What do you think of this console/top?

[Chrismacholz]

I have been wanting a t-top since I bought the boat last year. What do you all think of putting this console and top combo on a 87 23' SF? I would close up the port hole, electronics holes, etc, and put a fresh coat of paint on it. Either that or just buy it for the top and have the top adapted to my console. I'm already pulling the old console off this winter for a rewire.

Any thoughts? Better to keep the original console on the boat?

http://longisland.craigslist.org/bpo/5367827272.html

[caper]

That looks really nice - I'd use it all.

[CHANCE1234]

Depending on width, I'd use it

[SnafuFishTeam]

All or nothing.

[kmoose]

It's a deal.... Buy it

[Chrismacholz]

Thanks for the input. I'm having an internal debate.

1) I don't want to lose my seat in front of the console. It's the only seating on the boat. It's great for dry storage and can double as a fishbox since it's insulated. The new console seems like it will have much more dry storage inside the console though, and I can add a cooler in front with a cushion.

2) I kind of like that the current console is original to the boat and its in good shape.

Has anyone had a top made to fit their console? What was the approximate cost? I was thinking it would be in the $2000-3000 range with a canvas top? By the time I fix this console, paint it, add a cooler in front with a cushion, add a new canvas top, etc... I may be laying that much out anyway.

[Old'sCool]

That's prob a ball-park for a custom, fabric top. "Made-to-fit" is always better.

[BigLew]

Unless the top that comes with it is intolerable for some reason, the ad states that the canvas that comes with the console/T-top is NEW!

Check the width. If it is workable, buy it and don't look back. Cheaper, faster and more usable. A gift has been offered to you!

"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth" is what my Mom taught me.

You could have been looking for console for months, if not years!

[Chrismacholz]

Thanks guys. I agree, it is a good deal if its all in good shape. Got the dimensions today.

42.5" wide
44.5" deep (front to back)
52" high

I'll have to climb under the cover and do some measuring but I think my console is about the same width. I'm more worried about depth and being able to open that door with the casting deck. Also putting a cooler in front may be an issue.

Went to the NY boat show today. Atlantic towers was there, and quoted $2500-3500 for a tower in a box with rodholders, radar mount, outrigger mount, etc. That's for a bolt together top. A canvas guy I spoke to said about 3500-4500 would be an estimate for a custom canvas t-top here on Long Island.

[kmoose]

I wouldn't hesitate another minute. The top without the canvas is worth $3500 without the console. The access looks great as well. The money you'll save will more than pay for any mods and a high end cooler and cushion as well. It's a win win with no risk.