|
ContinuousWave Whaler Moderated Discussion Areas ContinuousWave: Post-Classic Whalers 170 Montauk T -Top Installed
|
Author | Topic: 170 Montauk T -Top Installed |
osillator |
posted 06-20-2006 08:16 PM ET (US)
Ilove my new aluminum t-top on my 2003 Montauk!! Where do I start? The custom fit around the console far surpassed what I expected. Any one who did not know that whaler does not offer them would never suspect it to not be a factory job. It gets all of the life jackets out of the console in the overhead storage! Huge benefit on a montauk. Tons of grab areas all around and overhead of the console! Includes verticle grabs at drivers position when standing. I drive my boat standing 75 % of the time. The sunshade inthe driver area comes in handy when you are out for hours. Plenty of sun still available in bow area on the sun cushion. Overhead electronics box available ( I have not added it yet) Plenty of lights!! Gets that stupid console anchor lite permanently mounted on the top. Has front and rear spreder floods as well as a cortesy light over the console. I found matching switches like from the factory and mounted them on console-lower to control new lights! So far the boat handles as if the top is not there and best of all it looks good on the boat-- I was concerned it would look out of scale for the 17 footer and it does not.
Mr moderator- could you send me tips on how to post them. Yes I have been around boats more than computers! |
bsmotril |
posted 06-20-2006 08:56 PM ET (US)
I would love to see some photos. You can post them to www.photobucket.com for free. Then use the option to "Invite a guest to view your gallery." Send the invitation to your own email address. When you get the email from Photobucket, it will contain the URL link for your photos. Cut and paste that link into a post on this forum to share it with others. When you create your photogallery, make sure to check the button to make it public versus private. BillS |
gorji |
posted 06-20-2006 09:31 PM ET (US)
Would love to see pics and instructions. Email sent. Gorji |
GreatBayNH |
posted 06-20-2006 09:33 PM ET (US)
You have my full attention! Photos would be great. Is this something one can purchase and have installed or did you craft this masterpiece yourself? Sounds like a winner to me. -Seth |
bigjohn1 |
posted 06-22-2006 07:34 AM ET (US)
Sounds great....the bimini top on my 170 is still in great shape but in the years ahead, this is one mod I am considering. Please e-mail pics to john_bray1980@hotmail.com - I would love to see them. I am guessing this is the type of mount that used the phenolic/plywood reinforcement directly under the 170 RPS? |
Barney |
posted 06-22-2006 04:47 PM ET (US)
Here is another one from a while back: http://www.morganmarine.net/Fishingcustoms.htm#170%20Montauk Jim |
GreatBayNH |
posted 06-23-2006 10:59 PM ET (US)
Now I'm confused. Did osillator get a T-Seat or T-Top. Am I the only one that hasn't been e-mailed pictures yet? |
gorji |
posted 06-24-2006 08:17 PM ET (US)
No. No pictures received here either. |
osillator |
posted 06-26-2006 07:22 PM ET (US)
Barney , The photo link you provided is the T-Seat. Mine is a custom designed T-Top, not a kit. I am working on getting photos posted. |
Barney |
posted 06-27-2006 09:13 PM ET (US)
Well I didn't know there was a difference. First time I've heard of 'T' seat. It's the only picture of any mod with a 'T' on the 170 Montauk I've seen. Jim |
GreatBayNH |
posted 06-28-2006 08:11 AM ET (US)
...pictures would have helped too. wink wink. ;-) |
osillator |
posted 06-28-2006 09:26 PM ET (US)
I posted some photos of my T Top on photobucket.com Here is the link they gave. http://s78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/osillator/ |
Barney |
posted 06-28-2006 10:10 PM ET (US)
That looks very nice. I like the little switch package you have on the console also. Jim |
GreatBayNH |
posted 06-29-2006 05:08 AM ET (US)
Looks great! I noticed that it appears to me mounted primarily to the deck. I think I read, in a T-Top related post, about lack of support in the Montauk deck to mount a T-Top (hence the T-Seat solution). Is this not true? Did the installer find suitable support in the area of the deck that your T-Top is mounted? How much real estate between the console and port/starboard sides did you lose? It looks a little tight, in the pictures anyway, to round the console to the bow. |
bigjohn1 |
posted 06-29-2006 09:09 AM ET (US)
It really looks nice! I too wonder how they found reinforced deck in those areas it appears they screwed the frame legs into. Its tough to tell from the pics. Please keep us posted on how rigid the installation stays over time. |
osillator |
posted 06-30-2006 01:39 PM ET (US)
The guy here in wilson N.C. that built the top is Lucas Marine Inc. I believe he used to work near here at Grady White Boats. He is quite popular here and cant keep up with orders. He really is very good with the engineering on these tops. Where the front legs tuck in which helps with toe room by the way; he is catching the 7 x 14 inch phenolic plate there which whaler puts for ice cooler cleats. Second he heavy bolted the front rail of the tower into the console just below windsheild. That takes care of the front wind load which is the greatest load. Rear anchor is primarily into sides of the console and back feet are screwed into deck with the help of liqid cement injected into deck at the screw points. I have pulled skiers for 2 days and have had no problems. Will be in the ocean this week for more testing. I cant say enough about how much i like the top- not just for looks but all the added function I have talked about. Also about the space getting around the console....It truly is not as bad as it looks in photo. It is quite comfortable. By the way they used the same sunbrella material that whaler used in my console cover to make the top. Dead match!!! |
Royboy |
posted 07-01-2006 11:50 AM ET (US)
http://s78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/osillator/ |
mikeyairtime |
posted 07-01-2006 12:11 PM ET (US)
Am I the only guy who can't open the hyperlink. Very interested to see the pics but no go. |
Royboy |
posted 07-01-2006 07:42 PM ET (US)
Let's try this again. It works perfectly when I paste it into my browser, but the hyperlink didn't work on my machine either. |
mikeyairtime |
posted 07-03-2006 12:03 PM ET (US)
Looks sweet. The way it's made lends it to a small phone booth canvas enclosure. |
osillator |
posted 07-11-2006 12:48 AM ET (US)
I had the boat out on the ocean for 3 days this week and found no problems. Conditions were 2 to 3 foot waves with choppy surface and 15 to 20 mile per hour winds. I could not detect any different feel in guiding the boat. If the top was acting as a significant pitch or roll force on the boat i could not detect it. i have been using this boat for 4 years and I am in tune to how it feels. Once again the extra grab area while in rocking water is a nice addition. I do love the top and will keep everyone posted as the suumer continues. |
Brian C |
posted 07-20-2006 08:03 AM ET (US)
Hello all; First post here: I was searching out options for a T-top for my 1988 Montauk 17 and found this thread. My circumstance is that I want a T-Top, however, I need one that will collapse so as to fit into the garage. Short of a custom job, anyone aware of a collapsable t top available commercially? Thanks, |
royaloakwhaler |
posted 07-20-2006 10:27 AM ET (US)
Brian C, Check out Barney's link in the above post and click on the 170 Montauk. It has a fold down T-seat that might fit into a garage. Phil |
Brian C |
posted 07-20-2006 03:55 PM ET (US)
Hi Phil: Thanks for the response. Yes, I did look at they Barney link above and I really do like that T-seat arrangement, however, I would hate to replace my original Whaler flip-flop seat. I like that feature a lot. I very much did like the method they used on the T seat for collapsing. I would love that feature on a console T-Top. Anyone know where one might be hiding? I can't believe with all of the Montauk's in the world that there's not a shop that specializes in these tops. Anyone, please advise if you can point me in the right direction. Regards, P.S. I feel lucky to have found my 1988 Montauk 17 in absolutely mint condition - 18 years old and seriously like new. I want to treat her to an appropriately nice top. |
Royboy |
posted 07-20-2006 11:06 PM ET (US)
Around these parts the custom shops make folding T-tops for bridge clearance. They even have a nifty wring plug in the tubing that disconnects the aux power for the top. I think they even do it as a retro-fit on existing t-tops. When and if I get a T-top, this will be a must. Roy |
Powered by: Ultimate Bulletin Board, Freeware Version 2000
Purchase our Licensed Version- which adds many more features!
© Infopop Corporation (formerly Madrona Park, Inc.), 1998 - 2000.