T-Top Canvas Installation in Barnegat Bay, NJ
Elemental Enclosures is a favorite choice among Barnegat Bay, NJ boaters when it comes to T-top canvas installation. We are committed to customizing every seam, stitch, and snap to ensure your boat cover is a perfect fit. We serve all of Ocean County, NJ for boater’s marine canvas needs from simple sun shade biminis to extensive enclosures.
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What Are T-Tops?
T-tops are a type of top for center console boats built with a T-shaped structure when viewed from the side. The top is tall enough to stand under, and provides shade and rain protection for two or more passengers at the boat’s helm. They also provide surface area to mount different accessories like lights, antennas, and more.
T-Top Options
T-tops come in two styles, hard or soft. They can come pre-installed on a boat or you can opt to install your own as an aftermarket addition.
A hard T-top is made of fiberglass and tends to be long-lasting if well maintained. Most can withstand weight on top and depending on the size can offer additional space for fishing or mounting equipment.
A soft T-top is a cheaper and lighter weight option. The top is fabricated with marine grade canvas that is laced tightly to the frame to provide shaded space with a waterproofed overhead. An added bonus of adding or updating a soft T-top is being able to customize the color to match your preferences and boat.
T-Top Maintenance
In South Jersey, most boats will encounter all four seasons and extremes of weather. Exposure to the elements can reduce the longevity of any T-top.
Hiring a professional that uses quality materials to fabricate and install your boat’s T-top is the first step to a long-life. After that, its up to the boat owner to apply seasonal maintenance.
It is recommended that hard tops be inspected twice a year for mounting bolts and screws. After the inspection, they should be waxed to keep the gelcoat performing at it’s best.
Soft T-tops should have their canvas inspected annually. If there are tears or degradation, it may be time to have a repair or replacement. For first time installs or replacement canvas, ensure your marine trimmer is experienced and will use high quality materials to improve longevity.
Do T-Tops Guarantee Comfort?
Both hard and soft T-tops go a long way in providing comfort to the captain and crew when on the water for a day, but if you’re looking for the ultimate comfort and protection, you should consider a canvas phone booth enclosure.
At Elemental Enclosures, we offer fully customizable options to completely or partially enclose your boat’s center console. Adding high quality press polished marine vinyl panels helps to reduce wind and splash while maintaining visibility. For days when the weather can’t be beat, panels are fully detachable or u-zips can be installed to roll back the isinglass for a small cross-breeze.
There are many factors when deciding whether to install a hard or soft T-top including cost, longevity, and maintenance. Hard tops are more expensive but made of more durable materials. Soft tops need canvas replacement during their lifetime but offer the option to customize colors. Both hard and soft tops can be fully or partially enclosed to provide boaters on board comfort while on the water!
Explore Our NJ and PA Marine Canvas Today!
Here at Elemental Enclosures, we take pride in using only high quality products to ensure your marine canvas is built with style, comfort, and quality in mind. Discover the difference a premium canvas install can make for your boat in New Jersey or Pennsylvania! Reach out today to get started your project!