This document provides installation instructions for the Dolphin PRO/PRO2/PRO3 T-Top, a marine accessory designed to provide shade and support for various equipment on a boat. The manual details the assembly process, from unpacking and identifying parts to securing the T-Top to the boat's floor and attaching the canvas cover.

Function Description:

The Dolphin PRO/PRO2/PRO3 T-Top serves as a robust overhead structure for boats, primarily offering shade and a mounting platform for marine electronics, lights, and other accessories. It consists of a frame made of interconnected aluminum tubing and a canvas top. The design emphasizes stability and ease of installation, with specific instructions for ensuring correct alignment and secure fastening. The T-Top is designed to be mounted to the boat's floor, with the side support frames providing the main structural integrity. The canvas cover, which features zippers and Velcro tabs, is designed to be easily attached and tightened, offering protection from the elements. The inclusion of standoffs allows for further stabilization by connecting the T-Top to the boat's center console.

Important Technical Specifications:

The T-Top frame is constructed from aluminum tubing, as indicated by the visual representations of the parts. The fastening hardware includes:

8 x M12 Bolts: Used for the main support frame, suggesting a strong connection for the primary structural components.
8 x M10 Bolts: Used for the top section frame, indicating a slightly smaller diameter bolt for the upper canopy structure.
4 x Ball Clamps with 4 x Rubber inserts and 4 x Allen head bolts: These clamps are crucial for connecting the top frame to the side support frames, allowing for slight rotation for adjustment during installation. The rubber inserts likely provide a secure grip and prevent scratching or galvanic corrosion between different metals.
2 x Standoffs with bolts: These are used to connect the T-Top to the center console for added stability.
16 x long bolts and nuts & backing plates: These are essential for securely mounting the T-Top to the boat's deck, distributing the load and preventing damage to the fiberglass or other deck materials.
1 x Canvas Top Cover with Zipper: This is the fabric component that provides shade. The zipper and Velcro tabs are key features for its attachment and tensioning.

The installation process highlights the importance of precise measurements and alignment. The distance from the center console to the lower side frame should be between 1 to 7 inches, allowing for flexibility in positioning while ensuring proper fitment. The design also incorporates specific features like counter-sunk areas for bolt heads to ensure a flush finish and prevent snagging.

Usage Features:

Shade Provision: The primary benefit of the canvas top is to provide shade, enhancing comfort for boat occupants during sunny conditions.
Accessory Mounting Platform: The robust frame offers multiple points for mounting various marine accessories such as rod holders, navigation lights, antennas, and electronic displays.
Structural Stability: The design, with its interconnected frame and optional standoffs to the center console, ensures a stable structure capable of withstanding marine conditions.
Adjustability: The ball clamps allow for slight rotation, providing a degree of adjustment during assembly to achieve the correct alignment.
Clear Labeling: The manual mentions "numbered inside" clamps and matching numbers on lap joints for correct installation, simplifying the assembly process.
Outward-Facing Logos: The Dolphin logo on the side frames is designed to face outwards, ensuring proper orientation and brand visibility.
Concealed Fasteners: Bolt heads are designed to be concealed in counter-sunk areas, contributing to a cleaner aesthetic and preventing potential hazards.

Maintenance Features:

While the manual primarily focuses on installation, some aspects imply maintenance considerations:

Durable Materials: The use of aluminum for the frame suggests resistance to corrosion, a common issue in marine environments.
Removable Canvas Cover: The canvas top, with its zippers and Velcro tabs, is designed to be easily removed. This facilitates cleaning, repair, or replacement of the canvas, and potentially allows for storage during off-season or severe weather to prolong its lifespan.
Secure Fastening: The use of backing plates and robust bolts for deck mounting ensures a strong and lasting attachment, reducing the need for frequent re-tightening if installed correctly.
Pre-Drilling Instructions: The emphasis on checking under the floor for wires or objects before drilling highlights a preventative measure to avoid damage during installation, which would otherwise lead to costly repairs.
Proper Bolt Orientation: Instructions to ensure bolt heads are concealed and face inwards towards the console, and that small holes are on the same side of each bow, are critical for long-term structural integrity and preventing issues that might require maintenance.

In summary, the Dolphin PRO/PRO2/PRO3 T-Top is a well-engineered marine accessory designed for straightforward installation and reliable performance, offering both practical benefits of shade and accessory mounting, along with considerations for durability and ease of maintenance.

Dolphin PRO - Page 2