless 14. Mercury also doesn't recommend the use of Doel-fins, yet I wouldn't be without one.
Very interesting idea you have. I know first hand the difficulties with fishing around a bimini top.
Dauntless_14_TX posted 05-20-2009 02:03 PM ET (US)
fishgutz,
I hear you on the doel-fins, have them on my 60 for the Dauntless and makes a world of difference. As for the T-top, it would likely sit quite high... as with the 12" or 15" of freeboard I think still put it about 65"+ above the sides. Though nice to have some shade, and in my mind worth it. My reservations are with the top acting like a sail on windy days or possible effect it would have on trailering. The other concern is from not being able to put a backing plate on the floor mounting locations. This model was never designed for a T-Top, so worried that the screws may pull out. I guess until I figure it out may just need to buy a larger brimmed hat.
Buckda posted 05-20-2009 02:08 PM ET (US)
What are the roughest seas you REGULARLY encounter on bays and lakes?
If more than 2' Chop is to be reasonably expected, you should strongly consider/reconsider a way to through-bolt or tap and anchor the top. Such repeated "hammering" in seas will strip the base, or crack the welds. Don't underestimate the force exerted by 20 lbs of metal plus GPS antenna, several rods and navigation lights swinging forward off a wave and hammering to a stop into the next wave. Especially when leveraged up 6 feet from the anchoring points to the deck.
Trust me on this one, I have an arch on an 18' Whaler and operate in the chop and slop of the Great Lakes.
aesiegel posted 05-21-2009 03:48 PM ET (US)
I saw this product and it looks like a great idea.
Http://Rnr-marine.com/t-topless.HTML
mrtoyz posted 05-26-2009 12:11 AM ET (US)
I saw these on ebay. Love to try one but I want to see some reviews first. Says ut's made by Taylor Made though...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400051426537&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:us
Toyz

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Author	Topic: T-Top for Dauntless 14
Dauntless_14_TX	posted 05-20-2009 12:16 PM ET (US) I have a Dauntless 14 that I love, but when fishing the Texas sun can be a bit brutal. Have a bimini top, but not that great for fishing and kind of removes the advantages of having the center console. I'd love to have a t-top, but due to the boats length/ width not sure how ideal this would be. Was looking at the ss version from CE Smith and doing it myself. Though the top length is nearly 1'2 as long as the boat itself and nearly as wide... so plenty of shade, lol. So my question is, does anyone have a t-top on a Dauntless 14 and what is it like or two, what are everyone elses thoughts on the subject? Would such a large top to boat length/width ratio create too much of a kite like effect in windy conditions? Only use it as a bay/lake boat so don't have to worry about rough conditions as she stays in the garage then. Thanks for the help.
fishgutz	posted 05-20-2009 12:35 PM ET (US) Personally, I see no problem with it. It will look a little funny, because for you to fit under it, it will have to be quite tall. For some reason I recall that Boston Whaler does NOT recommend putting a t-top on a Montauk 170. So I would guess they wouldn't recommend you put one on a Dauntless 14. Mercury also doesn't recommend the use of Doel-fins, yet I wouldn't be without one. Very interesting idea you have. I know first hand the difficulties with fishing around a bimini top.
Dauntless_14_TX	posted 05-20-2009 02:03 PM ET (US) fishgutz, I hear you on the doel-fins, have them on my 60 for the Dauntless and makes a world of difference. As for the T-top, it would likely sit quite high... as with the 12" or 15" of freeboard I think still put it about 65"+ above the sides. Though nice to have some shade, and in my mind worth it. My reservations are with the top acting like a sail on windy days or possible effect it would have on trailering. The other concern is from not being able to put a backing plate on the floor mounting locations. This model was never designed for a T-Top, so worried that the screws may pull out. I guess until I figure it out may just need to buy a larger brimmed hat.
Buckda	posted 05-20-2009 02:08 PM ET (US) What are the roughest seas you REGULARLY encounter on bays and lakes? If more than 2' Chop is to be reasonably expected, you should strongly consider/reconsider a way to through-bolt or tap and anchor the top. Such repeated "hammering" in seas will strip the base, or crack the welds. Don't underestimate the force exerted by 20 lbs of metal plus GPS antenna, several rods and navigation lights swinging forward off a wave and hammering to a stop into the next wave. Especially when leveraged up 6 feet from the anchoring points to the deck. Trust me on this one, I have an arch on an 18' Whaler and operate in the chop and slop of the Great Lakes.
aesiegel	posted 05-21-2009 03:48 PM ET (US) I saw this product and it looks like a great idea. Http://Rnr-marine.com/t-topless.HTML
mrtoyz	posted 05-26-2009 12:11 AM ET (US) I saw these on ebay. Love to try one but I want to see some reviews first. Says ut's made by Taylor Made though... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400051426537&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:us Toyz