T-tops; how effective for wind/spray protection?

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Author Topic:   T-tops; how effective for wind/spray protection?

boatdryver posted 12-04-2007 11:36 PM ET (US)
In moving up from a Classic Montauk to a larger Whaler I'd like to stay with a Center Console for fishing but would like a little more protection from wind and the occasional spray.
Some of the used Dauntless and Outrage models I have looked at have T-tops.
Most of the advantages of a T-top seem pretty obvious, but I'd be curious how much protection they offer from wind and spray. It would be great to have something up high to grab onto when running fast in a bad chop.
Other than the high price tag, difficulty in putting on a canvas cover, and windage while trailering and on the water what do you see as the downside of having one?
For those of you who have opted for a T-top, what were your top 2 reasons?
(In our cool climate, protection from the sun is not a priority.)
Thanks, JimL
tombro posted 12-05-2007 07:33 AM ET (US)
I know two CC owners in NJ that have added gull wing 3-sided enclosures to their T-tops and are satisfied during the cool weather boating season. The utility of the top is for rocket launchers, outriggers and radar in their case.
rtk posted 12-05-2007 08:27 AM ET (US)
The general priority for my choice of a boat with a t-top was protection from wind, wet and sun. A center console with a t-top does a good job keeping the elements out while still allowing 360 degree access to the cockpit floor.
A well designed five sided enclosure really works well. That's is my set up, and I'm still fishing this time of year out of New Jersey in my 21 Outrage. It can actually get "warm" inside the enclosure if the sun hits it right. Cloudy days it's cold, but your out of the wind.
This past Friday and Saturday fished the good part of both days. Saturday was blowing 20-30 mph, high thirties/low forties. Stayed pretty comfortable behind the enclosure, just wear a good set of insulated gear and boots.
Rich
Feejer posted 12-05-2007 09:00 AM ET (US)
I had one on my Sea Hunt. The don't do much unless you add Gull Wings
jlh49 posted 12-05-2007 09:47 AM ET (US)
JimL,
I installed T-Tops on both of my 22' Outrages. I lived in Atlanta, Georgia, until 1989, and in Jacksonville, Florida, since. Most of my serious use while living in Atlanta was spent fishing in the Florida Panhandle, and in the Florida Keys. My use now is in Jacksonville and in the Keys. Sun protection in these areas is a must and one motivation for the top, although a Bimini can meet that need. However, because of the small console on the 1979 and my current 1989 22' Outrage, the T-Top provides the following additional benefits: T-Top legs and framing provides support for occupants when running in rough water; The legs provide framing for canvas/clear plastic spray shield on three sides of console; and the T-Top allows mounting of a radio box to accommodate electronics and/or additional storage. As already noted in this thread, having antennas and outriggers mounted on the T-Top allows full 360 degrees of clear space around the boat when fighting a large fish. If you would like some additional information on my T-Top set up, just let me know and I will try to provide what you need. Hope this helps!
Brian7son posted 12-05-2007 11:41 AM ET (US)
I wouldnt have a CC 20' or bigger without one. They are great. Not only do they keep the sun off your head. You can install a clear enclosures to keep you dryer. You can install your electronics box overhead with your VHF radio and a stereo and you can have additional overhead storage.
They make "T-bags" (no pun intended) that you can velcro up underneath the t-top and they will hold 4 life jackets and other things.
IMO, a t-top is a must have on a bigger CC.
Brian
drd posted 12-09-2007 02:01 PM ET (US)
I installed one on my 20 outrage, at the beginging of the season. I have a 3 sided enclosure around the legs. I do not have the gull wings. I have a lot more wind protection when I'm running, no more cool wind in your face feeling. It also gives me some wind protection while fishing anchored etc. I have an elctronics box, which does give my some more dry storage. The life jackets stay safe and dry under the top, and free up some room in the console. the overhead lights are great for night fishing, and cleaning the boat in the dark. I do get a lot of protection from the sun, and additional places to hold on while underway. Moving around the boat is also a lot easier w/o the old bimini top, which seemed to alwasy be in the way. The only downfall that I have found is its harder to cast.
boatdryver posted 12-09-2007 05:52 PM ET (US)
Ok, thanks to everyone for all the great information on t tops.
I hear all the many advantages and guess the only disadvantages other than cost are the increased windage if one does trailering at highway speeds (the speed limit for trailers in our state is 55 mph, but in other states I've seen boats trailered at 80 mph) and the effect on roll in a beam sea.
JimL
drd posted 12-10-2007 10:18 AM ET (US)
I don't notice a huge diference when trailering with the t-top. However, I did loose about 3-5knots off my top end speed.
Brian7son posted 12-10-2007 10:26 AM ET (US)
It goes without saying, but I forgot to mention the 4 or 5 additional rod holders you will get when you have the rocket launchers on the back of the t-top. Spreader lights are great too.
Brian7son posted 12-10-2007 02:18 PM ET (US)
I have never had any problems trailering with a t-top. (lots of problems with flats and trailers, but none with the t-top). If the speed limit in your state is only 55mph, you're fine. The only stupid mistake that I made once was to leave my american flag up on the t-top, driving to the keys and it got shredded. :( Also, if you've got overhead storage for life jackets, take them off as well. I didnt lose one, but saw them start to come out and had to pull over.
When you said that you've seen folks trailering boats driving 80mph, IMO, those guys are wreckless. There's no need to drive over 70 mph with a boat in tow. I'd hate to have a blowout trailering a boat at 80mph.
I had a 22 CC for 7 years and had been out in lots of ugly weather with bad winds. I never noticed any significant issues in a beam sea. Now, if you get an enclosure and you have your canvas down, yes, you will certainly get blown around quite a bit. It acts as a sail. However, the t-top doesnt resist the wind like a sail, it cuts through it more like an airplane wing.
Will a t-top slow down you top end, absolutely. Will it catch some wind and cause some drag, yes. However, the advantages are far more numerous than the disadvantages of having a t-top.
Man, you'd think I was a t-top salesman or something. Oh yeah, last but not least, strictly for aesthetics, you get a +10 on style points for having one.
andygere posted 12-10-2007 05:05 PM ET (US)
Jim,
You've seen the T-top and enclosure on my Outrage 22 Cuddy. I can tell you that without question it provides a lot of protection from the wind and spray. With the Outrage, you will get a lot less spray to begin with compared to a Montauk. The caveat is that you've got to be the one or two passengers behind the enclosure, which in my case has the same footprint as the console. Adding "wings" or side curtain extensions as suggested by others will only improve the protection for your co-pilot and other passengers. When I have the canvas redone on mine in a year or so, I will certainly add the option to zip some wings on to the side. Here's an example:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/andygere/ Random%20Whaler%20Photos/T-topenclosure.jpg

My other comment that is tailored for our northern California climate is to keep the top part of the T-top relatively small. We generally have more fog and clouds than blazing sunshine, and a smaller top generally provides plenty of shade, without the wind drag and extra lofted weight of a much bigger top. Take a look at this photo to get an idea of what I'm talking about.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/andygere/Golden%20Gate%20Whalers/ SalmonDerby016.jpg

One more thing: T-tops provide a great place to mount a radar antenna, another handy item in our foggy climes.
andygere posted 12-10-2007 05:11 PM ET (US)
A full cover is not a problem. I had this made for about the cost of a stock cover from Mills. It has the added benefit of self draining without any needed poles, battens or other devices. It takes just a few minutes to install or remove, and I didn't have a single new snap installed on the boat to accommodate the cover.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/andygere/Whaler%20details/ 2WhalersCovered.jpg
drd posted 12-11-2007 03:52 AM ET (US)
I gained 4 rod holders by adding the top, however I lost 4 on the console by putting the top on.

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Author	Topic: T-tops; how effective for wind/spray protection?
boatdryver	posted 12-04-2007 11:36 PM ET (US) In moving up from a Classic Montauk to a larger Whaler I'd like to stay with a Center Console for fishing but would like a little more protection from wind and the occasional spray. Some of the used Dauntless and Outrage models I have looked at have T-tops. Most of the advantages of a T-top seem pretty obvious, but I'd be curious how much protection they offer from wind and spray. It would be great to have something up high to grab onto when running fast in a bad chop. Other than the high price tag, difficulty in putting on a canvas cover, and windage while trailering and on the water what do you see as the downside of having one? For those of you who have opted for a T-top, what were your top 2 reasons? (In our cool climate, protection from the sun is not a priority.) Thanks, JimL
tombro	posted 12-05-2007 07:33 AM ET (US) I know two CC owners in NJ that have added gull wing 3-sided enclosures to their T-tops and are satisfied during the cool weather boating season. The utility of the top is for rocket launchers, outriggers and radar in their case.
rtk	posted 12-05-2007 08:27 AM ET (US) The general priority for my choice of a boat with a t-top was protection from wind, wet and sun. A center console with a t-top does a good job keeping the elements out while still allowing 360 degree access to the cockpit floor. A well designed five sided enclosure really works well. That's is my set up, and I'm still fishing this time of year out of New Jersey in my 21 Outrage. It can actually get "warm" inside the enclosure if the sun hits it right. Cloudy days it's cold, but your out of the wind. This past Friday and Saturday fished the good part of both days. Saturday was blowing 20-30 mph, high thirties/low forties. Stayed pretty comfortable behind the enclosure, just wear a good set of insulated gear and boots. Rich
Feejer	posted 12-05-2007 09:00 AM ET (US) I had one on my Sea Hunt. The don't do much unless you add Gull Wings
jlh49	posted 12-05-2007 09:47 AM ET (US) JimL, I installed T-Tops on both of my 22' Outrages. I lived in Atlanta, Georgia, until 1989, and in Jacksonville, Florida, since. Most of my serious use while living in Atlanta was spent fishing in the Florida Panhandle, and in the Florida Keys. My use now is in Jacksonville and in the Keys. Sun protection in these areas is a must and one motivation for the top, although a Bimini can meet that need. However, because of the small console on the 1979 and my current 1989 22' Outrage, the T-Top provides the following additional benefits: T-Top legs and framing provides support for occupants when running in rough water; The legs provide framing for canvas/clear plastic spray shield on three sides of console; and the T-Top allows mounting of a radio box to accommodate electronics and/or additional storage. As already noted in this thread, having antennas and outriggers mounted on the T-Top allows full 360 degrees of clear space around the boat when fighting a large fish. If you would like some additional information on my T-Top set up, just let me know and I will try to provide what you need. Hope this helps!
Brian7son	posted 12-05-2007 11:41 AM ET (US) I wouldnt have a CC 20' or bigger without one. They are great. Not only do they keep the sun off your head. You can install a clear enclosures to keep you dryer. You can install your electronics box overhead with your VHF radio and a stereo and you can have additional overhead storage. They make "T-bags" (no pun intended) that you can velcro up underneath the t-top and they will hold 4 life jackets and other things. IMO, a t-top is a must have on a bigger CC. Brian
drd	posted 12-09-2007 02:01 PM ET (US) I installed one on my 20 outrage, at the beginging of the season. I have a 3 sided enclosure around the legs. I do not have the gull wings. I have a lot more wind protection when I'm running, no more cool wind in your face feeling. It also gives me some wind protection while fishing anchored etc. I have an elctronics box, which does give my some more dry storage. The life jackets stay safe and dry under the top, and free up some room in the console. the overhead lights are great for night fishing, and cleaning the boat in the dark. I do get a lot of protection from the sun, and additional places to hold on while underway. Moving around the boat is also a lot easier w/o the old bimini top, which seemed to alwasy be in the way. The only downfall that I have found is its harder to cast.
boatdryver	posted 12-09-2007 05:52 PM ET (US) Ok, thanks to everyone for all the great information on t tops. I hear all the many advantages and guess the only disadvantages other than cost are the increased windage if one does trailering at highway speeds (the speed limit for trailers in our state is 55 mph, but in other states I've seen boats trailered at 80 mph) and the effect on roll in a beam sea. JimL
drd	posted 12-10-2007 10:18 AM ET (US) I don't notice a huge diference when trailering with the t-top. However, I did loose about 3-5knots off my top end speed.
Brian7son	posted 12-10-2007 10:26 AM ET (US) It goes without saying, but I forgot to mention the 4 or 5 additional rod holders you will get when you have the rocket launchers on the back of the t-top. Spreader lights are great too.
Brian7son	posted 12-10-2007 02:18 PM ET (US) I have never had any problems trailering with a t-top. (lots of problems with flats and trailers, but none with the t-top). If the speed limit in your state is only 55mph, you're fine. The only stupid mistake that I made once was to leave my american flag up on the t-top, driving to the keys and it got shredded. :( Also, if you've got overhead storage for life jackets, take them off as well. I didnt lose one, but saw them start to come out and had to pull over. When you said that you've seen folks trailering boats driving 80mph, IMO, those guys are wreckless. There's no need to drive over 70 mph with a boat in tow. I'd hate to have a blowout trailering a boat at 80mph. I had a 22 CC for 7 years and had been out in lots of ugly weather with bad winds. I never noticed any significant issues in a beam sea. Now, if you get an enclosure and you have your canvas down, yes, you will certainly get blown around quite a bit. It acts as a sail. However, the t-top doesnt resist the wind like a sail, it cuts through it more like an airplane wing. Will a t-top slow down you top end, absolutely. Will it catch some wind and cause some drag, yes. However, the advantages are far more numerous than the disadvantages of having a t-top. Man, you'd think I was a t-top salesman or something. Oh yeah, last but not least, strictly for aesthetics, you get a +10 on style points for having one.
andygere	posted 12-10-2007 05:05 PM ET (US) Jim, You've seen the T-top and enclosure on my Outrage 22 Cuddy. I can tell you that without question it provides a lot of protection from the wind and spray. With the Outrage, you will get a lot less spray to begin with compared to a Montauk. The caveat is that you've got to be the one or two passengers behind the enclosure, which in my case has the same footprint as the console. Adding "wings" or side curtain extensions as suggested by others will only improve the protection for your co-pilot and other passengers. When I have the canvas redone on mine in a year or so, I will certainly add the option to zip some wings on to the side. Here's an example: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/andygere/ Random%20Whaler%20Photos/T-topenclosure.jpg My other comment that is tailored for our northern California climate is to keep the top part of the T-top relatively small. We generally have more fog and clouds than blazing sunshine, and a smaller top generally provides plenty of shade, without the wind drag and extra lofted weight of a much bigger top. Take a look at this photo to get an idea of what I'm talking about. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/andygere/Golden%20Gate%20Whalers/ SalmonDerby016.jpg One more thing: T-tops provide a great place to mount a radar antenna, another handy item in our foggy climes.
andygere	posted 12-10-2007 05:11 PM ET (US) A full cover is not a problem. I had this made for about the cost of a stock cover from Mills. It has the added benefit of self draining without any needed poles, battens or other devices. It takes just a few minutes to install or remove, and I didn't have a single new snap installed on the boat to accommodate the cover. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/andygere/Whaler%20details/ 2WhalersCovered.jpg
drd	posted 12-11-2007 03:52 AM ET (US) I gained 4 rod holders by adding the top, however I lost 4 on the console by putting the top on.