Mark,

I'm a marine surveyor, so this comes from experience. For those who do not know, I do appraisals and damage surveys on yachts, offshore supply boats, fishing vessels, tug boats, push boats, jack-up rigs, diving vessel, barges, engines and all commercial and pleasure craft. Even docks and wharfs. I wouldn't' use stainless steel for a T top. The high temperature used in welding it will discolor the pipe and is difficult to polish. Also after you cut a few lengths of it you will be ready to give up. If you ever cut s/s pipe/tubing or tried to grind some off, you know what I mean. You wouldn't weld it together on your boat so if your dimensions are off a little, which they will be due to heat distortion, it will be very difficult to "bend/force it into place. Also you will add a lot of unnecessary weight to you boat.

Almost all the T tops, including Tuna and Marlin, made here in south Louisiana are of aluminum or anodized aluminum. The only T tops I've seen made from s/s were built by someone who got the pipe or tubing for free. The anodized alum. looks very good, is shinny and holds up to heavy salt water conditions. Aluminum is easily bent, can be cut in a matter of seconds, the joints can be ground to a near perfect fit, and can be welded with a Tig or Mig unit. The Tig would be the best looking but expensive. A good welder, and I mean Good, will make a Mig welded joint look excellent and in my opinion is stronger due to more metal being deposited. He or she must use anit-spatter spray to protect the surrounding pipe and after the weld is cleaned, it can be taped off and sprayed with alum. paint to match.

Any metal supply house in your area can get this stuff for you.

You would be much happier with anodized aluminum than
stainless steel. Believe you me.

Perry J. Beebe
National Association of Marine Surveyors
Certified Marine Surveyor # 118-761