Hard top frame

[lineman49]

Just wondering if anyone has had trouble with their hard top frame welds & upright posts cracking? Two years ago my welds cracked at the braces on the front of the frame & I had those repaired. Now the main front support pipes are cracked just below the repaired welds on those same pipes. This top is on a 92 Grady White seafarer. I was thinking of adding a cross brace between the 2 main pipes when having the cracks repaired. Any other ideas out there ? Thanks.

[lakebound88]

Sounds like youre getting some ultimate torsion/twist in the frames and boat. Is there a way to add a shock absorber of a sort to take this impact and abuse? How about rubber mounting block rather than a direct mount? Just and Idea.

Good luck. Nick

[lineman49]

That maybe something to look at after I have the repairs made/welded. I did contact the manufacturer & it must be a problem for them because they do make a repair sleeve for this problem so I don't think I am the first. I am sure ther is some twist/torsion when pounding lake erie 4-5 footers . You proably don't get those on the finger lakes?

[jimski2]

There is a good reason to purchase light weight canvas tops and this is one of them. I have to lower my Bimini top when traveling over 25 MPH after I learned what happens when you trailer the boat at 55 MPH. It is just not waves that cause damage but the wind at highway speeds.

[lakebound88]

Actually, being one of the bigger boats down here that fishes, we tough out nasty weather , especially out of the north. A few weeks ago I ran a trip taking waves over the bow that crashed on the windshield. I estimate 3-4 occasional fives. Our waves not only get big but they are just as far apart asbthey are tall. No such thing as "rollers" here....

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