Hardtop

otf · Post by **otf** » Fri Aug 06, 2010 7:58 am

I have been considering a hardtop. Other than the obvious advantage, does it change the weight distribution of the boat any? Cause it to role more? I'd be interested in anyone who has done it, where they purchased it and what is cost???

IRGuy · Post by **IRGuy** » Fri Aug 06, 2010 11:48 am

Scott... Some of the regulars here have hardtops.. I don't. When I bought my boat the old cloth cover was junk, and I investigated hardtops, but I had a heavy treated cloth replacement made instead. The main reason for this is that living as I do in a hurricane prone area I take my cover off before heavy winds come. The winds cause the boat to heel, and then the wind gets under the cover, causing the boat to heel more, and at the same time pulling the boat sideways, just like a sail. Whether in a slip or at a mooring this leads to damage to your and possibly other boats. I don't use the "line through the grommets" method of holding the cover to the frame either, instead I use black (uv resistant) wire tie wraps.. In a rush to remove the cover I can cut these faster than I can unwind the line. Using these it is also much faster and easier replacing the cover.

buzzk · Post by **buzzk** » Fri Aug 06, 2010 12:05 pm

I'm not sure about the cost. Do you already have the frame up? I have the hard top and like it a lot. It makes it easier to mount radar or anything else you need to put up there. Buzz

otf · Post by **otf** » Sat Aug 07, 2010 3:49 am

I have a few quotes, 4-5000 plus curtains. We have a 3/4 enclosed bimini - no sturdy frame. Frank, with a tail wind, even at dock it is quite the sail. The bimini is still in pretty good condition, but I have an itch to get the radar off the front of the flybridge. Probably a project when we haul it this fall.

ckuppens · Post by **ckuppens** » Sat Aug 07, 2010 5:30 am

I have a hardtop on the 35. When I had the survey done the surveyor told me that I should have the props re pitched as the additional weight/resistance from the top/enclosure caused me to lose 50-100 RPM's.

otf · Post by **otf** » Sat Aug 07, 2010 3:13 pm

50 rpms is kind of splitting hairs

Post by **dougl33** » Tue Aug 10, 2010 6:20 am

I've had mine since 2004. Other than the diesels, its been the best money I've spent on the boat. It looks far better than the bimini I had previously and its much quieter without all the creaking and squeaking you get from most soft tops. I have never noticed any difference in how the boat rides/handles. In my opinion, its money well spent.

otf · Post by **otf** » Tue Aug 10, 2010 12:34 pm

Where did you guys gets yours fabricated. I know there are mixed reviews, but Atlantic has a well priced "custom" top, although it looks as if it might adjust to fit a few boats.

Post by **dougl33** » Tue Aug 10, 2010 3:25 pm

Atlantic tops are not acustom. Brin Davin has one and I know he's happy with it, but I'm not a big fan of how its attached to the bridge. I used Brian Woods at Fastech Marine in Plymouth, MA.

ckuppens · Post by **ckuppens** » Tue Aug 10, 2010 4:18 pm

The one on my boat was made by J&J I believe and put on in 1996.

BECCA ROSE · Post by **BECCA ROSE** » Mon Aug 16, 2010 5:13 pm

Here is my hardtop I just had done, canvas is on the way. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82D3BIlpoCI

otf · Post by **otf** » Fri Sep 03, 2010 7:48 am

So Brian Davin do you want to chime in? Custom tops seem to be roughly twice what Atlantic's are, but Atlantic's are not installed either. I really don't like the pushy sales at Atlantic, and I understand what you are saying with the mount. It would be better mounted to the cabin roof than flybridge sides which are quite light.

CB35 · Post by **CB35** » Fri Sep 03, 2010 8:54 am

Atlantic has a bad rep around here for not paying subcontractors. They stiffed my buddy who owns a canvas shop and the guy who did ALL their welding. Now this goes back a few years; but I would never do business with them. Gabe at Metal Creations has his own line of arches, half towers and towers. I would try to use someone local; but you can give Gabe a call to at least get some pricing.http://boattowers.com/

otf · Post by **otf** » Fri Sep 03, 2010 3:11 pm

There is far too much bad press regarding Atlantic I agree. I got a bad vibe dealing with them thus far too. Anyone ever delt with Essex Marine Fabrication? Spoke with George today and seems to be a well run outfit, the best so far. Once again twice the cost, but it's a Bertram do it right!

Brian Davin · Post by **Brian Davin** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 5:49 am

Scott, I purchased my hardtop from Atlantic back in 2004. I had no problems dealing with them. Price was driving factor as I wasn't prepared to spend 5K - 10K (plus) for custom, but I didn't want to deal with a soft top. They delivered to my yard on a flatbed as scheduled. I built a simple 2x4 frame on the bridge to support hardtop at right height, then had the yard lift hardtop up with forklift and lower it onto the frame. From there I was able to align it to exactly where I wanted it and then attached with all the included mounting brackets, re-enforcing with plywood backing blocks where it attached to the bridge sides. No question that Bill's is top of the line quality. I looked at his at the Hyannis Rendezvous, very impressed. If you want to ever take a look at mine, I'm just up the road in Guilford. You're more them welcome to come take a look and inspect. Any other questions, let me know.