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I had the same dilemma when I was looking to buy the FSH. I ended up getting the Deluxe with the bimini top, but added an aftermarket Dolphin T-Top that can be folded forward and also the top half can removed just like the factory Sport model T-top. The main selling point for me was the ability to keep it in my garage when not being used. This way I now have the T-top for fishing days and the bimini top for family days in the sun. I'm really happy with the way it worked out. Hope it helps!
Pulled the trigger on a left over 2106 FSH (base model) so now committed to the aftermarket tower route.
I visited 2 custom tower makers in the Houston area today and although their work was beautiful, the upcharges for their accessories made my gills a little green. The top itself (w/canvas) would be $2300 or $2400 from either and I would be able to stomach that because their towers were both gorgeous and ROCK SOLID. The have little details like offset feet to bring the sides in tight to the console so they do not steal room from the aisle, 2 standoffs on each side of the console, etc.. Really, really nice work. But their prices for adding to the base platform are just too rich for my tastes. For adding an electronic box they wanted $600, $250 each for spreader lights, top mounted anchor light or LED courtesy light, $100+ per rod holder, etc.. I had in mind to have 5 rod holders, the anchor light on top, a pair of spreader lights on each of the front and back, and an electronics box with courtesy light under it . . . . bringing the total to $5K. Ouch
Maybe I need to get over wanting to turn the FSH into something it is not. I will fish here on Lake Houston most of the time and Clear Lake once in a while, but I would never take a single engine 19' boat off shore (no death wish here but to those that do take them off shore I say, "Carpe Diem!") but I do not
really need it to be equipped like a "real boat". It is not big enough to fish with so many people that I need more rod holders than it already has (and I don't really like fishing with more than 2 others at the same time) and the lights are only there for night fishing that I also probably will do infrequently . . . seldom enough that portable lamps would be enough.
@dlkhmk: Your T-Top is clearly there for shade and something to hold onto and is not loaded down with a ton of gear, so with that mindset, maybe it is enough? What made you decide on Dolphin vs Stryker vs Fishmaster? I thought that the Dolphin looked good, but when I saw it was 1.5" tubing instead of 2", I assumed it would feel flimsy. How solid does it feel? Also not clear whether you can run wiring through it . . . at a minimum the anchor light should be relocated to the top if it ever to be used at night, right? Any chance of a few more pictures? Specifically interested in whether the console rod holders remain functional and a shot from exactly 90 degrees to the boat showing how the curve of the tower matches (or does not follow) the the profile of the console.
I'd love to see similar shots of a Stryker and Fishmaster on the FSH from other forum members.
