Boating Tips: Hardtops

Hard tops and T-tops are a durable, functional way to add shade, and in some cases, even storage, to your vessel.

Hardtop Boats

Hardtop is a name that encompasses numerous types of covering styles on boats that are not canvas tops. Examples include T-tops and pilot houses. The Conquest family from Boston Whaler is a hardtop model that is not a t-top. Hardtops are much more durable than their canvas counterparts. Another example is the Hardtop edition from Galeon.

A hardtop in the style of the Conquest line provides immense shade, but in terms of fishing, can be a bit limiting because of the stanchions.

T-tops

T-tops are very common on fishing boats. While they do provide shade, they usually only cover the helm station and don’t provide much shade to any other part of the vessel. A t-top will usually have rod holders attached as well. T-tops are meant to maximize fishability of the vessel.

T-top or Hardtop?

The answer to that question really depends on what your on-the-water goals are. Are you more concerned with fishing or family time? Do you want to cruise and hang out, or are you in search of something purpose-built for the avid angler? Call, click, or stop by your local MarineMax store and we would be happy to help you answer any of these questions. We’ll see you out there.