Convertible top
 

I recently purchased a 1995 180 Talari. The owner told me that he had never used the convertible top. When I tried to pull the top from where it is stored behind the engine, I was unable to get the top to move more than about 6" since it wedges against the sides of the holes that it passes through. I checked to see if it was caught on wiring and it was completely free, but the poles flare outward and will not allow the top to be pulled upward from the storage compartment. In the process, I managed to break on of the trim rings surrounding the storage holes. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Carl

Re: Convertible top
 

I kind of have to flex mine in a little to get it out. It did feel awkward the first few times but that aluminum will give quite a bit.

Re: Convertible top
 

Yeah, those convertible tops are a PITA to get in and out of storage. First time The Admiral and I tried it, I finally told her "Never mind. This is more trouble than it's worth, and we'll probably never use it, anyway." Later on I looked over and she'd gotten the thing out and set up on her own! :p

Then we couldn't get the !@#!@$!! thing stowed again :mad:

We finally got it back in w/o breaking anything. It'll never see the light of day again unless we happen to get caught out in the lake and it starts storming.

Note that this problem isn't unique to Mariah boats. Many boats suffer from the same annoyance. Think about it: Unless the place where the top mounts is more narrow than where it stows (unlikely), this is what you're going to get.

Jim

Re: Convertible top
 

It also helps to get one side up 3/4 of the way then pull up on the other side (at least on mine). Just need to learn how to finagle it a bit.

Re: Convertible top
 

I cussed at mine, but it didn't really work. Seriously though, mine is the same way. I felt so stupid the first time setting it up. We were out on the water with two friends on our maiden voyage.. the women decided they'd like a little shade so I started pulling the top out.. and an hour later I have it installed lol. It was obvious I had no idea what I was doing... plus I started putting it on backwards too !!! I have only brought it out a few times since

Nick