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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.