High Top on 22 Cruiser

Rob & Karen · Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 10:32 pm Post subject: High Top on 22 Cruiser

How much of a "must have" is the high top option on the 22 cruiser. I am 6'3" and am concerned about the headroom. If I were ordering new, I would definitely go with the high top. But when considering a used boat, holding out for a high top seems to really limit opportunities. I also wonder about how much standing you actually do in the cabin. I would think sitting would be more common.

My wife asked me this question: You are going to have this boat for a long time. Are you really going to be happy if you cannot stand up in it? Thinking about that is making me pause and wonder.

Any input, particularly from the taller folks, would be appreciated.

Rob

Big dave · Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 11:02 pm Post subject: High Top

Rob I am 6'2" and I can't tell you how happy I am that I got the high top ! I can even wear a hat inside, and I don't have to worry about hitting my head in rough water.
To me it is a must !
Enjoy.....Big Dave.

Jeff Brigner · Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 11:27 pm Post subject: high top

I am not 6'3 but I still think I would want a high top. I stand all the time. Frequently stand in the center and steer or watch the auto pilot Mr. Green

I see you are also in the south. Roof top AC units are cheap and make a big difference enjoying boating on a hot day or night. That will take up more head room if you decide you want it.

starcrafttom · Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 11:32 pm Post subject:

At six feet I like having the high top but doubt that i have to have it. At 6'3" I would think you will need it. as for standing in the cab, you will be standing in the cab more while not underway. While under way you want to be able to look out the windows. any one over 6 ft will not be able to stand up and look out a wind with out stooping over to look out. You are just fine while sitting at the captains chair. send crazy frazy a email hes 6"6 and spent a week on a 22 c-dory with his two 'tall" uncles

Adeline · Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 11:50 pm Post subject:

Chris Bulovsky · Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 12:36 am Post subject:

Im 5' 12 1/2".............Wife swears I'm at least 6'. Rolling Eyes

Any way I built my top about one inch higher than Toland intended. My boat has ample clearance for a 6' 1" fella.

Your 6' 3".............. GO HIGH TOP!!!!!!! They still look nice. Thumbs Up

Chris Bulovsky
Washburn Wi

Notayot · Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 1:10 am Post subject:

I am 6' 3", and the high top is a must. I cannot stand up in the standard top, but with the high top I can really live in that cabin!

Mighty Bite · Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 1:16 am Post subject:

I'm 6'3" and currently have a high top cruiser. I've also had the standard
cabin in the 22' cruiser. Personally, I prefer the high top. The extra headroom saves a little hair up on top, I can wear a cap or hat w/o a problem in the cab and over time the tall roof keeps me from being a little bent at times. I also like the general feeling of more space..

That being said, If I was looking for a used CD I wouldn't rule out a nice clean
C-Dory with a standard cabin top. I loved my '91 22 CD with the standard top
and we got along just fine. Since I decided to buy a new 22' in 2004, I just felt I would be happier with the high top and I am.

At 6' 3" it would be nice to have a high top, but for me, it wouldn't be a
deal breaker.

Good luck, whatever you do..........you're gonna love it!

Sea Wolf · Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 1:22 am Post subject:

At 6'0", I get by just fine with the standard top, and prefer the proportions/styling of the standard cabin.

However, I do hit my head on the doorway every once in a while when I'm rushing around fishing and forget to duck. The higher cabin doorway would prevent that usually (assuming that the door and doorway are both also taller).

Joe.

colobear · Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 1:33 am Post subject:

I am 6'2" and have the high top. There is a lot of time standing, moving from helm to cockpit, cooking, etc. if I constantly bumped my head the boat would be a lot less fun. A high top is a necessity for me.

But...I think converting a "standard top" to a high top is certainly no harder than many of the projects described here on Brats. Maybe someone with a lot more glass knowledge than I have could comment?

starcrafttom · Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 2:21 am Post subject:

As far as hitting my head on the door on the way out, I have doen it a number of times. That door is to small. I was out by myself fishng when rod went off and I exploded out the door, almost. I hit my head so hard I had a hard time remaining standing. damm near blacked out, but dont tell susan. shhhhh

Valkyrie · Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 6:25 am Post subject:

I'm 6'3", have the high top and wouldn't even consider anything else. More than just the headroom, it really gives the boat a much roomier feel. I was surprised how many people pointed this out at the East Coast Gathering last year.

Nick
"Valkyrie"

El and Bill · Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 8:29 am Post subject:

You don't want to be in a heavy sea with a roof that is low -- it can be dangerous.

Byrdman · Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 8:50 am Post subject:

Hey Rob: Look, take the 840 loop from Franklin over to Mt. Juliet, TN. My brother Mike keeps his 22 in the water on the ready 25/8... yea, he and B love it and 24/7 just does not do it justice.

You will find it very hard to find a used high top....and ...when C-Dory does it, it is just the center part that is raised. Take a look at some of the work that Chris did on his TOTAL REBUILD... on the boat SCOUT ... Just hit the little blue link button under his profile stuff...and follow some of the links on his post.

Others will disagree with me here..and that is fine....but, if I was as tall as you, you need to end up with a taller cabin than the standard top. I am 5'8" short, and would like more room as if you were to take the top off a standard, and put in a 4-6" "raiser" around the entire top section. Easily done with many of the great fiberglass crews we have in the Nashville area, and can follow what Chris has done on his boat... Poke thru his links.

The money you save even buying a used C-Dory hull, can be used to "add your own" high top... the whole top which would give you much more storage for things when on long cruises....or...just the center section like the factory does.

Yes, more weight higher, more of a wind sail....yada yada yada.. But, look how thin the sidewalls of the vessel really are near the top, and you are not talking about much added weight at all... the wind...well, I do not think it will make that much differance over what we have now anyway with 6" added, when compaired to the TOTAL BOATING experience..

Either way....get one and get out on the water. The winter boating is EXCELLANT up here...nobody goes out ....except us little pilot house boat loving folk. Wish you'd been around during Thanksgiving... we had an 18, 2-22s (standard top), and a new CD25 tied at the docs in Mt. Juliet prior to our Nashville cruise.

Byrdman

uncleralph123 · Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 9:14 am Post subject: