Adding Radar Arch / Hard Top on Adventure 208 with F150 Yamaha

[Sdfish]

Guys - I am considering adding a radar arch or hard top to my 208. It has a F150 on and works great for my needs today.
I know folks love the HP, but what do you think the impact would be if I added 150 lb to 200 lb hard top on this boat with a 150 on it. I typically fish 3 guys with no issues on speed or performance.
Anyone have a similar setup?
Thanks

 

[SkunkBoat]

Can't say for sure with a grady 208 but I put a hardtop on a Wellcraft V20 with a Suzuki DF140. Did not hurt performance, actually ran better with the forward weight added

 

[Sdfish]

Hi Skunk, thank you for the quick reply! Was the weight of the boat similar to the 208 (2900 dry w/o motors)? Thanks!

 

[SkunkBoat]

Hi Skunk, thank you for the quick reply! Was the weight of the boat similar to the 208 (2900 dry w/o motors)? Thanks!

2000

 

[v8boatbuilder]

I added the Atlantic Towers arch to my 208, and outfit it with a Raymarine radar and some Lumitec lights. It's fantastic. Only downside is it makes the side-decks very tight to walk around, but now there is a great handhold. https://www.atlantictowers.com/

 

[Sdfish]

Hi V8 - thanks! Did you install yourself? Any pictures to share? Thanks

 

[apostleislandsphoto]

I put an Atlantic Towers hard top on my 208 a couple years ago. I have radar, lights, etc. mounted up there. I'm running a Yamaha 225 on mine, and haven't noticed any perceivable drop in performance. I'll say this - with the hardtop and curtains up, it's like a sail in all but the most gentle of breezes. Makes getting back into a narrow slip...interesting.

 

[Sdfish]

Hummy - your boat looks great!! Thanks for sharing!

 

[v8boatbuilder]

Yes, I installed it myself, with a second set of hands. Although my business is marine electronics installation so this is what I do every day!

We had AT do the rocket launchers custom on the sides for a sleeker look at my Wife's suggestion, and keep it "one-piece" rather than their adjustable version. I have grown to really like them in this position, too. We do a lot of trailering, so we kept the arch low as possible to avoid clearance issues.

It's VERY strong. I can do a pull-up on it and it doesn't flex at all. Being in NJ, we picked it up rather than deal with shipping.

 

[Sdfish]

Aaron - thank you! Looks good! Did you install?

 

[Dboardfox]

I have a 208 with a hardtop and a 200hp yamaha. I think hardtop helps get weight forward and plane quickly. Highly recommend. I see no disadvantages.