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Hi there,

Was interested to know if anyone on here has fitted a T-Top to a 2012 170 Dauntless?

Is there anything that i need to know or is there any special hardware I would need for fixing to the deck etc?

Many thanks

Alex G

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Be extra certain there is added reinforced backing in the floor where the legs will land. The backing location diagram is not available on their website.

Make sure to attach to console as well.

Consult with Boston Whaler Customer Service. They do respond to emails when sent from their support page.

https://www.bostonwhaler.com/contact-us/ontact-us/

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Thanks, appreciate the input, i was advised against a T Top by Boston Whaler as there is no support in the floor.

Guess I'll buy a bigger hat! :0)

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There are other options. There are 2 companies that make T Tops that fasten to the console.

Biminitops.com makes a bimi tee tops by taylor made. 518 773 9400.

I have this one for my Montauk.

The other company is in South Carolina and the top is called the Shadow.

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Alex -

Note that Alex is in Australia.

As you know, under the fiberglass deck skin is foam and no stringers or other support. In locations needing added strength, backing material is added to the fiberglass layer. Typically these areas include around the console, Seat, rail bases etc.

I went back to the Resources section on Boston Whaler's website to review the parts drawings.

Typically in models with an under-deck fuel tank, the cover requires added reinforcement for a T-Top.

With the 2012 Dauntless 170, the tank cavity is narrow. The console attaches to the cover and a potential T-top legs would fall outside of the cover where there is no backing.

If one could not be content with a decent bimini, and needed a t-top there are two suggestions to add reinforcement.

Rather than have a leg with 3 or 4 screws, fabricate a narrow 3" plate and weld the legs to it.. Fasten the strip to the floor with screws every 2-3 inches to spread the load. Attach legs to console with backing plates inside.

At the screw holes, one can use the "hockey puck" method. Each screw hole is slightly over sized. The short end of an allen wrench is inserted in a drill and the long end is put in the hull to loosen the foam under the deck. Remove the foam bits with a vacuum. In each hole squirt either epoxy or Gorilla Glue (expanding epoxy glue). Once the epoxy has cured, retap the holes for screws.

I would check with T-Top fabricators/installers down under and see what they think of these suggestions.

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Thanks a lot for the input gents, I found this in Aus and intend to get one installed soon. looks to be pretty solid.

https://www.oceansouth.com/shop/ttops...ole-mount/

Thanks again

Alex G

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Interesting design on that link. Before buying the top you may want to consider the added loading to the console itself and particularly to the mounting screws. Loading can be considerable when operating at some speed and the loads imposed by the boat bouncing fore and aft and side to side in iffy weather.

If you decide on the top I recommend you use robust and large backing plates at the attachment points and consider reinforcing the console mounting arrangement with extra mounting bolts through strong backing. You don't want that top coming loose and causing a lot of damage or hurting someone.

Good luck with the project and please report back on the outcome.