T-Top or Bimini top for 20' CC

[bugger]

I have just bought a 20' CC Grady White and I'm not sure if I should get the T-Top or bimini Top. I certainly see most boats with the T-top.

I welcome your opinions.

[marlinslayer]

hey bug,
have had both and i can't be happier with my t-top. it's an after market model (older boat) but it's great. consider if you trailor around or is a moored situation. t-tops usually offer storage/mounting for electronics as well. i found the bimini's to bounce and bang if not being used in rough seas. would be glad to pass along a recommendation if you are interested. best of luck and hope this helped!

[RogerStg]

It depends how you'll use the boat most. If you're going to be mainly fly fishing inshore, try a season with nothing. That's how my 20 CC is set up. Is this your first boat?

Best regards,
Roger

[bugger]

Yes this is my first boat and I will be mostly using it for inshore fly fishing. I also hope to use the boat with my family. I thought about using the boat for 1 season without anything and then seeing how that works.

According to the dealer I bought my Grady White boat from, the price on a Grady TTop is about $5k and an aftermarket w/out electronic box, extra rod holders is $2500.

Does anyone have a good aftermarket suggestion?

[SageBoy]

I have a Bimini for my 20' CC and I have got to tell you....try a season without either. As one has already mentioned, it gets banged up a lot in the slop and can be noisy. When fighting fish you have more obstacles to get around if you have to walk around the boat. I took mine off and like it much better.

.02

[bugger]

I agree. I wouldn't want to the Bimini Top to be getting in my way while fishing. Defiantely Not. I viewed the Bimini as an option to put up when with the family or when you just need to get out of the sun. I frankly feel it would be down most of the time because I'll be fishing.

When the Bimini Top is up does it provide more, less, same protection as T-top?

[marlinslayer]

having had both i thought the bimini gave a bit more shelter from the sun . it just seemed to cover more area and was tighter to the deck therefore cutting down the area that the sun can be exposed too. as for aftermarket , look into atlantic towers. they have a couple sizes and rocket launcher options. i chose the smaller size for mine and only 4 launchers. i installed it myself and did all the wiring and layout of electronics.would gladly offer hints and suggestions to ya if and when the decision time comes. the top w/ launchers was about $1800.00 delivered. if they install it it's about $450 extra.

[FireFly]

Go a season with neither. I have a 19ft CC and have a bimini top. I only use it when I take the wife to the beach or when I know there is a good chance of showers when I'm fishing. I leave it down and can put it up in 2 minutes if it starts to rain. When it does rain, it provides protection but it's touch to fish with it up.

I did use it once on a 95+ degree day and it was great! The air under it was a lot cooler than being in the hot sun.

So all that being said, I'm going with a T-top this fall. I'll be designing it so it does not stick forward much so it will not impact my fly fishing.

If you decide you need a bimini this winter, drop me a line and I'll sell you mine for a decent price- it's in perfect condition.

[RogerStg]

A couple tips for anyone fishing without a top on their boat.
Always have raingear on board, breathables are great.
If it gets hot, wet your hat. It makes a huge difference in comfort since it cools your head as the water evaporates.
Wear sunscreen.

[CMP]

I'm building t-tops, either powder coated or not with 4 rocket launchers and a Starboard top for $1500, $1700 powder coated. Tops are my latest addition to the leaning posts, gin poles, bow cages and towers I've done. In my opinion, marine fabrication is generally a rip-off and since I still enjoy doing it, I'll keep on doing it, making a fair profit for myelf and giving the consumer a fair deal. Let me know if you're interested...

CMP

[bugger]

CMP,

Please send me some more information/pictures regarding your T-Tops. I have a 20' Grady White...have you ever outfitted one of these? My boat is in Port Chester NY. Would I hire someone to install it?

I would want it to look as close to the Grady White original so I think the powder coated would be my choice.

Thanks.

[CMP]

Check yer pm...

CMP :-%

[bugger]

CMP,

How do you check the PM's???

Thanks,.

[Bob Parsons]

Look at the top of the page where it says Welcome XXXXX

Your last visited: Today at xxx

under that it says Private Messages : X
Click on it.

[Blackjack]

My dad bought a brand new 23' Mako in '95, and spent the $$ for the dodger/bimini combo, in anticipation of family outings. I think we used it exactly once, and the rest of the time it hosted a family of mice in his basement. It's a total PITA to fly-fish around.

If I were you I'd go without, and just keep a few extra hats on board as well as some rain gear.

If I did have to choose between the two I'd go with the T-top in case you want to mount a radar at some point in the future.

[gerryg]

Gee CMP I wish I knew that I just received one from Altantic Towers. Would have gone with someone from the board instead. Well there is always next time......

[CMP]

Sorry! I've been doing a bit more this year 'cuz I bought some new equipment that makes me more mobile than before. As I said, I'll do it to a level that I enjoy and I'm still enjoying it. Next time it is...

CMP

[dollarshort]

I have a Maritime 20D with a 50inch Console. To have a T top made for this Ive been quoted nothing less than $4500!!!!!! Some one please tell me they can do a smidge better than this. I have seen a few and the way they mount ( directly to the console... no brackets to the deck because of limited room ). I cant seem to justify $4500 for a little shade and electronics box. --126-3-

[CMP]

I will do you a 4 rocket launcher t-top with a Starboard top, custom fit you your boat for $1,700. Let me know...

CMP

[dollarshort]

HOLY *&$%@! That's the best price ive heard in 2 years. Send me a PM with your info and your location.

[CMP]

Check yer pm...

CMP

[dollarshort]

CMP,

Sounds great to me. I live in NY so Im trying to figure the best time to drag it up there.

[CMP]

Best bet is to send me pics of the boat with the following dimensions-beam inside gun'ls, width of console at top and bottom, height of console at hisghest point, length (fore and aft) of console at top, middle and bottom and the angle at which the console rakes aft. I'll take a 50% deposit for materials and go to work. When I'm ready to custom fit, come on up, we'll fit it and, if yer interested, powder coat it, re-install and yer off...

CMP

[fmw]

I have a 20 ft. Grady CC without a t-top. The boat is great, but not the most friendly for fly fishing. There are plenty of obstructions and snags without the t-top. I can't imagine being able to effectively fly fish on that boat with the top. Just my opinion.

[El Bishop]

Assuming the decision has been made to get a bimini, is there a decent after-market brand for those or anyone who custom makes them? May not be the same incentive for biminis as opposed to T-tops given the lesser profit margin.