Needing a t top

skypony38

Cadet
Joined
May 22, 2017
Messages
6
Hey guys, I'm looking for a used t top for a 2000 hydra sport 230 CC. Does anyone know of any places near upstate s.c. that may have one without having to have one made
 

JimS123

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Jul 27, 2007
Messages
8,162
When people sell their boat the T-top usually goes with it. I have never heard of anyone selling used parts like that.

Custom made is probably the best. But there are companies that sell new ones sized to fit any particular boat.
 

airshot

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 22, 2008
Messages
5,080
Look for boat junkyards, there should be plenty of them with all the storm damage over the past year...
 

demarko210

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 2, 2015
Messages
597
Try this place boat-t-top
After getting custom quotes for my boat in MD of 4500 for rag and 5500 for hard top I started looking at other alternatives. Still have not made a purchase yet but I have this place bookmarked encase.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
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Jul 23, 2011
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49,537
the company that originally made the HSB tops in 2000 has been bought and sold (I think twice). I think your two choices are find a trashed boat with a top, and refurb the top (it will need new powder coat as the anodizing will have long corroded) or get one made.
 

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
16,071
Try this place boat-t-top
After getting custom quotes for my boat in MD of 4500 for rag and 5500 for hard top I started looking at other alternatives. Still have not made a purchase yet but I have this place bookmarked encase.
Pretty flimsy…,
1.5” diameter tube but no thickness or weight given

Cant see a screw together design lasting very long given the pounding.

CANOPY IS RATED FOR UP TO 45 MPH. Please remove canopy when driving above rated speed.

Not being able to go above 45 mph without removing the canopy is a deal killer for me
 

demarko210

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 2, 2015
Messages
597
@dingbat they have a 2" frame and the top collapse down. IF the rag is rated for 45 then purchase one made for more still less than 4.5k having custom built. Decent reviews on Amazon. Again I seen good and bad reviews on these and another brand that sells similar tops I cant think of the name. I back out of custom made top thinking why pay that much... that is a third of the price I paid for the boat. I just will not buy another WA without a top on it.
I mainly want to the top for over head rod storage when under way and over head light when needed and the shade of course. My bimini works for the shade aspect of it.
 
Last edited:

cyclops222

Lieutenant
Joined
Mar 21, 2024
Messages
1,289
I have very quick fold up and fold down Bimini Tops. But I do not run at WOT due to the strains on the restraining straps. I can raise or lower in under 2 minutes alone. If needed. I can remove it completely in 5 minutes.
 

airshot

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 22, 2008
Messages
5,080
I have very quick fold up and fold down Bimini Tops. But I do not run at WOT due to the strains on the restraining straps. I can raise or lower in under 2 minutes alone. If needed. I can remove it completely in 5 minutes.
Not sure what your wot speed is, but I run my bimini top up at 30 mph with no issues. My previous boat ran the bimini at 35 mph with no issues. Now if you can run 50....I wouldn't run that fast either ! My top is a cheap unit off Amazon, nothing special, typical one in aluminum frame with one inch wide straps for hold downs. Plastic hardware even. One trick is to be sure the front edge of the top slightly lower than the rear edge to keep the wind from getting under and lifting it up.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
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Jul 23, 2011
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49,537
center consoles will hit low 50's to mid 60's depending on power to get out were the fish are. some are in the 70's

so a T-top that wont run WOT for 70 miles is a non-starter for many
 

demarko210

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 2, 2015
Messages
597
@dingbat mentioned securing the frame to with screws on those tops. I know the WA top they sell will bolt on in my locations. I would expect this to be bolted down if you have the access to reach under the legs. If they dont have access how would a custom shop do it? I would assume make an access hatch in the floor. Do these the same way.

@Scott Danforth I was assuming that @dingbat meant the fabric will rip at higher speeds. I believe the fabric is not made with those rings it looks like its snap or stitched but that can be changed for the price verse custom.

I was not even thinking about driving the boat at 70 I was thinking more on the trailer going down the highway
 

demarko210

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 2, 2015
Messages
597
I have very quick fold up and fold down Bimini Tops. But I do not run at WOT due to the strains on the restraining straps. I can raise or lower in under 2 minutes alone. If needed. I can remove it completely in 5 minutes.
If the sun is out and the top is open. No rush to get where I am going.
 

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
16,071
@dingbat mentioned securing the frame to with screws on those tops.
No mention of attachment to boat.... referring to assembly instructions showing the frames are screwed together with set screws and pole and socket connections.

Mine is welded (OEM). 2" diameter, schedule 40 aluminum tubing. Have repaired (welded) a couple of small stress cracks in the primary support structure over the years.

With all the pounding and vibration, I can't imagine set screws with pole and socket connections holding up very long. Hardware would be rolling around on the floor in the back of the cockpit before too long.
 

crazy charlie

Vice Admiral
Joined
May 22, 2003
Messages
5,499
Hey guys, I'm looking for a used t top for a 2000 hydra sport 230 CC. Does anyone know of any places near upstate s.c. that may have one without having to have one made
Thats a pretty easy find here on Long Island. Prob too far for you though.Charlie
 
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