Bimini Top Fabric

Hey you avid boaters & fishermen out there - I am wondering something that I'm sure many of you fellows have questioned as well - I had one boat I bought new in 1999, a 21 ft Century center console, that came from the factory with a super nice, really large heavy duty T-Top with beautiful rocket launchers on the back & the square spotter headlights mounted on the front edge - Also had the nice electronics equipment boxes, etc. I sold that boat (like an idiot) in 2005, and bought a slightly smaller 20' center console without a T-top. Still a nice boat, but man did I ever miss that T-Top !! So I priced them - both from the boat manufacturer & boat dealerships that sell them, and also looked at some aftermarket companies that make T-Tops for center consoles - Holy Cow - Couldn't believe the prices - Just the T-tops were like 3500 to 4000 dollars, plus installations costs !!
What is the big deal about T-tops that make them as expensive as gold or platinum ?!!! I mean come on boat companies, its just a tubular frame made of aluminum, welded together with a Sunbrella piece of fabric stretched over the top (NOT even that much fabric when you think about it either!! Not like a bimini top) What gives on these T-Top prices, does anyone understand it? Anyone know of a more reasonable & realistic (lower) priced manufacturer that makes/sells aftermarket T-tops for center console fishing boats? I would think it would be possible to get a nice basic one for $1500 bucks, if you think about it. I just do Not get it - these high prices on t-tops.
Help please !!
Mark, Rich, thanks for really good helpful info - DIPSYDOO however, why do you even both posting your bullsh*t answer? I am 50, have lived on water since I was born (I am staring at my fishing boat at my dock up on lift as I write this, 100 ft away from me), I've HAD over 3 dozen boats in my life, so Please DIPSY don't preach to me about money and not affording a boat, going cheap, etc. If u go to the website Mark posted in the First (helpful) answer, you'll find a GREAT high quality builder in NJ who sells a beautiful heavy duty T-Top (schedule 40 marine grade aluminum 1.9 od) with Sunbrella (also the best material) for EXACTLY what I said in my initial question - $1500.
Thanks Mark !! So DIPSY, go ahead if you prefer and pay $4,000 for a T-Top. I'll buy the same one and save $2,500 thanks to Mark's good advice.

Try these guys:


http://www.atlantictowers.com/

my friend got an arch from them and it looks great.

2009-11-13 16:42:16 by BP

This video shows you step-by-step how to put the fabric top onto your bimini top frame. Visit our website at www.taylormadeproducts.com to see the ...