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Added Value of T-Top
FASTFJR	#1  Posted on 01/08/10 - 4:04 AM
Member Posts: 202 Comments: 0 Joined: 06/02/07	I'm thinking of adding a T-Top (folding type) to my 2007 Dauntless 180. If you were purchasing this boat from me would you be more or less inclined to buy it with the T-Top installed Photo's can be seen at this link: http://8140341.phanfare.com/4517786#i...D=90461915 Edited by Tom W Clark on 01/08/10 - 7:27 AM 2007 Dauntless 180-2007 Mercury Verado 150
moose	#2  Posted on 01/08/10 - 6:40 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 543 Comments: 1 Joined: 03/07/07	I personally like a t top, but I'm not sure about on an 18'er. I think it will ultimately be up to the buyer. We all have our likes and dislikes, thankfully. Mike
Phil T	#3  Posted on 01/08/10 - 7:22 AM
Administrator Personal Page Personal Album Project Albums Posts: 7043 Comments: 6 Joined: 03/26/05	I agree with Moose. A T-Top is a personal preference. Some like them for the shade, weather protection, storage and mounting of antenna's. I think, given the wide beam of the Dauntless 180, a T-top works well since it does not restrict access too much. As far as value, while one costs 1,200-2,000, it would only add a few hundred dollars to the resale price. I would install one if that is what you want, not based on added value to the boat.
Tom W Clark	#4  Posted on 01/08/10 - 7:28 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 4280 Comments: 7 Joined: 09/30/05	Do NOT accessorize your boat based on what you think somebody else might want. Do what YOU want. To answer your question, a T-Top would be a negative for me.
womms	#5  Posted on 01/08/10 - 8:00 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 122 Comments: 0 Joined: 04/06/08	Big negative for me as well. But, hey, I'm not in the market for a 180 Dauntless. Michael 1989 Outrage 22' Whaler Drive, 2014 Honda 250
kamie	#6  Posted on 01/08/10 - 8:19 AM
Member Personal Page Project Albums Posts: 2975 Comments: 3 Joined: 11/04/05	I agree with Tom, do what you want with your boat. A boat is not a house, that your going to remodel and try to get your money out of. it's a luxury item and there will be someone to purchase it with or without a T-Top if you sell. I purchased my 18 with a T-Top. I loved it for what it's good for but ultimately removed it in favor of canvas. I sold the one off my boat for a used Mills Suntop and some $$
CES	#7  Posted on 01/08/10 - 8:27 AM
Member Personal Page Photo Albums Project Albums Posts: 2681 Comments: 7 Joined: 04/27/07	Personally, I love the T-top look and functionality. I guess I started to like the T-tops when I worked for the Florida Marine Patrol in the 80's. I had a 25' Mako with twin 225hp Johnsons on the back......and it had a T-top. To me, T-tops are pretty sharp looking and provide some great hand holds, antenna mounting areas, fishing rod holders and a fair amount of shade. As for value added, who cares what you can get out of it......just put what you want on your boat to make it suit your needs. Good luck!! Edited by CES on 01/08/10 - 8:29 AM Cliff 1966 13' Sport with a 1993 40hp Yamaha 2 Smoker
mattgeiger	#8  Posted on 01/08/10 - 9:26 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 310 Comments: 2 Joined: 02/22/07	As others have stated - I like the utility they add. If it would benefit you, then go for it. Along with quality hardware, a proper installation is a consideration when weighing resale value too - so do it right. In my opinion, 18' is borderline for this addition. Some T-Top designs are too chunky and out of proportion for an 18' boat. Some look great. If you are still considering resale - know that many people find value in the ability to garage store an 18 footer, but not likely an 18 footer with a T-Top. Ah - just realized you said - folding... Edited by mattgeiger on 01/08/10 - 10:27 AM Cape Dory 28 Hobie 20 Miracle A Class Catamaran
Blackduck	#9  Posted on 01/08/10 - 9:52 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 519 Comments: 0 Joined: 02/25/06	I would not be able to get under the bridge I have to in order to gain ocean access, so a negative for me. I spent the last year filling holes and removing all the extras the previous owner thought were great on my boat. I really like to keep my boats simple. All that said, if you want the top, then by all means, I'd go for it. Walter Reynolds 1973 Boston Whaler 16 Nauset 90 HP Yamaha
FASTFJR	#10  Posted on 01/08/10 - 10:21 AM
Member Posts: 202 Comments: 0 Joined: 06/02/07	Thanks Good points all around. The reason I asked is I'm not sure how long I plan to keep the boat. Another year, two or three? I don't want a T-Top to slam my retail sale or trade in for a larger boat 2007 Dauntless 180-2007 Mercury Verado 150
Doug V	#11  Posted on 01/08/10 - 7:02 PM
Member Personal Page Posts: 340 Comments: 3 Joined: 09/21/05	I bought my 22 Outrage with a t-top. It was a plus for me, but I can see where it may be a minus for others. That being said, I sure wish my t-top would fold down. I store my boat in my carport (check my persoanl page), but would keep it inside the garage, except for one small problem- it's about 6" too tall. Every January, I put the boat inside the garage for yearly maintenance. To get it in the garage, I take the tires off, and lower the trailer onto some custom dollies my brother-in-law and I built. I also have to unbolt the antennas. Then it just barely squeezes under the overhead door header. It only takes about an hour to do this- but it's not something you do at the drop of a hat. As far as the folding t-tops go, I like the looks of the Stryker a little better than the Fishmaster. The Fishmaster website is better though By the way, if you ever build a shop to store a pretty good size boat in, make sure you design the overhead door height to be 12', minimum, 14' even better. Don't ask me how I know this. Doug
FASTFJR	#12  Posted on 01/09/10 - 10:09 AM
Member Posts: 202 Comments: 0 Joined: 06/02/07	Doug Have you ever taken your boat to a local shop to see what is would cost for hinges? My buddy has a 23 foot Sea Pro. He has 3 side barn structure that was about 1 foot too low. He had a local shop add hinges and the boat and t-top fit great. 2007 Dauntless 180-2007 Mercury Verado 150
Doug V	#13  Posted on 01/09/10 - 10:32 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 340 Comments: 3 Joined: 09/21/05	I have been mulling over adding some hinges and break-away pins. I bought a set of hinges and break-away pins a while back. The parts are nice parts, but I didn't buy the right hinges. The hinges should be a combination break-away/hinge pin. These parts need to be very stout and rigid when in the up position. This equates to expensive. I am not in a huge hurry. This may turn into one of those boat remodel projects that happens if I ever need to replace the fuel tank or re-laminate the deck. It would be cool though. Doug