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anyone got any pics of a 17ft montauk or sport with a bimini with the front and sides enclosed with eisenglass, i want to have some glass made for my 17 sport, getting pretty cold here for striper season, i have seen the foward shelter but don't want to close in the bow, still need the room up front for casting and anchoring, i think the foward shelter would be too much hassel for my purposes, confines you to the back of the boat

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I think you can't buy but I'm not for sure what you are talking about from a marine supply store.you can buy a light weight t-top any where from a$1000 to 2000 .then you can add those things.there alot of reason whaler owners don't t put t-top on their investment. go to continuous wave and this site. type in search box t-top's and go from there. you might have to have one custom built. lots of $$$$$ that could be spent on other things for your whaler. good luck and have a merry xmas/new year.

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I don't recall ever seeing a classic Montauk rigged with a flytop or bimini with side curtains and a front curtain.

While I see your point about the bow dodger closing up the bow, it is the only method I know, and does give you full protection.

Mounting a T-Top is a controversial item for a 17/Montauk since it does not have the mounting support under the deck. I suppose if you found a really lightweight T-Top that mounted to the console, it may hold up to the punishment. Then again, I have read veteran owners with years of experience say that an Outrage 20 is the smallest model suitable for a T-Top.

Have you considered investing in good winter gear (outerwear)? I use a Carhartt insulated worksuit over several layers and a life vest, face cover and serious winter mountain style boots/mittens for my late fall/early spring runs. While bulky, I am comfortable in temps down to 40 degrees and 10-15 mph winds.

How cold will it be and how long do you plan to be out for? What are your sea conditions like?

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The outerware idea is good, but PLEASE limit the cotton items you purchase/wear. Synthetic clothes will absorb MUCH less water (sea spray) and keep you warmer because of it. Also, a dry suit is the only outerware that is truely appropriate for cold regions in the winter season. I hate to be the annoying safety-concious guy, but I work in the Search and Rescue 'business' and have lost more than one local fishermen to hypothermia during Striper season. No fish is worth that cost. Other than that, a T-top would be slick but I've only heard negative opinions about them on older Montauks.

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thanks for the replies, i had a windscreen made that looks good and functions well, i made a grabrail around the console and had eisenglass put in the center looks factory almost will post some pics later