T-Topless Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I stand up under the T-Topless,Montauk-T-Topless and Shadow?
A. Yes. The T-Topless and Shadow have about 6'4" clearance inside, while the Montauk-T-Topless provides 6'9" inside clearance.

Q. Can I leave the top up at speed?
A. Yes. The T-Topless, Montauk-T-Topless, Shadow and Flats-Top are designed to be used at speed. In fact, the T-Topless and Shadow have been tested at 67mph and we'd love to test at higher speeds! ;-)

Q. Can I leave my top up when I trailer my boat?
A. Yes. The tops are designed to be left up when trailering at legal highway speeds (70mph+), and will fit below bridges, etc. when the boat is on a standard trailer. We've towed our boat 1,000's of miles with the top raised. Don't forget to remove your rods from the rod holders though - they can blow out!

Q. How do I know what will fit my boat?
A. If your boat is listed on the Technical list, the T-Topless and Shadow will fit. If not, measure your grab bar width, height and cooler height and use the table and formula or eMail your boat make/model/year and these dimensions to us. If you have problems or are not satisfied, arrange to return your top within 30 days for a refund.

Q. Will it fit in my garage?
A. In almost all cases, the T-Topless, Montauk-T-Topless and Shadow fold below your windshield grab bar height. The Flats-Top usually fits fine, unless you need a tall version and your barely fits now. So if your boat fits now (see our "Garaging Tips" for help with getting your boat to fit in your garage), it will fit with the T-Topless, Shadow or Montauk-T-Topless folded down. If not, send it back!

Q. Can I remove the tops to Fly-Fish or for Winter boating?
A. Yes, thats one of the best features! By simply removing the T-Topless or Shadow's two front pivot bolts, the top can be lifted off and stored in your garage, or the back of an SUV (fits easily in a Suburban, Taho, Excursion, Expidition and others). The wire for the light on the T-Topless has splash-proof plugs that un-plug for removal. The Flats Top has two bolts which are easily removed and the top slides out of its brackets and can be stored in your truck, SUV or car.

Q. I can save money with this top?
A. Garage storage with our T-Tops saves $100-$600/month over dry stack or storage facility costs. That's $1,200-$7,200/year savings, or $12,000-$72,000 savings over an average 10-year boat ownership!

Q. Are these T-Tops as strong as an aluminum pipe t-top?
A. The T-Topless and Shadow are formed with a numerical control bender and orbital TIG welded from very strong, corrosion resistant, polished 304L and 316 stainless steel. Since they mount to your grab bars, they aren't as rigid as a "fixed" aluminum t-top, but they are actually stronger and will last as longer (maybe even longer than your boat). Aluminum t-tops are welded from 1.5" aluminum pipe (not tubing), which eliminates the protective anodzing in the welded area and will pit and crack over time. For more details, see our "Why Stainless?" section.

Q. Can I stand on top of this top to sight fish?
A. No. These tops are sturdy, but not intended to stand on. You need a bigger boat or a poling platform ;-)

Q. I have a Boston Whaler Montauk ... what are my options?
A. If you have a Montauk 17 or 170, a Dauntless 18 180 or a Outrage 18 the Montauk-T-Toples sis the right answer, since it a) allows the use the standard Whaler rod holders along the front of the console since it sits 10" further back to accomodate these rod holders (and is about 5" taller than the regualar T-Topless and Shadow), and b) fold down all the way in front.

Q. Why hasn't anyone invented something like this before?
A. Bimini and T-Tops have been around for a long time, but they each have issues. We've combined the best of both worlds - the advantages of a T-Top with the convenience of a Bimini - and tested and refined it since 2003! Yes, there are a few others removable T-Tops on the market, but they're aluminum and you must drill holes in your floor and console to install them and some are difficult to lower or remove (the T-Topless pivots forward by pulling 2 quick-release pins). The Flats-Top is a unique solutin to the typcial beach umbrella used on many flats boats on hot days - but you can't fish aroud a each umbrella, and you certianly don;t get shade when you're moving!

Q. What about my flats boat?
A. Our Flats-Top provides coverage for 2 people, install in an hour, is usable at speed and removes for cool days.

Q. Where do I buy a T-Topless, Montauk-T-Topless, Shadow or Flats-Top?
A. Right here! Or, ask your dealer. We are establishing dealers in the across the US and will continue to expand.

Q. How can I catch more fish?
A. Our tops do a lot, but we can't guarantee more fish. The T-Topless, Shadow & Flats-Top will avoid annoying Bimini Top straps, protect you from the rain and sun, hold your rods, display your navigation light, look great and fit in your garage - all of which should put your mind at ease - to focus on fishing!

- & Frequently Asked Questions