Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by Ineedaboat on 11/07/05 - 3:31 PM

I am not well experienced in the boating world however I hope to remedy this soon. I have a Montauk 17' and since I am primarily going to use this boat for fishing I need some good advice. This boat has no cover at all. A T-Top looks like it would be more fishing friendly than a Bimini Top. But they are quite expensive and are made from anodized aluminium, not Stainless Steel as I thought.
What are the pros and cons? Good advise gladly accepted.

Posted by fishingdan on 11/08/05 - 10:23 AM

For me, a 17' boat is too small for a t-top. If you fish via casting, any top (bimini or fixed mount) on a small boat will get in the way.

One benefit of a bimini is that you can put it up or down quickly and easily. It is also very light compared to a t-top.

Posted by 13SSport on 11/27/05 - 8:10 PM

Also the fixed ttop will create alot of drag on a small boat .esp if you add curtins,the binimi is better at this size.TG

Posted by seasicknes on 12/26/05 - 9:43 AM

Boat is too light.
It might cause you to capsize.
If you want some kind of cover, then go with a bimini.

Ken (170 montauk / 22 hydrasports wa)

Posted by Jeff on 12/26/05 - 7:54 PM

All here are pointing you in the right direction. Though you could put one on the boat it will really act as a sail for a smaller boat like this. Not only is wind a factor the floor is as well. Whaler never intened this boat to have a T-Top on it so, there is no reinforcements in the floor/hull for mounting. Over time it will pull itself off and leave you with a real mess...

Posted by toolman on 02/14/06 - 7:33 AM

I own a 1985 Montauk with a T top I built myself. It is made from aluminum tubing and is the envy of all Montauk owners in my area. It does not change the characteristics of the boat very much at all. I even have a radio box mounted in the top. It is great to have for sun protection and is something firm to hold onto. The key is to make it as light as possible with as little material as necessary structurally. Send me an email and I will send some pics if you like.
Frank
(email is in my profile)

Posted by Jeff on 02/14/06 - 2:34 PM

Sure you can do it...But it could lead to issues down the road.
I did run across these images of a t-top on a montauk after this orginal thread started.

Posted by Jeff on 02/14/06 - 2:41 PM

#11

it does give the boat more of a big boat presence. The leaning post looks to be a Todd and the console...I have no idea

Posted by danedg on 02/15/06 - 5:15 PM

#13

We used to carry a parasol along for sun protection...we now prefer the Bimini...because it can be raised and lowered on demand. Space is tight in a Montaukto begin with....

Posted by Longboarder36 on 02/15/06 - 6:46 PM

#14

I like the t-top, I think it looks bitchen. Some say it takes up space, I don't see that. Check out that photo, they got PFD's, electronics, poles, and prolly a spotlight too. I was seriously contemplating getting one, but decided not too because I like to throw iron, and like fishingdan said, it will get in the way of that:). But....to each his own, you know.