The Fishmaster Original T-Top is a marine accessory designed to provide shade and additional functionality to boats, specifically for fishing and general boating activities. It is a custom-fit T-top that includes a canvas canopy, offering protection from the sun and elements while on the water.
Function Description:
The primary function of the Fishmaster Original T-Top is to provide a sturdy, overhead structure on a boat's console, which supports a canvas canopy. This canopy offers shade to the boat's occupants, enhancing comfort during extended periods on the water. Beyond shade, the T-top structure itself can serve as a mounting point for various marine accessories, such as rod holders, lights, antennas, and electronic devices, thereby expanding the boat's utility and organization. The design emphasizes a secure and stable installation, integrating with the boat's console and deck to withstand the rigors of marine environments. The T-top is designed to be a permanent fixture once installed, providing a reliable and integrated solution for boat owners seeking to enhance their vessel's capabilities and comfort.
Usage Features:
The Fishmaster Original T-Top is designed for ease of use and integration into a boat's existing structure. Its installation involves assembling side sections, positioning the assembled legs, mounting the legs to the boat, assembling standoffs, and finally, assembling and attaching the canopy with its canvas top.
- Assembly of Side Sections: The process begins by attaching leg sections together, ensuring the hinge faces the bow of the boat. M10x35 bolts are used to connect the top and lower sections, and a metal washer followed by a hinge bolt are inserted into the hinge. A key tip is to get the bolts snug first and then tighten them fully after each step, ensuring a secure fit.
- Positioning the Assembled Legs: Proper placement of the legs is crucial for stability and aesthetics. The legs need to be square and even with the opposite side of the console. It is recommended to place the leg 1 to 7 inches away from the sides of the console to achieve optimal positioning and balance.
- Mounting Legs to Boat: This step involves marking the holes for drilling on the boat's deck. Drilling is performed in reverse with a 45-degree chamfer drill bit to prevent gel coat damage. Longer deck screws are used for the front feet and shorter ones for the rear feet. Before screwing down the feet, 3M™ 5200 marine adhesive is applied between and in the holes to ensure a waterproof and secure attachment. This adhesive application is critical for the T-top's long-term stability and to prevent water intrusion into the boat's structure.
- Assembling the Standoffs: Standoffs provide additional support and stability to the T-top by connecting it to the boat's console. The process involves marking where to place the standoff, drilling a 3/8-inch hole through the side upright, and then placing the standoff rod through the hole. The standoff is marked where it touches the console, cut to the appropriate length with a fine-tooth handsaw, and then assembled through the leg and from the inside of the console. This ensures a custom fit and robust connection.
- Assembling the Canopy: The canopy frame is assembled by joining canopy sections together with bolts. It is important to remember to install the hinge bolts during this process. Once the frame is assembled, it is installed onto the legs by resting it into the c-clamp and tilting it forward, with bolts inserted into the c-clamps. Assistance is recommended for placing the canopy onto the legs due to its size and weight.
- Attaching the Canvas Top: The canvas top is slid onto the canopy frame, ensuring the white I.D. tag faces the rear and is on the underside. Cable ties are used initially to keep the canvas in place, maintaining even spacing between the canvas and the tubes. Finally, a rope is threaded through each grommet and over the bars, tightened firmly like a drum head, and tied off. The cable ties are removed after the rope is secured. This method ensures a taut and secure canvas, preventing flapping and providing maximum shade.
The T-top is designed to be foldable, which is a significant usage feature for navigating under bridges or storing the boat in areas with limited overhead clearance. However, users are cautioned to keep hands clear when folding due to pinch points. The T-top is not designed for attaching ropes for watersports, climbing, standing, or riding on it, emphasizing its primary role as a shade and accessory mounting structure.
Maintenance Features:
Maintaining the Fishmaster Original T-Top is straightforward, focusing on regular checks and proper care to ensure its longevity and safe operation.
- Hardware Inspection: Before each use, it is crucial to inspect all bolts and ensure all hardware is tightened. This prevents loosening due to vibrations and movement on the water, which could compromise the T-top's stability and safety.
- Adhesive Application: The use of 3M™ 5200 marine adhesive during installation is a critical maintenance-related feature. This adhesive creates a strong, waterproof seal, preventing water intrusion into the boat's deck and console, which could lead to structural damage over time. While not a recurring maintenance task, its initial application is vital for long-term structural integrity.
- Loctite® 242 Blue: The manual suggests applying Loctite® 242 Blue to any bolt during assembly to ensure a locking fit. This threadlocker helps prevent bolts from loosening due to vibration, adding an extra layer of security and reducing the frequency of re-tightening.
- Canvas Care: While not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the canvas canopy would typically require periodic cleaning to remove salt, dirt, and mildew, which can degrade the fabric over time. Regular cleaning with appropriate marine canvas cleaners would help maintain its appearance and extend its lifespan.
- Structural Integrity: The overall design and installation instructions emphasize creating a robust and stable structure. By following the detailed steps, including proper drilling techniques, secure fastening, and the use of standoffs, the T-top is built to be durable. Regular visual inspections for any signs of wear, corrosion, or damage to the frame or mounting points would be part of routine maintenance to ensure continued safe operation.
- No Modifications: Users are explicitly warned not to modify the product in any way. This is a crucial maintenance guideline, as unauthorized modifications could compromise the T-top's structural integrity, void warranties, and potentially lead to unsafe conditions.
In summary, the Fishmaster Original T-Top is a well-designed marine accessory that offers significant benefits in terms of shade, accessory mounting, and enhanced boating comfort. Its installation process is detailed, emphasizing precision and secure fastening, while its maintenance requirements are primarily focused on regular inspections and adherence to installation guidelines to ensure long-term safety and performance.
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