Thoughts on bimini vs t-top for 17' whaler

[jbrinch88]

Bought a 17' whaler for the summer and I finally got a chance to start working on it. It came with a bimini, but the previous owner never used it. The frame needs to be cleaned up and the canvas is bright blue which doesnt really go with the boat. I would most likely just buy a whole new setup. I really like the way the t-tops look and found this company http://www.strykerttops.com/Universal-T ... s-s/37.htm. Wondering if anyone has any experience with them. Price seems great for what you're getting in my opinion.

I think the biminis look like crap personally and the t-tops allow for other options like rod holders, antenna mounts, lights, storage, elec. box etc.

Looking forward to getting this thing in the water. I've already replaced everything with starboard, and now I'm replacing all the electronics.

Just looking for opinions. Thanks.

 

[Tuna Man]

I think the T-Tops in your link look pretty good. However, I think putting T-Top on a 17' Whaler could be a problem. It may cause stability problems, might eat up precious space on a small boat, anchoring the mounts could prove nearly impossible. Maybe others can chime in that have added a T-Top.

 

[jbrinch88]

My two concerns were mounting it and it being in the way when casting. The fiberglass on this boat is very thin. On that site they say to use 5200 as well to aid in mounting strength.

 

[gw204]

I would do with either the bimini or no shade at all on a boat of that size. IMO T-tops just don't look right on a boat with such low sides.

 

[Parthery]

I'd post on continuouswave.com and ask the whaler experts...

The thought though, with a Whaler, is that stability might become an issue.