Convertible Top
 

I've got a Convertible top that came with my 1996 Mariah 180 Shabah. The person I bought it from never used the top and has no idea where the hardware might be for it. Beside the driver and passenger seat are a set of 3 holes drilled into the the top of the trim piece that covers the glass that wraps around the cockpit. I'm assuming this is where the top is mounted too, I haven't been able to find any hardware on the boat that would fit there though. Any ideas if this is where the steel posts would mount to and if I would be able to find replacement mounts anywhere?

Re: Convertible Top
 

I'm not sure if your top works similar to mine. I have a 2001 Diablo 180. If so, my convertible has two mounting points, one on each side of the boat, mounted on the windshield frame (right by the driver and passenger seat). Line the poles of the top up with those brackets, make sure the end of the top with snaps is facing toward the front of the boat. My top has pins attached to it (the poles) You just slip those through the holes on the sail window frame bracket.. then the front of the top snaps to the front top of the windshield. Once attached there you anchor the two nylon straps to the rear of the boat. My anchors are about 2-3ft (I think.. from memory) back from where the poles attach. Hook the nylon strap (mine has a simple clip on the end) into the anchor and pull it tight and it's on. Mine also stores in the engine compartment. It's much much easier to put on and take off.... than it is to get back into the engine compartment lol. I wish I had some pictures to help explain, maybe another member with the same boat can also help, as my top may be completely different.

Good luck, and happy boating!

Nick

Re: Convertible Top
 

Thanks for the info Nick, I was missing the 2 anchor brackets for the steel rods. I was able to find a pair at my local boating shop and have it set up now. Just have to figure how to store it in the engine compartment :-).

Re: Convertible Top
 

Good luck, the only advise I have for storing it is to cuss... cuss alot lol... so if you have little ones that go on the boat carry ear plugs lol. Then again, i'm not sure how your engine compartment is laid out.. perhaps yours will be easier to store.

Nick