Boat Porn

[rsmith]

I never got the whole express rage. I know a lot of the boats that were converted were fire victims. But having spent a lot of years on the bridge dodging everything from telephone poles to Hatian rafts I cant see that the visibility when running is that good from below and on the marlin tower you'r exposed and taking a beating from spray to rain to sun cooking your legs.I'll still take a flybridge with a oxy tent

 

[Avenger]

+1

Maybe it's great in Florida when the A/C quits, but the only other advantage I can see is everything being on the same level so you can watch the kids.

OTOH, if the dodger is shaped right they can look pretty good:

 

[saltshaker]

This works for me, although I have to admit I'm a fan of flybridges.

 

[Avenger]

Actually, it's a very workable layout on a smaller boat, let's say around 30 ft. But on a bigger boat a bridge makes more sense to me.

 

[saltshaker]

Actually, it's a very workable layout on a smaller boat, let's say around 30 ft. But on a bigger boat a bridge makes more sense to me.

I guess it all depends on where and how you use it. For fishing in warmer climates and in areas that are close to the fishing grounds, the express makes sense. When you have to run 80-100 miles offshore in cooler weather the bridge wins hands down. I don't fish but I prefer sportfish over motor yacht or express. The express boats are great day boats. The lower clearance, reduced weight and closeness of the cockpit and helm are great features. Me I like to be up high on the bridge and having the salon separate from the lower living spaces suits me.

 

[TopHattandTails]

So today im at the barn cleaning up the boat and there is one sexy boat hauled next to me. High fwd freeboard, long tumble home. Picnic boat meets sport fish. The badge said "Hargrave 52". Looked newer, less than 5 years old. Googled it and a revamped Midnight Lace appeared. Visited the Lace website abd the Lace was not the same boat. But had the same fwd windows. Did Hargrave make some smaller boats during their merger with Lace, before Hargrave was called Lace? Looked quick and had a longer aft deck and flybrjdge than the Lace. Name was Phantom out of either Lakeside Marina,MI (now closed) or Toledo Beach Marina, MI (heading into receivership). One good looking head turner...

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I think Tom Fexas designed most of the Midnight Lace. No idea what that Hargrave would be. How about some pictures?

 

[TopHattandTails]

Anyone have any insight to this "boat that never is" Its a 2005 and is badged as a "Hargrave 540". No such thing... Its not a Hargrave Motoryacht, but has the lines. Its not a Midnight Lace - but similar (longer foredeck and longer aft bridge, but same windows).

Another

Closer...

Wave Hunting

 

[TopHattandTails]

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Must be at the boat and antique auto storage building. Nice lines. I like it. Maybe you'll run into the owner this winter and get some more info.

 

[TopHattandTails]

With the closing of Lameside and the receivefship of Toledo Beach. Its a crowded house this year. Its early yet. Got a email into the maintenance manager as to what it is. Out of MI docunebbed as Phantom, CG says its a taiwanese build. We'll see.