Hardtop for a 53MY

[Plan B2]

I am looking for recommendations for a hard top on my 53. My 1984 53MY has an after market (Marquip) arch that was hinged by the PO for the 19 ft bridge on the loop. Can anyone recommend a hardtop builder that can work with an existing arch, or is a total new support system the way to go. My concern is the measurments and the various angles that are involved. I am not on a coast where there is an abundance of experienced installers, so the design for a top may need to be a very strong system of measuring and ommunications between myself and the top MFG.
Anyone been there done that that can provide some practical insight to their experience with getting a hard top added?

 

[Tinman]

From a previous project doing the same thing, I would recommend finding someone that has solid experience building custom hard tops. Not as easy as it appears. You will also need an aluminum pipe frame with supports.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

If you do this and you end up taking off the existing arch, let me know. I was going to hinge my arch this winter, but just buying one that is already hinged would be much easier.

Or, if you want to trade for one that is not hinged, that might work out as well.

 

[Plan B2]

Sky I may not pull the triger on a decision regarding the arch until next spring.
The hinge was locally built and installed. Not a complicated design, simple bar stock and tubing. here is a pic

 

[Plan B2]

Atlantic towers can go over the top of the arch so I don't see a need to remove the existing arch just yet. I still would like to learn about other suppliers that make custom hard tops. Are there others out there or is Atlantic Towers the go to maker for a cutom hard top?

 

[saltshaker]

Atlantic towers can go over the top of the arch so I don't see a need to remove the existing arch just yet. I still would like to learn about other suppliers that make custom hard tops. Are there others out there or is Atlantic Towers the go to maker for a cutom hard top?

I would remove the arch. The hard top will look much nicer with all uniform support. I never like the way the top looks sitting on top of the arch. Looks like it was dropped on instead of custom fit.

 

[Plan B2]

Thanks Jack. I do have that concern and will need to see some examples up close and in person before my final decision.

 

[carolinacoast]

I would check with Tom Slane.

 

[johnjen50]

Agree with Saltshaker. There is a member here who has a 58 yachtfish in Europe I believe that has pictures of his hardtop. It extends off of the radar arch and really looks nice. It is a blue hull boat whose pix come up every so often at the top of the home page. If you search the boats you will find it. That is the approach I would like to take someday.

 

[johnjen50]

I just saw the picture I was referring to earlier. The boats name is diamond and the poster is Marco Maffaie. Nice looking carbon fiber hard top.

 

[Steve Mannshardt]

I just received a hard top for my 53' YF. Atlantic Towers. It has yet to be installed. Product is top notch and they are easy to work with. Will send pics when boat is out of pain and all is installed.

 

[tracy]

may I ask what atlantic charged

 

[Steve Mannshardt]

Std top with previously negotiated price, $7500.00. Had it lengthened. Paid $9500.00. Freight extra