[YachtForums]

Spotted a unique hardtop onboard this express cruiser. From the closed position, this hinged top opens upwards and swings back slightly, granting a better view for docking or; ventilation for South Florida's idle speed zones.

A good idea, I think...!

[YachtForums]

Close-up view...

[NYCAP123]

Looks pretty cool for idling along the ICW, but when (not if) they're slamming across the ocean with that open (or the kids decide to do chin ups) I have to wonder about it's integrity as I see no support forward. After a few good slams I'd also wonder about it becoming an ill-fitting (leaking) rattletrap. I think the retractable rood like you find on the Sunseekers and a few others are a better and more versatile option.

[FISHTIGUA]

Ed, the ones on Sunseekers look Ok but are a bit of a pain. They don't really open the cockpit very much and aren't very well made (well the ones I have used).

I would like to see a folding hardtop like on a Merc SLK or a VW Eos on a sport-cruiser. You could even fold it as a whole forwards.

Cheers mate

Dave

[NYCAP123]

Hey Dave,
I used to captain a 60 Pred. and we didn't have problems, but yes it's open area could have been better. This thing looks like it won't give any real open area until it breaks.
Most of these gizmos are just toys waiting to break.
Ran a couple of boats this week with the new Mercruiser Axius joystick system. A fun toy. Makes for easy docking. Very sensitive though, and gives lots exercise for the tranny. Very big temptation for inexperienced boaters to use driving instead of just docking. When it breaks it will be inside a tight marina which wil be (ahem) entertaining. Kudos to these companies for being innovative, but most of these gizmos are too likely the break and some take away skills or increase the potential danger like that roof (The sky is falling). Just because you can build something doesn't mean you should.

[Scotty193]

Anyone know who the builder is?

[wdrzal]

Originally Posted by YachtForums

Close-up view...

close-up

[Loren Schweizer]

Originally Posted by FISHTIGUA

Ed, the ones on Sunseekers look Ok but are a bit of a pain. They don't really open the cockpit very much and aren't very well made (well the ones I have used).

I would like to see a folding hardtop like on a Merc SLK or a VW Eos on a sport-cruiser. You could even fold it as a whole forwards.

Cheers mate

Dave

The Dutch did it years ago:

http://www.linssenyachts.com/2007/in...03&onderid=197