1985 26' hard top

[dry pirate 2]

I need some information on the hard top.
question #1 what is the core of the h/t made from ?
# 2 how thick is the h/t ?
I am going to mount some planner masts on the top. I will put a deck plate on and a backing plate on the inside. Over drill the holes and fill with epoxy, re drill the holes for bolts. Masts are 25"H x 1-1/4" O.D. ALUMINUM. Top plate is 6" x 6" x 3/8", the bottom plate is the same.
My main concern is will the core hold, or will it squeeze ? Or do I need to cover more area with the backing plates.
I know guys in this forum do a lot of structural work on these boats, that is why I am asking.
Looking for some input. Thanks in advance............Dry Pirate 2

[ondawater]

I have a 1988 Hardtop. I mounted a radar tower in the center of the roof.
I used fender washers on the inside and did not notice any compression of the inner roof. I think they used a foam material in the small gap between the outer & inner laminates. I am not sure how much stress will be incurred by the planer mast due to its length. I made a planer mast support that clamps on top of the front bow rail. This worked out pretty well and I could remove it when it was not needed.My mast came in two pieces and I only used one as I did not require that much height. I think with the backing plates you described you will probably be fine. Good Luck.

[dry pirate 2]

Thanks Ondawater For Your Input. I Am Going To Mount As Planned.
I Fish Out Of Port Austin Harbor, Getting Ready For The Spring Brown Trout
Then The Walleye Run.
How Has The Fishing Been In Erie Last Summer ?
Thanks Again...........dry Pirate 2

[cgmiller]

Dri,

In the 87 and 88 Hardtops that I owned, the core of the roof was plywood. I drilled maybe 30 holes in the roofs over the years that I owned them. I used big washers for antennas and things of that nature....

[ondawater]

Dri- The walleye fishing on Lake Erie was very good last year. I am hearing that it will be even better this year due to hatchlings that were released a few years ago. We will see very soon. Good luck with you modifications and your fishing.

[Mistress]

Originally Posted by cgmiller

Dri,

In the 87 and 88 Hardtops that I owned, the core of the roof was plywood. I drilled maybe 30 holes in the roofs over the years that I owned them. I used big washers for antennas and things of that nature....

In the Mack...looks like squares of end grain balsa.

[dry pirate 2]

Thanks Everybody For All The Great Input. Drilled A Pilot Hole To See Material In Top. Looks Like The Green Balsa Mistress Was Talking About. Will Oversize The Holes And Fill With Epoxy Then Re-drill To Size. With Mounting Plates And Backing Plates It Should Be Fine.
Thanks Again...........dry Pirate 2