Adding Cockpit Hardtop

[TomLee]

We want to add an extended length cockpit hardtop to our 2014 31-CB and wanted suggestions on how to do so. A local fiberglass fabricator said that to make it from scratch would run 30-35K yet when he called RT to inquire about buying one the factory said they wouldn't sell the part. That makes no sense to me. As Ranger Tug owner how do I go about obtaining a full size hardtop that would fit a 31-CB? Or would any be on the used market for someone looking to remove the cockpit hardtop (e.g. for ease in fishing)? Any direction or suggestion would be appreciated.

 

[Gin]

Sheesh ... can’t help much with this one. Can only say that the hardtop on my 2019 R31s looks physically separate, and o removable. But actually removing it looks like it might savage the areas where the cover screws to and is caulked to the main cabin. I would be loathe to remove mine, both because of functionality and aesthetics lost through removal.

I suspect the factory added the hardtop because so many owners had them made aftermarket. The early aftermarket ones weren’t as fancy as the current factory cover. Earlier aftermarket ones were more like square covers over the cockpit, than the one the factory developed with clever openings over the “stand up” areas port and starboard to get off the boat or manipulate toys on top. But the early aftermarket style should be more affordable to add. I would think much less than 30-35K. And I would think that they would be as function.

I would hope you could get a better price on an aftermarket cover through some shopping around. If not, will say that my Bimini canvas cover on my R27 wasn’t as classy looking, but it actually kept cockpit dryer than do the canvas sides attached to the hardtop on my R31s (will save the details for anyone who cares).

Post your ongoing experience for the benefits of others. Good luck!

Gini