I like the Ttop option,, also allows for electronic box, go light etc.

Seems having to put up and down a shade would be a hassle.?

 

I'm in the same boat, no pun intended. I just picked up a new to me 25' shearwater and trying to decide between the t top or performance shade. I have always loved having a t top on my old boat but it's also a pain to keep covered, fit in low areas like under my bay house and in the event of high tide I don't have enough clearance to get it high enough in my lift with a t top. So I'm leaning towards performance shade, I'd like to hear from some people they run these tops and how you guys like how they function.


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I have a 2015 Pathfinder 22 TRS with a TTop. It is nice for looks and for some shade during those hot summer months. I am actually removing mine and putting a burn bar back on the boat because it does get in the way when drifting with more than 3 people. My 7 yr old is starting to work his own rod and reel also and when he casts no body else can be in front of the console if you know what I mean. My plan is to put a beach umbrella in the rod locker and stick it in a rod holder when needed for the kids to get some shade. With that being said I do have a TTop that I will sell for a discounted price if you are interested. It was built by Custom Marine Concepts "CMC" and is in excellent condition. If interested let me know and I can send you a few pics with some more details. I would think the console dimensions would still be the same on the 2017 Pathfinder 22 TRS but we would burn that bridge if we get to that point.

 

I have had both and prefer the Ktop or Ttop.

 

Thanks for this post. Im also looking for some shade on my new boat and am a little leary about putting a ttop on because i want the fishing room. Going to look into a performance shade now.

 

I decided on the performance shade set up...can always fold it back when running or fishing. Nice to have a good amount of shade when its time to take a break for lunch on the boat. TTops look nice but sure ruin the middle of the boat for casting, slows your top end speed down and dont really cast that much shade unless the sun is at 12 noon.

 

I had a SAW T Top on my last boat. It was great, but always in the way for fishing. I got a Performance Shade for my 18' cat boat and love it. Never go back to T Top!

 

Always a hard decision. There is another option I have seen pop up. There is a tall burn bar with a removeable shade top that I have seen popping up in pics here on 2cool. It looks good like t top but removeable. But not something you can put up after fishing in the morning and wanting shade while still on the water once it gets hot.

Here is one example I know of that I could find real quick

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X2 Im planning on getting the removable top/burn bar option that some aluminium shops are building now. Best of both worlds and looks great

 

I have the Performance Shade and love it but then again I've never had a T-top. I took the boat to Rockport and I'm glad I did because the guy told me that the first one they made was the wrong size, glad I didn't have it shipped to me.

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Top

I have had both and prefer the Performance Shade for several reasons.
1. I can store my boat in my own garage because it folds and tilts.
2. I can fish without a top when there are several people in the boat or I just don't need the shade that day.
3. When I need shade, I have more than with the t-top.
4. Cost is less.
5. Less drag when towing and it is stored.

As for using it - I can have it up in about 3 minutes by myself and stored again in even less time (and I ain't no spring chicken). I do not even notice it in the stored position. The straps are not in you way when it is up. Notice on the pic above they are placed at the back of your leaning post/seat and the front of the console seat.

I did convert my previous boat's t-top to be removable but that does not work so well. Too awkward for one person to handle.

P.S. If you do not want to install it yourself, the guys at Canvas USA were great. Just kind of a haul to Rockport for me.