If you're shopping for a center console T-top, one of the biggest decisions you'll make is whether to choose a soft canvas T-top or a hard T-top.
The answer isn't as simple as saying one is better than the other. Both have advantages depending on your budget, how you use your boat, and what features matter most to you.
At Make A Wake Marine, we manufacture both the Pro600 HD Soft T-Top and the Pro600 Hard T-Top, giving boat owners the flexibility to choose the option that best fits their needs. Since both models use the same heavy-duty aluminum frame, owners can even start with a soft top and upgrade to a hard top later without replacing the entire T-top.
Let's compare the two.
Soft T-Top vs Hard T-Top Quick Comparison
| Feature | Soft Canvas T-Top | Hard T-Top |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Typically $2,000-$3,000 | Usually $6,000+ |
| Make A Wake Marine Price | Pro600 HD currently $1899 | Hard Top currently on sale for $3,999 |
| Weight | 112 lbs | 157 lbs |
| Waterproof | Water resistant | 100% waterproof |
| DIY Installation | Yes | Yes |
| Universal Fit | Yes | Yes |
| Folds Down | Yes | Yes (Only folding universal hard top available) |
| Warranty | 5 Years | 5 Years |
Price: The Biggest Difference
For most buyers, price is the first thing they notice.
A quality soft canvas T-top generally costs less than $2,000, making it one of the best upgrades for adding shade without spending a fortune.
Hard T-tops have traditionally been much more expensive. Many fiberglass hard tops cost $6,000 or more, and that's before installation.
In many cases, those hard tops aren't universal. They must be custom fabricated for your specific boat, which means:
- Leaving your boat at a fabrication shop
- Waiting weeks—or even months—for production
- Paying additional installation costs
The Make A Wake Marine Pro600 Hard T-Top changes that.
Because it uses a universal frame, it's designed to fit most center console boats without custom measuring, and it is currently available for $3,999, making it one of the most affordable universal hard T-top systems available.
Weight Matters More Than You Think
One reason many manufacturers build hard tops with large amounts of aluminum framing is because traditional fiberglass tops are heavy.
Heavy tops raise your boat's center of gravity and can affect handling, especially on smaller bay boats.
Our Pro600 HD Soft T-Top weighs only 112 pounds.
The Pro600 Hard T-Top weighs 157 pounds.
That's only a 45-pound increase, making it surprisingly lightweight for a hard top.
Instead of fiberglass, the Make A Wake Marine hard top is built from a marine composite poly board that is:
- Extremely strong
- Lightweight
- UV resistant
- Designed for harsh saltwater environments
- Won't rot or absorb water
After testing traditional fiberglass designs, we felt they added unnecessary weight for many boats. Our composite construction gives boat owners the benefits of a hard top without the excessive weight.
Waterproof Protection
This is one area where hard tops clearly have an advantage.
A marine-grade acrylic canvas does an excellent job blocking the sun, but no canvas is completely waterproof.
During a light rain shower, you'll probably stay dry.
During a heavy thunderstorm or all-day downpour, water will eventually seep through the fabric and drip underneath. That means your center console, electronics, and anyone standing underneath can eventually get wet.
A hard top is completely different.
Because it's a solid roof, water cannot pass through it, providing full protection during rain.
If you frequently boat in areas where afternoon storms are common, this can be a major benefit.
Installation: Easier Than Most People Expect
One of the biggest misconceptions about hard T-tops is that they require professional installation.
Most do.
Ours doesn't.
Both the Make A Wake Marine Pro600 HD Soft T-Top and the Hard T-Top are designed as DIY installations. Link to Install Video.
Most owners can complete the installation in just a few hours using common hand tools.
Every kit includes:
- Complete mounting hardware
- Stainless steel fasteners
- Console standoff braces
- Detailed installation instructions
No welding.
No fabrication.
No custom measuring.
Universal Fit
Many aftermarket hard tops require your boat to be measured before they're built.
That's because the frame is custom fabricated for your console.
Our system is different.
Both the soft and hard T-tops share the exact same universal Pro600 frame and fit most center console boats without custom fabrication.
This saves time, money, and eliminates the hassle of leaving your boat at a shop.
High Side Bar Models
If your center console has a large side access door, many standard T-tops can interfere with it.
Both our soft and hard tops are available with our High Side Bar configuration, providing additional clearance while still offering the same heavy-duty construction.
This allows many larger consoles to fully open side doors without interference.
Durability
The Pro600 Soft T-Top uses a premium marine-grade UV-resistant acrylic canopy.
With normal outdoor use, the canopy typically provides five years or more of service, even with constant sun exposure.
Eventually, like all marine canvas, it may need replacement after years of use.
The Hard T-Top uses a marine composite panel that does not rely on fabric, eliminating concerns about canvas stretching or fading over time.
Upgrade Later Without Buying Another Frame
One feature our customers love is the ability to upgrade.
The Pro600 Hard T-Top uses the exact same frame as the Pro600 HD Soft T-Top.
That means if you purchase the soft top today, you can upgrade to the hard top later without replacing your entire T-top.
The hard top simply mounts to the existing frame.
It also extends approximately 5 inches beyond the frame on all sides, providing even more shade than the canvas version.
Accessory Mounting
Both T-tops can accommodate popular accessories including:
- Rod holders
- Spreader lights
- Electronics boxes
- Navigation lights
The hard top offers even more mounting flexibility.
Its solid surface makes it easier to mount:
- Radar antennas
- GPS antennas
- VHF antennas
- Additional lighting
- Other marine electronics
With a canvas top, accessories generally need to mount directly to the aluminum tubing using clamps.
Appearance
There's no denying it.
Hard tops simply have a premium appearance.
They closely resemble the factory-installed tops found on many newer offshore boats and often make a boat look newer and more expensive.
That doesn't mean canvas tops look outdated.
Many owners actually prefer the lighter, sportier appearance of a soft T-top, especially on bay boats and smaller center consoles.
Ultimately, this comes down to personal preference.
Color Options
Both Make A Wake Marine T-tops are available with:
- Black powder-coated frame
- White powder-coated frame
- Anodized aluminum frame
For the canopy itself, soft tops offer nearly unlimited customization through different canvas colors to complement your boat.
Hard tops can also be customized.
Many owners paint the composite surface to match their hull color, and it's becoming increasingly popular for boat manufacturers to paint the underside of the hard top to coordinate with the boat's interior or hull.
Folding Design
Storage is another important consideration.
Many hard tops are fixed permanently in place.
Both Make A Wake Marine T-tops fold down for storage, transport, or fitting under low-clearance structures.
In fact, the Make A Wake Marine Hard T-Top is the only universal folding hard T-top currently available.
Built to Last
Regardless of which top you choose, both systems share the same heavy-duty foundation.
Every Make A Wake Marine T-top features:
- Heavy-duty 2-inch 6061 aluminum tubing
- Stainless steel hardware throughout
- Console support braces included
- DIY installation
- Universal fit
- Five-year warranty
The only real difference is the roof.
Which T-Top Should You Buy?
Choose the Pro600 HD Soft T-Top if you:
- Want the best value
- Prefer the lightest option
- Want custom canvas colors
- Primarily boat in sunny weather
- Plan to upgrade later
Choose the Pro600 Hard T-Top if you:
- Want maximum weather protection
- Boat in frequent rain
- Need additional mounting space for electronics
- Prefer the premium look of a hard top
- Want the convenience of a universal DIY installation instead of custom fabrication
The Bottom Line
For years, boat owners had to choose between an affordable canvas T-top or spending thousands more on a custom fiberglass hard top.
That's no longer the case.
With the Make A Wake Marine Pro600 lineup, you can choose between a lightweight soft top or a premium hard top while enjoying the same heavy-duty frame, universal fit, folding design, DIY installation, and five-year warranty.
Both models are currently in stock and ready to ship, so you can spend less time waiting and more time on the water.
Whether you're outfitting a bay boat, center console, or offshore fishing boat, you'll have a T-top that's built for years of reliable service and designed to grow with your boating needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a hard T-top worth the extra money?
If you boat often, want complete rain protection, or plan to mount additional electronics and antennas, many owners find a hard T-top well worth the investment. If budget is your primary concern, a quality soft T-top still provides excellent shade and functionality.
Can I install a Make A Wake Marine T-top myself?
Yes. Both the Pro600 HD Soft T-Top and the Pro600 Hard T-Top are designed for DIY installation using common hand tools. Most installations can be completed in just a few hours.
Can I upgrade from a soft top to a hard top later?
Yes. The Make A Wake Marine Hard T-Top uses the same Pro600 frame as the soft top, allowing owners to upgrade without replacing the entire T-top.
Are hard T-tops heavier?
Yes, but not by as much as many people expect. The Pro600 HD Soft T-Top weighs approximately 112 lbs, while the Pro600 Hard T-Top weighs about 157 lbs.
Which T-top lasts longer?
Both systems use the same heavy-duty aluminum frame and include a five-year warranty. The soft top's marine-grade acrylic canopy is designed to last five years or more with regular outdoor exposure, while the hard top's composite roof eliminates fabric wear and provides permanent waterproof protection.