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Folding T-Top 
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 Folding T-Top 
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Rigid T-Top
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Bimini Top
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CE Smith®
Rigid T-Top 
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Fishmaster®
Folding T-Top  |
Stryker® SG600
Folding T-Top  |
BimiTee®
Removable T-Top 
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Frame |
Frame formed from a single 20-foot piece of 1.00-inch x 0.065-inch (16 gauge) thick, polished AISI type 304L Stainless tubing, and a 42" cross bar for rigidity, using an Ercolina® programmable Numerical Control Bender, with polished AISI type 316 polished Stainless fittings orbital TIG welded to it with a Swagelok® programmable, automatic orbital TIG Welder | Frame formed from 3 pieces (20+ total feet) of 1.00-inch x 0.049-inch (18 gauge) thick, polished AISI type 304L Stainless Steel tubing using an Ercolina® programmable Numerical Control Bender, with polished AISI type 316 polished Stainless Steel fittings orbital TIG welded together with a Swagelok® programmable automatic orbital TIG Welder. | Typically 1.50-inch aluminum pipe (not tubing) with manual welds | Typically 7/8-inch aluminum tubing with set-screwed end fittings made of plastic or chrome plated zamac (pot metal). Offered in stainless as well | 1-inch TIG welded Stainless Steel Tubing | 1.50-inch welded aluminum pipe (not tubing) | 1.50-inch welded aluminum pipe (not tubing) | 7/8-inch Aluminum or Stainless tubing, Rivets and Set Screws at corners/tees
(NOT pre-assembled!) |
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Lowered Height |
below Windshield Grab Rail | below Windshield Grab Rail | Doesn't lower, 7 to 8 feet |
below Windshield Grab Rail | Doesn't lower, 81-3/4" (6' 9-3/4") |
49.4" (4' 1-3/8") with cooler removed or no front seat, Doesn't lower below 6.5 to 7 feet with standard 20" Igloo Cooler or built-in seat! |
48" (4') with cooler removed or no front seat,
Doesn't lower below 6 to 7 feet with standard 20" Igloo Cooler or built-in seat! |
lays on floor |
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Weight |
28 pounds | 19.5 pounds | 75+ pounds | 15-20 pounds | over 100 pounds | 75 pounds | 108 pounds | 50-60 pounds? |
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Sizes |
23 Square Feet of Coverage 13 Sizes: 4 grab rail widths: Skinny (23-27"), Narrow (27-31"), Medium (31-35"), Wide (35-39"). each available in 3 windshield grab rail rakes: Raked Forward, Vertical or Back. plus Montauk |
21 Square Feet of Coverage 3 Models: based on windshield grab bar "rake" : Raked Forward (20° to 65° rake), Vertical Bars (-20° to +20° rake) or Raked Back (-45° to -20° rake) |
Kit or custom made.
Note - rods will typically not longer fit in rod holders on sides of console! |
Fit most boats.
Note - rods will typically not longer fit in rod holders on sides of console! |
1 Adjustable Size: 26-1/2" to 50" width console. Note - rods will no longer fit in rod holders on sides of console! |
1 Adjustable Size: 50" max width console. Note - rods will no longer fit in rod holders on sides of console! |
1 Adjustable Size: 50" max width console. Note - rods will no longer fit in rod holders on sides of console! |
4 Models: Small console mount, Medium console mount, Medium floor (H) mount, Large floor (H) mount. Note - rods will typically not longer fit in rod holders on sides of console! |
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Canvas |
Any Sunbrella® color (6 in stock) marine canvas, laces with 1 continuous lace | Black Sunbrella® marine canvas or upgrade to any color Sunbrella® canvas |
Depends on manufacturer |
Depends on manufacturer |
6 Sunbrella® colors, lace canvas yourself (approx. 1 hour) | 9 Sunbrella® colors, lace canvas yourself in 12 separate, knotted pieces (approx. 1 hour) | Black or Blue (special order others) Sunbrella®, lace canvas yourself (approx. 1 hour) | Canvas is "loose" as its simply pulled front-to-back by drawstrings, not laced all-around |
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Light |
USCG approved Perko
or optional SeaChoice LED
light, wired through tubing and mounted above canvas eliminates glare inside the boat. Ancor 14-gauge tinned copper, marine jacketed wiring installed through (inside) tubing, with quick-disconnect Ancor heat shrink splash-proof pin connectors to console harness (provided), so the top can be removed easily. |
No light | optional | No light | Optional $39 incandescent light. Light NOT pre-wired & the wires are NOT run inside the tubing |
Optional $35 incandescent light. Light NOT pre-wired & the wires are NOT run inside the tubing |
Optional $55 light. Light NOT pre-wired & the wires are NOT run inside the tubing |
No light |
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Fishing |
All around access | All around access | All around access | Straps in the way for fishing. |
All around access | All around access | All around access | All around access |
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Garage |
Lowers below windshield height to fit in garage! | Lowers below windshield height (often below gunnels) to fit in garage! | Will NOT fit in garage. | Fits in garage. | Will NOT fit in garage. | Might fit in garage. The Fishmaster top does NOT fold below windshield level with front seat or cooler in place in most cases. |
Might fit in garage. The Stryker Folding top does NOT fold below windshield level with front seat or cooler in place. |
Must remove top to fit boat in garage. |
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Raise, Lower, Remove |
Raises (and lowers) in less than a minute
by pulling (2) quick-release pins (lanyard attached to avoid
loss) and rotating forward. Remove in 5 minutes by removing the (2) front pivot bolts, and disconnecting (2) splash-proof Ancor pin electrical connectors. |
Raises (and lowers) in less than a minute
by pulling (2) quick-release pins (lanyard attached to avoid
loss) and rotating forward. Remove in 5 minutes by removing the (2) front pivot bolts. |
Does NOT Lower. Not removable. |
Raises (and lowers) in less than a minute. Remove by removing (2) Pivot bolts or pins. |
Does NOT Lower. Not removable. |
Lowers in 5-10 minutes by removing four(4) bolts (need tools?) and rotating forward Not removable. |
Lowers in 5-10 minutes by removing six(6) bolts (need tools?) and rotating forward Not removable. |
Does NOT lower. Remove in 10-15 minutes by detaching 2 rear braces, removing pins and lifting the entire top off of the frame (2 people?), remove the canvas and then stow the top by dropping it down over the console (can't get into console when stored) Remove top half from boat, leaving vertical mounted legs in place. |
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Speed |
Tested at 65+mph
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Tested at 65+mph
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No issues |
Flimsy at high speed |
No known issues |
No known issues |
Unspecified |
No lift below 30mph, tested at 68mph. Per BimiTee: "at higher speeds you can see the cover respond to the increase in lift pressure". Check out the photo, "Running Fast" |
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Trailer |
Trailer in raised position at legal highway speeds.
T-Topless demo boat has been towed 1,000's of miles with the same top in the raised position. |
Trailer in raised position at legal highway speeds. |
Trailer in raised position at legal highway speeds. | Trailer in raised position at slow speeds. Trailer with bimini down at legal highway speeds. | Trailer in raised position at legal highway speeds. | Trailer in raised position at legal highway speeds. | Unspecified | Cannot be trailered with canvas attached! Remove canvas to tow, or remove entire frame and tie down in boat (could scratch floor) or place in truck bed to tow at highway speeds |
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Rod Holders |
Adjustable rod holders mount forward on sides, for ease of access. $75/pair. Can also mount antennas. |
Adjustable rod holders mount forward on sides, for ease of access. $75/pair. Can also mount antennas. |
Rod holders, lights and antennas easily mounted. |
No rod holders. |
Adjustable stainless steel rod holders: $240/pair. |
Rod holders: $70/pair. |
Rod holders: $70/pair. |
Back polyethylene rod holders: 4 for $99. |
| Install Time |
1 hour for top, 1 hour for wiring. |
< 1 hour | 3-6 hours |
1-2 hours |
4-6 hours |
4-8 hours |
4-8 hours |
3-6 hours |
| Install |
Frame is pre-wired, lighted and the canvas is reay to be laced onto the frame when you remove it
from its shipping box. Clamp (4) clamps on to your existing windshield grab bars using Phillips screw driver and 3/16" allen wrench. Drill NO holes and use NO wood screws to mount. |
Slide Port and Starboard Frames together on Rear Cross-Bar, Lace Sunbrella canvas onto frame with provided lacing, Clamp (4) clamps on to your existing windshield grab bars using Phillips screw driver and 3/16" allen wrench. Drill NO holes and use NO wood screws to mount. |
Must drill 16+ holes in floor of boat for mounting with wood screws or backing plate | Must drill 12+ holes in boat for mounting with
WOOD SCREWS (typically) |
Lace canvas onto frame. Align (using levels, squares and templates) and drill (16) 3/16" WOOD SCREWS or 1/4" (thru-bolted) holes in fiberglass floor of boat for mounting of (4) bases, avoiding fuel tank, water tank, fuel lines, rigging tubes and wiring, Countersink all (16) holes to help prevent stress cracking, Align and drill (2) 1/4" holes through V-Bracket into front of fiberglass console for Standoffs. Be careful NOT to hit anything inswide the console! Align and drill (8) 1/4" holes into (4) coners of your console for Standoffs. Be careful NOT to hit anything inswide the console! Be cautious of drilling (watch for fuel tank, tubing, fuel lines, electronics and wiring in your console) and must insure the bases are mounted to solid material without compromising the structural integrity of your boat Must have your own marine sealant, zip ties, lubricant, loc-tite, drill, long drill bits, wrenches, screw drivers, rubber mallet (?), tape measure, sharpie and a friend to help |
Lace canvas onto frame. Align (using levels, squares and templates) and drill (16) 11/64" holes in fiberglass floor of boat for mounting of (4) bases with WOOD SCREWS (sixteen 11/64" holes in your floor), drilling only 1.5" deep in front and 1" in rear to help avoid fuel tank, water tank, fuel lines, rigging tubes or wiring Chamfer all (16) holes with 3/8" drill bit to help prevent stress cracking Align and drill (2) 11/64" holes through Fishmaster frame and fiberglass console for Standoffs. It isn't possible to chamfer these holes for stress crack prevention, as the frame is in the way Measure length and cut (2 or 4) metal Standoffs to the correct length and install between frame and boat's fiberglass console (the "raw" end of this metal tube will be mounted tightly to your fiberglass with no protective washer) Be cautious of drilling (watch for fuel tank, tubing, fuel lines, electronics and wiring in your console) and must insure the bases are mounted to solid material without compromising the structural integrity of your boat Must have your own marine sealant, zip ties, lubricant, loc-tite, drill, long drill bits, wrenches, screw drivers, rubber mallet (?), tape measure, sharpie and a friend to help |
Lace canvas onto frame. Align (using levels, squares and templates) and drill (16) 1/4" holes in fiberglass floor of boat for mounting of (4) bases with WOOD SCREWS , drilling only 1.5" deep in front and 1" in rear to help avoid fuel tank, water tank, fuel lines, rigging tubes or wiring Chamfer all holes with drill bit to help prevent stress cracking Align and drill holes through Stryker frame and fiberglass console for Standoffs. It isn't possible to chamfer these holes for stress crack prevention, as the frame is in the way Measure length and cut Standoffs to the correct length and install between frame and boat's fiberglass console (the "raw" end of this metal tube will be mounted tightly to your fiberglass with no protective washer) Be cautious of drilling (watch for fuel tank, tubing, fuel lines, electronics and wiring in your console) and must insure the bases are mounted to solid material without compromising the structural integrity of your boat Must have your own marine sealant, zip ties, lubricant, loc-tite, drill, long drill bits, wrenches, screw drivers, rubber mallet (?), tape measure, sharpie and a friend to help. |
Align (using levels, squares and templates) and drill (16) 1/8-1/4" holes in your center console fiberglass for mounting of vertical
support brackets bases with
WOOD SCREWS . Be cautious of drilling (watch for fuel tank, tubing, fuel lines, electronics and wiring in your console. Must have your own marine sealant, drill, long drill bits, wrenches, screw drivers, rubber mallet (?), tape measure, sharpie and a helper. |
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Boat Cover |
Standard or custom boat cover typically fits. |
Standard or custom boat cover typically fits. |
Requires after-market boat cover like the T-Top Boat Cover |
Standard boat cover typically fits. | Requires after-market boat cover like the T-Top Boat Cover |
Standard boat cover does NOT typically fit. |
Standard boat cover does NOT typically fit. |
Standard boat cover fits with top removed. |
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Sell Your Boat ? |
Simply remove your T-Topless and its 4 clamps and disconnect the wiring in less than 1.5 hours and install on your next boat! |
Simple remove your Shadow and its 4 clamps in less than an hour and install on your next boat! |
Permanent to boat. |
Can remove, but leaves holes. |
Permanent to boat. | Permanent to boat. | Permanent to boat. | Can be removed. |
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Gear Storage |
PhiferTex "breathable" T-Topless
and Montauk-T-Topless
Gear Loft |
Not yet. | 3rd party - usually hang down. | No. | CE Smith Polyester T-Top Storage Bag | 3rd party - usually hang down. | 3rd party - usually hang down. | No. |
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Spray Shield? Side Curtains? |
T-Topless
and Montauk-T-Topless
wrap-around Spray-Shield and Gull-Wings (Side Curtains) |
Not yet. | Add-on, $1,000-2,000 | No. | No. | $425 windshield enclosure
attaches with Velcro® strips.
No Gull-Wing side curtains |
No. | $329 windshield and small side curtain,
attached with Velcro.
No Gull-Wing side curtains |
| Warranty |
Industry leading
T-Topless™ and Montauk-T-Topless™ 10-Year Frame Warranty, Sunbrella® 10-Year Fabric Warranty |
Industry leading
Shadow™ and Montauk-Shadow™ 10-Year Frame Warranty, Sunbrella® 10-Year Fabric Warranty |
3 to 5 years max. warranty on Aluminum T-Tops | 6 month to 1 year warranty typically | "C.E. Smith™ Company, Inc., (SMITH) warrants all stainless steel components of this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years" | "Fishmaster™ products carry a 5-Year Warranty against defects in parts or workmanship." | "5 year warranty for workmanship." | "The Bimi-Tee Top™ is warrantied for 2 years, the cover is warrantied for 5 years." |
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List Price |
T-Topless: Error processing SSI file Montauk-T-Topless: Error processing SSI file plus shipping |
Shadow: Error processing SSI file Montauk-Shadow: Error processing SSI file plus shipping |
$1,800 to $3,000 plus shipping |
$300 (aluminum) to $1,200 (stainless) plus shipping |
$2,390 plus $198 canvas plus $36 light = $2,624 plus shipping |
$1,230, $1,325 on Ebay (with light) plus shipping Note - Requires flat floor Note - doesn't fit Boston Whaler® Montauk® 17 |
$1,399 + $39.95 light ============ = $1,439 plus $150 shipping Note - Requires flat floor Note - May not fit Boston Whaler® Montauk's curved floors |
$599 (Stainless "H" mount) $379 (Aluminum console mount) plus shipping |
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Made in |
T-Topless™ & Montauk-T-Topless™ 
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Shadow™ & Montauk-Shadow™
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Custom T-Top made in USA typically |
Bimini Top often made in China |
CE SMith made in USA? |
Fishmaster® made in China 
Manufactured in Zhejiang, China
by Fuyang Cheerfree Machine & Hardware Co., Ltd. and imported to the US through Lt Wakeboard Co., Ltd. Bimini Top and t Top Manufacturer from China, Fishmaster and others. |
Stryker® made in China
Manufactured in Zhejiang, China
through a partnership between PW Brands LLC and Hangzhou Lantu Machinery And Electronics Company Ltd. and imported to the US through PW Brands LLC and Lt Wakeboard Co., Ltd. Bimini Top and T Top Manufacturer from China, Stryker and others. |
BimiTee® made in USA? |
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Folding T-Top |
Folding T-Top |
Rigid T-Top |
Bimini Top |
CE Smith Rigid T-Top |
Fishmaster Folding T-Top |
Stryker SG600 Folding T-Top |
BimiTee Removable T-Top
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