Center Support Needed?

[scottd825]

hey everyone, just purchased this 226 and am wondering if the center support is needed for the top? I've been working to 'clean up' and declutter the boat. The new models do not even with a hardtop. No plans to have anything other than canvas once replaced. Thanks!

 

[Blaugrana]

Maybe ask the previous owner if there was a reason they put that there. Seems to be different than the rest.

What does it connect to at the top? Could it be taking off some of the weight and avoiding it from sagging??

 

[Fishtales]

May be an aftermarket top. Usually the factory top ties into the molded in radio box. I'm guessing if you removed it, you could have issues. If you want to do it, you could remove it and run supports from both sides in about a foot and tie them to the radio box and the same area on the other side. If you weld at all, ensure all wires are removed as the pipe gets hot and will damage them.

 

[scottd825]

Maybe ask the previous owner if there was a reason they put that there. Seems to be different than the rest.

What does it connect to at the top? Could it be taking off some of the weight and avoiding it from sagging??

It's connected to a piece of the frame but not well. The sagging part is an old t-bag that I've since cut out. It doesn't seem to do too much in terms of support.

 

[scottd825]

May be an aftermarket top. Usually the factory top ties into the molded in radio box. I'm guessing if you removed it, you could have issues. If you want to do it, you could remove it and run supports from both sides in about a foot and tie them to the radio box and the same area on the other side. If you weld at all, ensure all wires are removed as the pipe gets hot and will damage them.

Do you have a photo of a period correct top? No radio box on frame. The sagging part is an old t-bag that I've cut out. Only one screw is holding it in place and not well. It is bolted to the cabin securely though.

 

[scottd825]

Do you have a photo of a period correct top? No radio box on frame. The sagging part is an old t-bag that I've cut out. Only one screw is holding it in place and not well. It is bolted to the cabin securely though.

Also, I'm noticing that I only see a full transom on a 228 not 226. I have a full transom with an engine bracket but was told it's a 226. Do I have a 228?

 

[Fishtales]

You could try to remove. The real test will be on the water with the pounding of the sea.
To see different tops, go to the grady white website and view different models. If an option, they usually show some and if standard there should be lots of pictures with them.

 

[Blaugrana]

Also, I'm noticing that I only see a full transom on a 228 not 226. I have a full transom with an engine bracket but was told it's a 226. Do I have a 228?

Typically, yes but the prior owner might have closed off your transom. Pics of the stern might help decipher if it’s a 226 or 228. You can always call Grady and give them your HIN so they can look it up.

 

[scottd825]

Typically, yes but the prior owner might have closed off your transom. Pics of the stern might help decipher if it’s a 226 or 228. You can always call Grady and give them your HIN so they can look it up.

I’ll follow up with Grady but I’ve also attached two photos. Thank you!

 

[Blaugrana]

Definitely a 228....what year is the engine

 

[scottd825]

Definitely a 228....what year is the engine

That’s awesome! It’s a 2007

 

[glacierbaze]

Definitely an aftermarket top. Do a Google image search for Grady White Seafarer, if you want to know what the factory top looks like.

 

[scottd825]

Definitely an aftermarket top. Do a Google image search for Grady White Seafarer, if you want to know what the factory top looks like.

Will do! Thanks!