---

I purchased my 1984 17' Montauk about 4 years ago and it has a T top installed. If it weren't already there I wouldn't spend the money but I like it ok. It has 4 legs each with a welded plate with 4 screws into the deck. It is attached to the console in two places. I've used the boat in the Gulf of Mexico and the islands around Sanibel Florida and in Lake Michigan for the last three years. The lake kicks up pretty good and I've been out when a lot of boats turned back before going out of the breakwater. I am not new to boating having owned boats From 13 feet to 38 feet over the last 45 years and have never felt any instability or wind/sail problems because of the T top. It is afterall, aluminum, and probably no heavier than the stainless steel bows of a Bimini top and certainly less canvas. It is a convenient place for rod holders, anchor/all round white light, a flood light for the cockpit and a VHF antenna. There are two negatives. Because of the design the legs are outboard of the console and take up precious space next to the console. The second is the following. I have an E-TEC 90 and people with the same setup report speeds of 42 mph or so. I can only get 39 and I think that is because when the bow is up the top acts like a scoop slowing me down. I've heard all the opinions of how bad a T top is on a Montauk but I've experienced the T top and find none of the fears to be valid. Pics on my personal website.