[Ramseysteve]

Considering a 3500 Open as it seems to fit our needs and budget. Seen a few advertised, but not all have hard tops. Aside from not having to replace Sunbrella periodically, are there any particular advantages to having a hard top? Noise levels, or insulation from heat perhaps?

[ReelMagic]

I owned a 1997 31 open w/soft top and now own a 2003 38 w/hard top... Was considering having a hard top built when I owned the 31 Open but had trouble justifying the cost...Now that I have the 38 w/hard top I should have spent the money on the 31 for a hard top.. No worries WRT to water getting in or replacement every 6 or so years and plenty of places to mount antenna's, GPS's, etc.. It also makes the upper cockpit more livable under most if not all circumstances.. M2C

[Crown Royal]

I have a 2001 3500 Open with hardtop I am on the Sea of Cortez where the summers are really tropical hot would not have the boat any other way. It’s insulated so you have heat protection also it’s dry from rain and dew in the mornings. I have been on canvas top boats hear in the summer and the hardtop is worth every penny.

[Ramseysteve]

I have a 2001 3500 Open with hardtop I am on the Sea of Cortez where the summers are really tropical hot would not have the boat any other way. It’s insulated so you have heat protection also it’s dry from rain and dew in the mornings. I have been on canvas top boats hear in the summer and the hardtop is worth every penny.

We’re in the SOC also, but over in La Paz. I hadn’t thought about the heat protection part of it.

I have another question that you may be able to answer… do you mind if I DM you?

[Crown Royal]

I sent you a pm

[Matta0413]

I have a 31 open and I bought it with the soft top and converted to the hard top a few years ago. Best money I have spent on the boat so far. Your line of sight increases, the look of the bough dramatically changes, It is now consistently water tight, you gain a good foot of roof space as the hard top hangs past the arch, etc... No negatives that I can think of.

[hiccup]

I have added hardtops to two previous boats. It really transforms the helm deck and gives the boat a much roomier feel. I feel they are far superior to canvas tops.

Do yourself a favor and price out a hardtop swap--it can be quite expensive depending on where you live and whether or not you'll be doing the work. In many cases it doesn't make sense to buy it and swap it over--just find one with the hardtop already installed.