How to Attach a T-Top to a Boat Without the Access Under the Deck?
 

I would like to de-attach and re-attach the T-top of my boat. But
before I do this, I want to make sure that I will be able to re-attach
it. The problem is that I have very little access to the under-deck
area right under the legs of the T-top. There is only around 2" to 3"
space underneat the deck -- I can stick my hand into it, but I cannot
turn my hand to do any work. Therefore, I am looking for a way to
attach the T-top onto my deck from above the deck.

Any trick that people can offer? Thanks.

Jay Chan

How to Attach a T-Top to a Boat Without the Access Under the Deck?
 

I assume this is a Center console boat. Is there a backing plate
underneath the deck of just thick glass holding the T-Top. I saw
another boat where the owner had reversed the way he had it attached.
He put the head of the boat underneath the deck and help the T-Top with
a pair of nylocks

How to Attach a T-Top to a Boat Without the Access Under the Deck?
 

I would like to de-attach and re-attach the T-top of my boat. But
before I do this, I want to make sure that I will be able to re-attach
it. The problem is that I have very little access to the under-deck
area right under the legs of the T-top. There is only around 2" to 3"
space underneat the deck -- I can stick my hand into it, but I cannot
turn my hand to do any work. Therefore, I am looking for a way to
attach the T-top onto my deck from above the deck.

Ratcheting box end wrenches?

But one example:
http://www.armstrongtools.com/newproducts/geared.jsp

Either that or use an air ratchet with a shallow socket. There's probably
enough room to get one in there, possibly with the nut already in the
socket. Just keep a suitable magnet handy to fish the darn things out of
there if/WHEN they wiggle loose.

How to Attach a T-Top to a Boat Without the Access Under the Deck?
 

If you are using stainless hardware, probably a good idea, you can pretty
much forget about getting any help from a magnet.

Butch
"Gene Kearns" wrote in message
...
On 19 Apr 2006 11:11:00 -0700, "
wrote:

I would like to de-attach and re-attach the T-top of my boat. But
before I do this, I want to make sure that I will be able to re-attach
it. The problem is that I have very little access to the under-deck
area right under the legs of the T-top. There is only around 2" to 3"
space underneat the deck -- I can stick my hand into it, but I cannot
turn my hand to do any work. Therefore, I am looking for a way to
attach the T-top onto my deck from above the deck.

Any trick that people can offer? Thanks.

Jay Chan

It isn't clear whether you want to do this more than once.....

If you intend to do this on a regular basis, I'd consider having some
stainless plates made to go on the back side... you really do want
through-bolts. Drill and tap the plates to match the existing holes
and attach the plates with countersunk stainless screws.

Once installed access to the back side becomes unnecessary....

How to Attach a T-Top to a Boat Without the Access Under the Deck?
 

How to Attach a T-Top to a Boat Without the Access Under the Deck?
 

Bill Kearney wrote:
I would like to de-attach and re-attach the T-top of my boat. But
before I do this, I want to make sure that I will be able to re-attach
it. The problem is that I have very little access to the under-deck
area right under the legs of the T-top. There is only around 2" to 3"
space underneat the deck -- I can stick my hand into it, but I cannot
turn my hand to do any work. Therefore, I am looking for a way to
attach the T-top onto my deck from above the deck.

Ratcheting box end wrenches?

But one example:
http://www.armstrongtools.com/newproducts/geared.jsp

Either that or use an air ratchet with a shallow socket. There's probably
enough room to get one in there, possibly with the nut already in the
socket. Just keep a suitable magnet handy to fish the darn things out of
there if/WHEN they wiggle loose.

Thanks. The ratcheting wrench idea sounds good, and this gives me one
reason to buy more tools and this is always a good thing. And I
probably ask my wife to do this because she has small hands that
probably can fit into the small space underneat the deck.

Jay Chan

How to Attach a T-Top to a Boat Without the Access Under the Deck?
 

Gene Kearns wrote:
On 19 Apr 2006 11:11:00 -0700, "
wrote:

I would like to de-attach and re-attach the T-top of my boat. But
before I do this, I want to make sure that I will be able to re-attach
it. The problem is that I have very little access to the under-deck
area right under the legs of the T-top. There is only around 2" to 3"
space underneat the deck -- I can stick my hand into it, but I cannot
turn my hand to do any work. Therefore, I am looking for a way to
attach the T-top onto my deck from above the deck.

Any trick that people can offer? Thanks.

Jay Chan

It isn't clear whether you want to do this more than once.....

If you intend to do this on a regular basis, I'd consider having some
stainless plates made to go on the back side... you really do want
through-bolts. Drill and tap the plates to match the existing holes
and attach the plates with countersunk stainless screws.

Once installed access to the back side becomes unnecessary....

I only intend to re-attach it once.

Why do I need a stainless steel backing plate (instead of a regular
galvonized plate) if I need to re-attach the T-top frequently?

Jay Chan

How to Attach a T-Top to a Boat Without the Access Under theDeck?
 

How to Attach a T-Top to a Boat Without the Access Under the Deck?
 

I use a stainless backing plate on anything that is boat thru, even on
the cleats.

How to Attach a T-Top to a Boat Without the Access Under the Deck?