Boat T-Tops

Best materials & manufacturing

Since we also design and manufacture OEM parts for many top boat manufacturers, we are able to take those trade skills and apply the same level of quality and design to our aftermarket product line. We only use premium quality aircraft grade 6061-T6 aluminum alloy (not the weaker 6063 alloy many competitors use). We offer t-tops and many accessories in optional finishes of either a clear anodized finish or a premium powder coated finish in white or black. The kit includes all the mounting hardware, stand-offs and the industry's best canvas by Sunbrella with 10 standard colors to choose from. We maintain high quality control standards at our manufacturing facilities to ensure the best in product performance, reliability, and consistency. Everything down to the weld beads on even our smallest products are inspected. We never compromise quality or cut corners.

Superior customer service

We're always available to answer your questions before your purchase, during the installation and for the life of ownership. Our fully staffed sales and support team in Summerville, South Carolina is at your service. Our easy-to-follow downloadable installation guides and our detailed step-by-step 25 minute t-top installation video and product videos are available online. Most of our customers install the t-top themselves with the help of a friend in about 4 to 6 hours. It's a great DIY project that will bring new fun and functionality to your boat. If you ever have questions, our team is ready with answers.

Find out why we're the best

Please take a little time to review our customer boat gallery with over 3,000 submitted photos and hundreds of reviews. 95% of the time, we have a t-top model that is a great fit and style match for your specific boat. Review all our products, compare us to the competition(beware of cheap copy cats and unauthorized dealers), and then give us a call at (843) 948-6920. or email us at sales@strykerttop.com. We offer valuable discounts on customized t-top packages and will work with you to keep you on budget.

There's a BIG difference... buy the original, buy the best: Stryker T-Tops!

Which T-Top Fits My Boat?

There are very few center console boats made in the last 50 years our t-tops won't fit on. We likely have a perfect fit for your boat because our t-tops have an adjustable width. It does not compromise strength or performance in any way. Our aftermarket t-tops are as solid as custom fabricated or OEM t-top and are much more affordable. To learn more, read our frequently asked questions page. Also, check out our gallery which has over a decade of customer boats with thousands of photos and hundreds of reviews.

Boat T-Tops for Center Console Boats

Boat t-tops are one of the most popular upgrades for center console fishing boat owners. Although the significant increase of shade is top-of-list for most, the ability to customize a t-top with various rod holders, lights, antennas, electronics box(or e-box), and a matching leaning post can be equally attractive features. Until recently, t-tops were only custom fabricated to spec, required a lot of downtime for the boat, and came with a very hefty price tag. Within the past 15 years, companies like Stryker T-Tops started designing and manufacturing aftermarket solutions that have a "universal" fit and design but at a more affordable price. Ease of installation means boat owners can save even more cost by performing the work themselves.

What Are Boat T-Tops?

Boat t-tops are framed structures mounted over the helm of center console boats. The frames are usually constructed of aluminum tubing, which are mandrel bent to add strength and achieve a certain shape or style. A canvas canopy is affixed at the top to provide the driver and some passengers much-needed shade. Customization of t-tops is very popular, and many options for rod holders, lights, antenna mounts, and an electronics box(or e-box) are available. Essential considerations for those shopping for a t-top would be the quality of metal tubing, tube diameter(s), weld strength, canvas canopy quality, accessories' range and quality, and overall style. Knowing your investment won't fall apart is crucial when waters get rough. There are several types of boat t-tops you should know about:

• Universal Aftermarket T-Tops

  Universal t-tops feature an adjustable design that allows them to be installed on a wide range of boats. The width of the center console unit is the most limiting factor. Aftermarket t-tops are also the most affordable category. Despite the lower price, there are quality products available from a regular price to premium options. Many even include up to 5 year warranties with certain limitations.

• Custom Fabricated T-Tops

  Until more recently, t-tops were only custom fabricated to spec by local boat shops. This requires a lot of downtime and comes with a very hefty price tag. By comparison, the custom is two to three times that of an aftermarket t-top.

• Universal Aftermarket T-Tops

  Universal t-tops feature an adjustable design that allows them to be installed on a wide range of boats. The width of the center console unit is the most limiting factor. Aftermarket t-tops are also the most affordable category. Despite the lower price, there are quality products available from a regular price to premium options. Many even include up to 5 year warranties with certain limitations.

Benefits of Having a Boat T-Top

For fishing boat owners, hot days in the sun can make for a miserable trip, so having a t-top adds a large area of shade, especially to the driver. In addition, a t-top provides many new mounting points for rod holders, lights, radar, antennas, and an e-box. Not only does a t-top improve the looks of a boat, it enhances the functionality for boating and fishing. Compared to a folding bimini, a t-top provides more freedom to move around the deck and cast lines with fewer obstructions. Altogether, a t-top significantly boosts the boat value to the owner and the boats resale value down the line.

How to Choose the Right Boat T-Top

Aside from making sure you pick a t-top that will fit your fishing boat, match your style, and provide all the features you need, it would be best if you also chose a t-top made of high-quality materials and built with excellent workmanship. When we're finally out fishing with family and friends, the last thing we want to worry about is the t-top breaking or not performing as it should. Beyond that, you'll want to make sure it's easy to install, that you select a finish that's easy to maintain, that the manufacturer you pick offers a solid warranty, and that you always receive great customer and product support when you need it. Ultimately, like with anything else, you get what you pay for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a T-Top fit my boat?

Our t-tops are designed to fit on most center console boats made in the last 50 years or more. The width of our t-tops' upright leg sections are adjustable to match a large range or center console widths. So, if your center console is 18 to 48 inches wide, the SG300 t-top will fit, and if it's 18 to 50 inches, the SG600 or SG900 heavy duty t-top will fit.

Are the T-Tops Trailerable?

Yes. A boat with a t-top is trailerable without problems. It is essential to stay within local speed limits and be careful of low-hanging obstructions like branches, overhangs, and garage door openings. If you have a folding t-top, make sure you do not trailer your boat with the top in the folded position. When folded, the t-top is connected at only two points of the frame, and a significant sway could damage it. Again, our SG600 model does fold down for those who have clearance limitations when storing their boat on a trailer in their garage or storage unit.

How are Stryker T-Tops Different?

Stryker T-Tops uses the best materials like 6061-T6 high tensile aircraft aluminum and Sunbrella™ Plus marine-grade fabric for all our canvas tops. It's important to note that not all manufacturers of aftermarket boat t-tops use these premium materials, but Stryker does. We are USA based and headquartered in South Carolina so our sales and support team are always easy to reach and speak with. Stryker T-tops is one of the original aftermarket T-top manufacturers. Starting in 2007, our T-top designs have proven to be excellent and long-lasting performers.

What Are The T-Tops Made Of?

T-tops are commonly made of aluminum tubing that is 2" or 2.5" in diameter. The specific alloy used varies between manufacturers, and the strength will also vary. The most common finishes available are clear anodized, and white or black powder coating. For the canvas canopy, the quality can also vary between top-of-the-line Sunbrella™ down to cheap canvas that quickly fades, rips and offers little UV protection. Stryker T-Tops only uses the best materials, such as 6061-T6 high tensile aircraft aluminum alloy which is better for resisting corrosion compared to stainless steel and ensures the best balance of strength and weight. Sunbrella™ Plus marine-grade fabric is used for all our canvas tops- it is UV and fade, mold and mildew-resistant, has the Skin Cancer Foundation's seal of approval, is easy to clean, and is breathable so cooling air can pass through. All of Stryker's aluminum t-top accessories are also made of 6061-T6 using the same precision welds.

Do I Need a Folding T-Top?

A folding t-top is not needed unless the owner is planning on storing the boat in a garage, wants a boat t-top that collapses. In the folded position using the quick-release knobs, you can fit the clearance of a standard garage door with the boat still on the trailer. Many of our customers have low clearance bridges in their area and having a collapsible t-top lets them pass under with no problem. Many customers just like the looks of our SG600 folding t-top and don't need it to fold down.

Can I Install a T-Top by Myself?

All our t-tops are designed for easy DIY installation, so you and a buddy can complete them on a weekend morning. Some of our customers prefer to leave it to a professional at their local boat shop. Whichever route you decide, expect an average installation time of 3 to 5 hours. Depending on the accessories, you might add 1 to 4 hours. An electronics box, for example, is very simple because it only takes 4 bolts, and you drill through the tube at the mounting points. However, if you want to route wires inside the tubing instead of outside, it might add another hour.

What if I have Side Doors on my Center Console Unit?

If your center console has a side access door, you will want to be very careful when picking out an aftermarket t-top. Most designs have a horizontal leg brace that might block your access and prevent the door from opening more than a few inches. Some t-tops like the Stryker SG900 have solved this problem by moving the side brace much higher and using four standoffs to compensate for extra stability. A common solution some customers use is swapping out the hinge pins on the side doors with a removable pin. By removing the pins, they can easily slide the door out and remove it completely. The only downside to this is that the crossbar

Why Choose Stryker Boat T-Tops?

For many years, Stryker T-Tops has had a proven line of quality aftermarket boat t-tops and accessories. With premium materials and expert craftsmanship, Stryker is known for producing great-looking and long-lasting products with protective anodized or powder coated finishes. With a team of sales and support staff located in South Carolina, USA, we are available to help customers find the right products for their boats. As a resource to our customers, we have easy to follow installation guides and a large photo gallery of customer boats and their reviews.

Conclusion

With so many benefits like adding a large area of shade, increasing a boat’s value, improved visual appearance, and allowing customization with accessories like rod holders, lights, an e-box, and a matching leaning post, it’s clear why buying an aftermarket boat t-top is so popular. These days, t-tops are designed to be universal fitting for most boats, are very affordable and easy to install. It is important to find a quality manufacturer that uses the best materials, has detailed installation guides, offers an excellent warranty, and provides excellent customer service and product support in the USA. For avid anglers and fishing boat owners looking to upgrade their vessell, a t-top with accessories should be at the top of the list.