Hurricane ripped off fly bridge

[Dos Equis]

Our 1970 44' TC had its flybridge and helm windows, side door, top hand rail, etc ripped off by Hurricane Irma while on the hard stand in Turks and Caicos. I will fly to down to assess the damage in person this week and see if the original aft deck roof and helm windows are salvageable. The key part of getting our boat back up are the helm windows. I have called Sams Marine. While they have the uncut original aluminum extrusions they do not have the window frames already fabricated. Broatus Rose with Lookout Boat Window Frames has put a lot of effort into finding a solution but since the boat is still in Turks and Caicos he can not measure and fit the fiberglass products he makes. Does anyone know of a salvaged 41'-48' Hatteras with intact windows frames that I could retrieve? Any advise on how to get our boat going again would be appreciated. Attached are before and after pictures. NWNT1331.jpgIMG_0882.JPGIMG_5009.jpg

[rsmith]

Sorry to see that sounds like you have a positive attitude to get her back up again. Might look into buying a cheap donor boat for parts.

[Cricket]

Sorry to see this. My first thought is you're going to have to get the bridge deck back on the boat and in place. Think it's going to be really hard to have the bridge deck in the exact same place as before; and then have the windows made to fit? Maybe have an aluminum frame made to sit the bridge deck on, like a half tower and hardtop setup is put together and then figure out the windows?? Or instead of aluminum frames and glass go with a hard plastic enclosure? Just throwing out some ideas, best of luck.

[wndsr]

I have several windshield sections from 53's and a Flybridge Fisherman from approximately 1985. I have no way of knowing if they are the same. I would be glad to photograph and measure. The problem is the shipping cost and hoping they would arrive in usable condition. These are also in fair condition and will need some level of restoration eventually. I will donate them to your cause but it may still not be a cost effective way to go. I would personally Jerry Rig temporary windows in place with plexiglass etc and then have Brodus build you windows. Good luck and let me know if I can assist.

[Red Hatt]

Don't you think the insurance company would total the boat?

[Avenger]

To give you better advice I think we need further clarification of your intent. Are you trying to rebuild the boat there, or are you trying to get it back to the US? We can only go by the pictures, but I would think that there are more issues to getting it operational since control cables and hydraulics would have been torn apart when the roof departed. Also, if you plan to bring the pieces back here how will you transport them? If you lash them to the cabin top they will be a huge obstruction. In that case it may be time to consider a tow or shipping.

It's hard to look at that kind of damage. I really hope you can get her back together soon.

[Walter P]

Sounds expensive to repair. If I would even consider repairing it, I think rsmith's (Scott) idea to find a parts boat may be cheaper and faster. Keep in mind that the current value of a 1970 boat is very low and you could easily spend much more just for repairs. If you have insurance, which I'm sure you do, I would take the proceeds and just buy another boat. It is a shame because it was such a good looking boat but sometimes reality becomes a bitter pill to swallow.

Walt

[SEVEN]

This is just horrible. So sorry for your lose.

[Boatsb]

Sounds expensive to repair. If I would even consider repairing it, I think rsmith's (Scott) idea to find a parts boat may be cheaper and faster. Keep in mind that the current value of a 1970 boat is very low and you could easily spend much more just for repairs. If you have insurance, which I'm sure you do, I would take the proceeds and just buy another boat. It is a shame because it was such a good looking boat but sometimes reality becomes a bitter pill to swallow.

Walt

Lift your stuff off the boat. Push it aside and put a new boat under your stuff.

It's not worth rebuilding. It will always have the stigma of a storm victim. You'll never get your money out of repairing it.

[Tim Powell]

I have several windshield sections from 53's and a Flybridge Fisherman from approximately 1985. I have no way of knowing if they are the same. I would be glad to photograph and measure. The problem is the shipping cost and hoping they would arrive in usable condition. These are also in fair condition and will need some level of restoration eventually. I will donate them to your cause but it may still not be a cost effective way to go. I would personally Jerry Rig temporary windows in place with plexiglass etc and then have Brodus build you windows. Good luck and let me know if I can assist.

I really hate to see a family journey end in this way.I cam but think what a time for a family a trip of a life time all will remember.That in mine lets see if old freebird and i can help. My little mariner is about 20 miles from where the boat he is talking about is now on the hard.I know there are a lot of questions concerning parts and exchanging fitting and etc. But lets see salvage as many parts as you can put them inside the boat. ship or under its on power move to Morehead city.
i will put the boat on the hard at no cost to you. You can make the 20 mile trip to fetch what parts are necessary (you can use my trailer and truck if necessary at no cost) again to fetch the parts. We do painting sanding and glass repairs there you can do all the work yourself or where it requires help we can help or bring someone to help. On the grounds we have a small bath house and small shower with 2 bunk beds and heat AC & tv which you can use at no cost. I guess what i am trying to say is my little mariner is open to you however you may need it.
Brodas Rose put the windows in my 52c his shop is close to me less than 4 miles.So if necessary you can yell at him while you are around.
I do have one question during my one visit to Turks i did not see a yard that eaven had a air compressor. Is there one there that has the knowledge and tools to do that kind of work? All i saw was turtle cove.

Tim Powell
cell # 919 255 0882