Anyone ever use FishOnSports T-Tops?

[FishStretcher]

I have mostly assembled it. The fit isn't perfect but not bad. I will modify it pretty heavily to fit a 38" wide console in a master angler.

[curapa]

I'm interested in pics once it's done.

[FishStretcher]

Getting there. I am a ways off script. I cut the forward legs and used them for the side bars. I need to trim the mid leg pivot so it more closely fits the forward mount. A basic hack saw job.

[FishStretcher]

Another pic. Can't seem to add two at once from the phone.

[FishStretcher]

I reversed the uprights for less of a phone booth look. Still needs adjustment but getting closer.

[FishStretcher]

It is attached. Still a few standoffs to mount, but I laced the t top today.

[FishStretcher]

So I have been using it for a few days. I suspect it isn't as awesome as a custom welded unit that braces against the side of the console, but everyone remarks on how rugged it looks, and it doesn't feel bad. The top itself is a bit small for a console this effin' huge, and I hit my head on it when I step into the boat over the master angler cap, but I am about 6'1". I should learn soon.

But honestly, I LOVE having a T-Top. Best improvement ever, It doubles my endurance on the water. I am so much more comfortable this way. I might slide the top sternward 4-6". And using rod holders up high means you need to be tall and/ or use a stool. But it's great. Plus I got 10 tries to get it fit just how I like. Which is a plus or a minus depending on how OCD you are. Probably a plus for me...

If a local guy can weld and anodize one for $1200, I say go for it. Otherwise, these aren't bad on a 20MA, and probably a lot better on a smaller console 20.

Edit2:

This took a knot off the cruise, and 1.5 kts off top speed. And the additional mass means I really need to think about a lighter splashwell gate and recoring th fuel tank hatch, if not redoing the transom.

[FishStretcher]

So it has been 6 weeks.

I still love having a T-Top.

The scar on my forehead from stepping down into the boat is healing. Some might argue altered mental status, though.

Besides the shade, VHF mount and GPS mount, the best thing is the elevated mount for all around light means that it never blinds you when night fishing. That is a HUGE plus, especially when navigating places like the Westport river inlet at night. It can mean the difference between seeing rocks or not. Let alone the help in fishing.

Of note: I have noticed that the lever arm of the T-Top makes the bow light at speed. Which can make for a slightly harder ride if I don't keep a full tank forward of the console and keep a watchful eye on trim. Even with a rider forward, and anchor chain and 300 ft of 1/2 anchor line. It is subtle, but there. I also think a 75 hp is out of the question with a T-Top, whereas I think it would be ok for one without.

[FishStretcher]

I think I have identified a flying wing phenomenon with my T-Top. Which BigShrimpin noted is " a beast"...

It affects the trim with two people in a way I didn't anticipate when I don't run with a kicker. I finally have enough weight forward- between passenger, t-top and forward fuel tank and cooler. So that now the boat is slightly bow heavy when I don't run with a kicker.

I have a 4 stroke F100 at 370 lbs, BTW.

So equipped like this, I tend to trim the outboard (with flying wing/ hydroshield, and stern lifting prop) to lift the bow a bit at cruise. But as I speed up to WOT, I can trim up the outboard to the point of blowout. edit: (and that's new. I never used to run like that- it was too bow high/ squatting)

The weird thing is- the boat flattens out dramatically. As in, I am trimmed up to blow out, and the boat is running flat. I think the t-top with the downward bent nose doesn't do that much at cruise, but as the bow lifts and it speeds up it becomes a fabric cambered wing and lifts the stern out of the water. Only above 25 mph. But the hull dries out dramatically at WOT. To the point that the ride gets a bit harder, as there it too much lift, so the chop can get jarring. It is really strange. With more weight than when I run singlehanded, it has a harder ride. I think it is a subtle dynamically unstable trim issue. Partly because now with no kicker, it is a bit more prone to porpoise at 19-20kts. I was going to wear out the OB trim pump experimenting how to reduce it yesterday off Plum Island.

I am going to start putting the cooler in the stern now, that should help. Although this is a dynamic trim issue, so maybe getting rid of the hydroshield or going to a 3 B non stern lifting prop is really what I want.

It has taken me a few trips with passenger at WOT and no kicker to figure it out. It is fine with the kicker and passenger. Or kicker singlehanded.

[flyingfrizzle]

[QUOTE=FishStretcher;238987]I think I have identified a flying wing phenomenon with my T-Top.
QUOTE]

Sounds like it kinda dose like a wing on a top fuel dragster but being mid mounted and at its variable angles at different throttle positions sounds like it really effects the hull. Most tops is more of a weight thing making them top heavy but yours looks light and on a small hull seems to effect it in a different type of way. Being yours is a kit you may be able to adjust the angle of the top hoop and use it like an adjustable trim tab...