Sportfisherman Case Study

62' Buddy Davis
Custom T-Top & Electronics Arch

Structural aluminum T-top with integrated electronics arch — built from scratch for a tournament-ready Buddy Davis

Custom Engineered 6061-T6 Aluminum Integrated Electronics Mounts Mirror-Polished Finish
62 foot Buddy Davis custom T-top and electronics arch aluminum fabrication

Project Overview

The owner of a 62-foot Buddy Davis wanted a full T-top replacement — the original had corroded beyond repair and didn't accommodate the vessel's upgraded electronics suite. DolFab engineered a structural aluminum T-top with an integrated electronics arch from scratch: custom-fit to the Buddy Davis hardtop line, engineered for full radar/FLIR/sat-dome load, with outrigger base plates and a mirror-polished finish that matched the vessel's existing brightwork.

The Challenge

No off-the-shelf T-top fits a 62-foot Buddy Davis — the helm configuration is bespoke and the owner wanted an arch that could support a full electronics tower load (radar dome, FLIR, satphone, VHF array) without adding excessive windage. Every mounting point had to align with existing deck structures. The polished finish had to blend with the vessel's original stainless hardware.

The Solution

DolFab's team took on-vessel measurements across two days to capture every curve and obstruction. The T-top was fabricated from 2" schedule 40 6061-T6 aluminum tubing with gusseted arch connections engineered for a 400-lb electronics load. Cable management channels were recessed into the uprights. The arch was TIG welded, machine-polished to 400 grit, then hand-buffed to a mirror finish. Fit and installation took one day — zero modifications to the hull.

Technical Specifications

T-Top Structure

  • 2" Schedule 40 6061-T6 tubing
  • Gusseted arch joints (4× per side)
  • Integrated outrigger base plates
  • Recessed wiring chase, port + starboard
  • Stainless hardware throughout

Electronics Arch

  • 400-lb rated electronics load
  • 4× antenna base mounts (1.5" NPT)
  • Dedicated FLIR/radar platform center
  • Sat-dome boss welded to arch crown
  • Mirror-polished to 400 grit + buffed

Services Performed

Project Details

Vessel
62' Buddy Davis Sportfisherman
Material
6061-T6 Aluminum Tube
Process
TIG Welding, Tube Bending, Polishing
Scope
Full T-Top + Integrated Electronics Arch
Load Rating
400 lb Electronics Capacity
Finish
Mirror Polish — 400 Grit + Hand Buffed
Location
Fort Lauderdale, FL

"The fit was perfect — no drilling, no shimming, nothing. Went on exactly as templated. The electronics arch handles our full FLIR and radar setup without a flex. And the polish matches our stainless rails exactly. It looks like it came from the factory this way."

B
Captain, 62' Buddy Davis
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Need a Custom T-Top or Electronics Arch?

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