275 Hardtop - remove and replace with bimini

[abarth]

I've just purchased my first Grady, a 2008 275 Tournament. Unfortunately, I have some fixed bridges and dealing with the tides will be a problem. Of course I really like the hardtop and have been looking at ways to lower and raise it. I have seen only one good solution on a boat and many bad solutions so I'm not going to hold my breath.

I think I can easily get to the nuts on the backside of the flanges but I think it may be bedded with 5200. Any thoughts to help with removal?

I have to replace all the canvas too. That really sucks. Perhaps there is a market for the hardtop and canvas.

Thank you
Mike

 

[ElyseM]

Re: Hardtop - remove and replace with bimini

AntiBond should do the trick. just used some and it works well.

there is a market for hardtops, just look in the for sale section here. but, before you sell, just make sure you won't be moving in the foreseeable future, the cost to repurchase will probably be high. good luck, ron

 

[abarth]

While on this subject, my canvas (Plastic) is Stamoid. Nice and lightweight, easy to store.

I like the look of the navy blue canvas material Grady uses and the way it looks with the stainless steel on the bimini.
Is it really too hot under Florida sun? Stamoid while lighter and potentially cooler does not look as nice. I don't spend much time on the water so what it looks like at my dock is important. Opinions from those that know better are important.

The ivory Stamoid is growing on me.

Please help me decide.
Mike

 

[Coconut330]

I have seen a guy that has a simular problem. He had his top so it would lay down to get under a bridge when he had to. Then put it back up when gone thru. It proably would be cheaper than getting a new bimini and canvas. Many boats have towers that fold back to trailer. Just a idea??

 

[abarth]

I have decided to remove the hardtop. There were too many maybes and mights to make the contraption work.

The new bimini and full enclosure to replace what I'm losing is just over $3000 from Grady in navy Sunbrella. The low tides have not been low enough to take the boat out again and it will be this way for at least another month. That helped me decide.

The top and canvas are now listed in the forum classifieds for $6,500.

Mike

 

[George Dude]

I've just purchased my first Grady, a 2008 275 Tournament. Unfortunately, I have some fixed bridges and dealing with the tides will be a problem. Of course I really like the hardtop and have been looking at ways to lower and raise it. I have seen only one good solution on a boat and many bad solutions so I'm not going to hold my breath.

I think I can easily get to the nuts on the backside of the flanges but I think it may be bedded with 5200. Any thoughts to help with removal?

I have to replace all the canvas too. That really sucks. Perhaps there is a market for the hardtop and canvas.

Thank you
Mike

I have a275 Freedom with a Bimini but I want a hardtop. George 248-330-1394

 

[family affair]

I have a275 Freedom with a Bimini but I want a hardtop. George 248-330-1394

You might be 12 years too late.

 

[George Dude]

Story of my life. Thought I found one but it was a scam from"Rita". Still looking.