Would like to put a hard top on 1980 express

R

Redeye1962

Member
Feb 15, 2010
46
Texas
Boat Info
26
Engines
260
I am entertaining the idea of installing a hard top on my 1980 Express. Any ideas if anyone has done this and weither I am out of my mind? We want an area in the back to be permanant and not have to worry about the bimini. Can I use plywood covered in vinyl or would that be too much weight? I was looking for a similar model to take from but not sure if it would fit anyway.
 
IT can be done.
Click on my sig pic and give me a call sometime tomorrow.
 
I just put a custom hardtop made by atlantic towers on my 85 AJ 255 and love the look and its pretty light weight the way they manufature them. still waiting for my enclosure to be finished right now.

I'll try to get some pics soon.
 
Heres a few pics.

DSCF0014.jpg


DSCF0018.jpg


DSCF0016.jpg
 
Looks nice Cage Rattler. Is Alantic Towers local for you or did you get that on line an install yourself ?
 
Thanks ....... Im glad I decided on the arch style legs instead of the traditional legs. i think it gave the boat a more modern look.

They are in new Jersey and im in Baltimore.

I took advantage of a deal they have every year. Got a huge discount plus free rod holders and free shipping by letting them use my custom hardtop as a display model at the Baltimore Boat Show. I picked it up the last day of the show and yes i installed it myself.
 
I now definitely have hard top envy. That looks great! Is the top bolted through the flat step that runs along the side of the boat or does it go all the way to your floor? I can't believe that it only weighs 150 lbs.

Did you do the window tinting? How do you like it?
:smt038
 
The top is SWEEEEEEEET!:thumbsup: I'm going to cut and paste it with photo shop to old skool and see what it looks like on a 20 footer. Can wait to see the enclosure.
 
Big Island Lifer said:
I now definitely have hard top envy. That looks great! Is the top bolted through the flat step that runs along the side of the boat or does it go all the way to your floor? I can't believe that it only weighs 150 lbs.

Did you do the window tinting? How do you like it?
:smt038
Click to expand...


thanks

I mounted it through the sides but probably would have been easier and more solid going through that side step. (the mounts will work either way) I figured on the sides it would make it easier to walk around that side step to the front now that theres something to hold onto .... lol.

I wound up haveing to remove the side panels to do it. there was some flexing in the sides after i test mounted it so i cut pieces of plywood about 8" tall x 32 inches long & sealed them to the inside to make it more sturdy. It worked out well.

The top came with front mounts and tubing to stabilize it sideways but i think it will kill the looks and also my visibility. Have to see how much it moves on me when at sea. It feels pretty solid to me.

I didnt add any tint. Figured that was stock but maybe not. It does have a lil tint but the pics make it look darker i believe.
 
OldSkool said:
The top is SWEEEEEEEET!:thumbsup: I'm going to cut and paste it with photo shop to old skool and see what it looks like on a 20 footer. Can wait to see the enclosure.
Click to expand...

Go to atlantictowers.com and check the photo archive. They may have a pic of your boat with a top or arch on it. Theres hundreds of pics of sea rays with their products on them.
 
heres a couple pics from the photofinder on their site.

This is how they want you to mount the front supports. I just think it kills the looks.
00107SR305-4.JPG



This is the pic that sold me on getting the hardtop with the arch style legs. this is an early 80's 300 weekender and i think that top lokks great on there.

00107SR305-1_001.JPG
 
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