Aluminum Boat t-top

[timbertalker]

Iv been wanting to put a t-top on my aluminum 17ft center console the top isnt very tall to have problems with stability but i dont know how to mount it to the floor of my boat should i weld a mount to the floor or should i use self tapping screws

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Aluminum Boat t-top

Hi timbertalker. What type of deck do you currently have in the boat? I would definitely attach the T-top to a reenforced surface so that the mounting hardware has plenty to bite in to. If you have wooden decks, you may want to glass in some extra mounting blocks onto the topsides (or underside, if you can access it) of the deck, or you can weld on some aluminum mounting pads per your post. If you can reach beneath the floor you could through-bolt the tower to the deck, but screws will work also. Just be sure you use SS hardware throughout and apply plenty of 3M 5200 marine caulk to it just prior to installation. Any pics?

 

[timbertalker]

Re: Aluminum Boat t-top

Thanks for the info and the deck of the boat is aluminum attached on the braces across the boat there isn't really a way to get under the floor unless I took it all up and I don't have any pictures yet I was just trying to get some ideas on mounting it before I started working on the actual top

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Aluminum Boat t-top

Gotcha. I would probably weld on some aluminum plate (1/4" or greater) and/or some pieces of square tubing on to the aluminum deck, then attach the T-top using the largest SS sheet metal screws/hardware that will fit. Depending on the size of the tubing you use, you might be able to through bolt it in place Because it's all aluminum, you don't really need to use and 3M 5200 except on the pieces that are going through the deck and may allow water to seep below. Here's a sketch.

 

[timbertalker]

Re: Aluminum Boat t-top

I appreciate it that's what I was thinking about doing I have looked all over the Internet for pictures of t-tops on aluminum boats to see how they mounted it but haven't came across any they are all on fiberglass boats

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Aluminum Boat t-top

All they do is screw them into the deck on fiberglass boats using SS hardware and 3M 5200 to prevent leaks, but there is usually a piece of reinforcement plywood glassed in above, or below the deck for such purposes. If you look under the cap on a lot of boats, you'll see and extra layer or two of plywood glassed in to allow for the future installation of a trolling motor, or other bow mounted accessories. I suppose you could modify the T-Top to mount the center console itself, or something, but I'd rather attach it to the deck for more stability and strength. Keep us posted on your progress. We love pics.

 

[timbertalker]

Re: Aluminum Boat t-top

Will do I am ready to get going on building it if I can find enough time to get it done but I will put some pics on as soon as I get started