T-Top on an 18

[toadfish]

I have a 1985 18 footer that I have been refurbishing. I am wanting to install a t-top and a leaning post. The top should be through-bolted through the deck for strength and to prevent water intrusion. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to do this because there is no access other than the inspection port in near the bow and the one over the gas tank. Can anyone give input on how their t-tops are fastened down??? (will screwing them down be strong enough??)

[Miles Offshore]

West marine sells some decent toggle ss bolts to help you accomplish this. Mine is screwed down with 1 bolt in each of the stauchions butalso ties into and connects to the console. An old design and not real good but it works. Check out the toggles at West , good luck, craig

[FELLOW-SHIP]

I DON’T KNOW IF THERE IS ANY GOOD WAY TO PUT A T-TOP ON A EXISTING SEACRAFT. I HAD TO RE DO THE ENTIRE DECK ON MY 23 FOOTER BECAUSE OF THE POOR WAY THE ORIGINAL OWNER PUT HIS T-TOP ON. YOU CAN’T GET UNDER THE DECK AND THROUGH BOLT A T-TOP. NEW CONSTRUCTION THEY THROUGH BOLT BEFORE THEY PUT THE INNER LINER IN TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS. I USED ½ MARINE GRAD PLYWOOD AND LOTS OF GLASS I WILL USE WOOD SCREWS TO THE DECK WITH 5200 AND 4 SUPPORTS TO THE CENTER CONSOL THAT I ALSO STIFFENED UP. IF YOU KEEP THE WATER OUT AND YOU DRILL THROUGH THOSE 6” X 6” PLYWOOD SQUARES YOU MIGHT BE OK. BUT IF YOU DRILL THROUGH THE CORK LAMINATION I WOULD PROBABLY GET INTO THE LAMINATION AND TRY TO SUPPORT IT WITH EPOXY RESIN AND GLASS. IT WOULD BE BETTER TO RE ENFORCE IT NOW THAT LET WATER LEAK INTO THE CORK AND CAUSE THE TYPE OF PROBLEMS I HAD TO FIX.
FELLOW-SHIP [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img]