Soft-top up or down while trailering

[wildwill]

New Hewescraft sportsman, making runs to Seward or Homer, where we are going 80+ miles! would folks run with soft-top up or folded down. Thought the guy that did the rundown with me recommended folding down, but pain the ass, doesn't ride well folded up laying down or up against the windshield.

Every darn one I see going down the road has the top up--so any string feelings, experience, or just want to share?

Thanks,

Will

[JR2]

When I got the top done on our Kingfisher Buster told me either up or down, but don't have the top up with the sides removed or rolled up. I run with it up as we leave the top up most of the time.

[stid2677]

I trailer mine "top up" and always have, still using the same top that came with my Wolly 10 years now.

[bkmail]

Top stowed. Ten years later my top was still in pristine condition when I sold the jet boat.

BK

[Bullelkklr]

Top up on my 18' 2006 searunner. I called Hewes and they said ok up to 60mph. I see some going down the road that should have the top down.

I think that it depends on the slope of the front of the top. Mine is flat enough that it sheds wind pretty good.

[Tearbear]

Top down. Doesn't take that long to lower it, less wind drag, better gas mileage.

[skybust]

Top up never had any issues

[1S1K]

20' Sportsman - I run Top Up and have had no issues. You will get additional "rubbing" where the plastic windows meet the frame, but I agree that it is a PITA to lower so I just run it. Make sure all the zippers are zipped, snaps snapped, and anchor points secured. I do 70 mph to Whittier, Homer, and Seward.

[Jimw]

top up 8+ years, not a problem except for the zipper tabs break off after a while.

[Grayling Slayer]

Treating it with regularly with Aerospace 303 will help keep it lasting longer than worrying about if its up or down while trailering.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

[HMS Erne]

Top down; the wind pressure at 30 to 40 mph on the water is a lot different than the wind pressure at 60-70 mph on the highway. No need for more wear on the top.

[jrogers]

We saw one on the way home last weekend that was ripped. It was blowing probably 30-40mph, so I think the wind speed combined with the vehicle speed did them in.

[wildwill]

Thanks gents.

[arctic_import]

I'm a top down guy. Especially now after this winter my top was damaged and is being replaced. The new top is going to set me back $2500. I'll spend the 15 minutes taking the top down vs risk the damage due to having it up at highway speeds.

[MRFISH]

I also take the top down, the only thing to be careful of doing/undoing often are the snaps. I gently put a screwdriver in between the two halves and twist to pry them apart. I had a few give out last year but Busters fixed me up quickly and cheaply.