Convertible Top

[Boatangel1]

Hi everyone
I've searched high and low and cannot find an answer (or the answer I want!).
We just bought our first boat, 1999 Chris Craft 190BR, and it came with a convertible top (buttoned to windshield). Is there a collapsed/stored position, or is it either on/open or off?
I've tried collapsing it forward to the windshield (which seems like the only possible way), but it doesn't seem natural. I would love to keep it on most of the time, but unlike a bimini, it is too low and makes walking in the boat awkward.
Thanks for any help

 

[Alumarine]

I picture might help.
I have a convertible top and a bimini installed and I can get them out of the way at the transom when folded.

 

[Earl Cordova]

Our 86 SeaSwirl had a place at the top of the transom to store the cover that snapped to the windshield.
Which was good because I like to stand up when cruising and only put it on when raining.

 

[Boatangel1]

I picture might help.
I have a convertible top and a bimini installed and I can get them out of the way at the transom when folded.

I added a pic, not of my boat, but exact same.
Thanks

 

[Boatangel1]

Our 86 SeaSwirl had a place at the top of the transom to store the cover that snapped to the windshield.
Which was good because I like to stand up when cruising and only put it on when raining.

We have that storage also, but I would like to keep it on and fold it out of the way like a normal bimini.

 

[Earl Cordova]

AFAIK that is not possible.

 

[GA_Boater]

We have that storage also, but I would like to keep it on and fold it out of the way like a normal bimini.

Envision an automobile convertiple with the top down. What do you see? Nothing, that's the difference between a bimini and a convertible top. A convertible top is stowed and a bimini is folded. All but the small kids will have bruises on their noggins if your top could be folded.

 

[Scott Danforth]

the convertible top is removed and stowed, usually behind the stern seat back

if you want to keep it like a bimini, you should remove it and add a bimini. because if you tried to go fast with the top collapsed, it will come loose and bonk you on the head

 

[Chris1956]

The proper term for that cover is "Navy Top". My '88 SeaRay 18 footer had one. To stow it, one would unsnap it from the windshield, and flip it back. The top cushion along the transom would flip up and the top would fit under it, concealing al but the pipe supports which ran along the gunwales.

 

[JASinIL2006]

The proper term for that cover is "Navy Top". My '88 SeaRay 18 footer had one. To stow it, one would unsnap it from the windshield, and flip it back. The top cushion along the transom would flip up and the top would fit under it, concealing al but the pipe supports which ran along the gunwales.

That's odd. I've never heard of those being referred to as Navy tops. Every reference to them I've ever seen is as a convertible top.

 

[JimS123]

Our last boat had a conventional convertible top. It was secured on the gunnel with QD clips. If I wanted to take it down, there was a second set of "clips" further back that allowed it to lay down over the aft deck. No storage compartment behind the engine.

In 99% of the cases I simply put on the boot and laid it down right over the top of the windshield. Open the center section and bend down and you could get to the bow with no problem. Once on the trailer I laid it down aft and it hit the floor right behind the aft back-to-back seat.

If you want to make it simple, just buy an extra set of fittings and "install" the top above board.

 

[Stinnett21]

Chris and I must be the only ones old enough to remember "Navy top". Convertible and rain top are also synonymous. On my Starcraft 1500 I would do what Jim describes, attach it to a second set of holders further aft so it lays across the back but left enough room for the motor to lift.

 

[Boatangel1]

Our last boat had a conventional convertible top. It was secured on the gunnel with QD clips. If I wanted to take it down, there was a second set of "clips" further back that allowed it to lay down over the aft deck. No storage compartment behind the engine.

In 99% of the cases I simply put on the boot and laid it down right over the top of the windshield. Open the center section and bend down and you could get to the bow with no problem. Once on the trailer I laid it down aft and it hit the floor right behind the aft back-to-back seat.

If you want to make it simple, just buy an extra set of fittings and "install" the top above board.

That sounds great, and I wish mine was the same! Unfortunately my mounts are screw knobs, which are annoying and awkward to use. Its usually a 2 person job to install because the fittings on the poles are plastic and will likely break if not held straight when installing one side at a time.
I'm thinking the only option is a new bimini!
Thanks for the help

 

[JASinIL2006]

My boat came with a convertible top. I set it up once and have never used it again. I am a fair weather boater, so a bimini is much more useful for the type of boating I do.

 

[JimS123]

We had convertible tops for 40+ years. Never thought the screw knobs or the few snaps were a problem
In 2017 our new boat had a bimini. I like it s lot better, but I find taking it down is a real pita. As far as deployment the conv is better