190 FSH T-Top modded to pivot down under 7’10”

[JWKECK]

I bought the sport, and was sure I could make it fold and park in the garage. I had heard some discuss the opportunity, some going aftermarket, but I couldn’t see where anyone attempted to modify the OEM provide item. Once my Trailer Valet was installed, I was going to try it or send the OEM t-top to the dump and buy an aftermarket Dolphin t-top. I couldn’t get a guarantee the Dolphin would come in under my 8’ garage entry, and I was going to toss the old t-top if not workable anyway, so why not give it a go? I got the metal saw and went to work on the bolted points to use as hinges. The end result is yes, the stock t-top can be made to fold in a few hours with a saber saw and a metal blade. It’s a little ugly right now, but, it can be polished and powder coated. Those vibrating tools are merciless on painted finishes, lesson learned. I’m definitely not a metal worker. Plans are now to disassemble and polish out the rough bits and find bolts with handles like the fishmaster offers. Now she goes in and out of my tight side entry 8’ high garage entry nicely in under 10 mins. It is a little awkward lifting from the side front. I’m guessing I need to lift from the bow to minimize twisting whilst bits are loose. Its about a 50lb lift.

 

[I know You know]

I bought the sport, and was sure I could make it fold and park in the garage. I had heard some discuss the opportunity, some going aftermarket, but I couldn’t see where anyone attempted to modify the OEM provide item. Once my Trailer Valet was installed, I was going to try it or send the OEM t-top to the dump and buy an aftermarket Dolphin t-top. I couldn’t get a guarantee the Dolphin would come in under my 8’ garage entry, and I was going to toss the old t-top if not workable anyway, so why not give it a go? I got the metal saw and went to work on the bolted points to use as hinges. The end result is yes, the stock t-top can be made to fold in a few hours with a saber saw and a metal blade. It’s a little ugly right now, but, it can be polished and powder coated. Those vibrating tools are merciless on painted finishes, lesson learned. I’m definitely not a metal worker. Plans are now to disassemble and polish out the rough bits and find bolts with handles like the fishmaster offers. Now she goes in and out of my tight side entry 8’ high garage entry nicely in under 10 mins. It is a little awkward lifting from the side front. I’m guessing I need to lift from the bow to minimize twisting whilst bits are loose. Its about a 50lb lift.

Pictures?

 

[JWKECK]

384B1C54-1B48-473C-AAC9-AD461A6ABE20

• JWKECK
• Aug 4, 2018

 

[I know You know]

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384B1C54-1B48-473C-AAC9-AD461A6ABE20

• JWKECK
• Aug 4, 2018

Nice job bro, looks super clean.

 

[Liveto99]

Nice Job looks great!

 

[Tailwaters]

Looks good

 

[Hector Leiva]

I bought the sport, and was sure I could make it fold and park in the garage. I had heard some discuss the opportunity, some going aftermarket, but I couldn’t see where anyone attempted to modify the OEM provide item. Once my Trailer Valet was installed, I was going to try it or send the OEM t-top to the dump and buy an aftermarket Dolphin t-top. I couldn’t get a guarantee the Dolphin would come in under my 8’ garage entry, and I was going to toss the old t-top if not workable anyway, so why not give it a go? I got the metal saw and went to work on the bolted points to use as hinges. The end result is yes, the stock t-top can be made to fold in a few hours with a saber saw and a metal blade. It’s a little ugly right now, but, it can be polished and powder coated. Those vibrating tools are merciless on painted finishes, lesson learned. I’m definitely not a metal worker. Plans are now to disassemble and polish out the rough bits and find bolts with handles like the fishmaster offers. Now she goes in and out of my tight side entry 8’ high garage entry nicely in under 10 mins. It is a little awkward lifting from the side front. I’m guessing I need to lift from the bow to minimize twisting whilst bits are loose. Its about a 50lb lift.

Did not see anything ugly or that needed painting in the pictures. Looked very clean and professional. Can you explain exactly what you cut off and how you put back together. Possibly a pic or two. Thanks.

 

[Rick Bright]

I have the same problem. I have to remove the windshield to get my boat in the garage. I removed the T top and just left it off. So it looks like you just cut off part of the hinge to make it swivel ?Thanks for posting this gave me a great idea. Rick B

 

[JWKECK]

I have the same problem. I have to remove the windshield to get my boat in the garage. I removed the T top and just left it off. So it looks like you just cut off part of the hinge to make it swivel ?Thanks for posting this gave me a great idea. Rick B

That is correct. Not a perfect solution, and requires some strength to lift up and down.

 

[2kwik4u]

That's pretty good stuff right there. Clever idea to fold the top, and then fold the tower.

 

[Rick Bright]

Do you still have to remove the tower or will it fold down enough that it is low enough? My seat barely clears the door. Thanks, Rick B

 

[JWKECK]

Do you still have to remove the tower or will it fold down enough that it is low enough? My seat barely clears the door. Thanks, Rick B

I have an 8’ garage entry. This setup clears the garage top plate with about an inch to spare when I let the front wheel. I need a minimum 7’11” entry to use my setup as shown.

 

[darkpints]

 

[brownjjst]

Nice job my brother!

 

[Navstal24]

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384B1C54-1B48-473C-AAC9-AD461A6ABE20

• JWKECK
• Aug 4, 2018

Hello, I just purchased the same boat and looking to do something similar, but only have 6’11” of clearance. Do you think that’s feasible by removing the windshield and getting the frame legs to drop lower?