Enclosed Bridge

[Yacht Jim]

We have a 1977 46C with a Pipe Welders hard top and canvas with Isenglass. When the time comes to replace the canvas or Isenglass I thought about doing a fiberglassed enclosure with real honest to goodness glass windows. Being on the west coast our weather conditions are a little different than that of Florida or the Gulf etc. I hate not being able to see out and don't care to wear a jacket and roll the darn things up.
Does anyone have photos or suggestions on glassing in the flybridge and installing clamp on windows. Also, installing A/C - maybe an RV type top mount unit. Would appreicate your thoughts. It's probably a DIY type job for us. Thanks, Jim

 

[jim rosenthal]

The only problem I see is that you are going to add a lot of weight high up on the boat, which will detract from her roll stability. Have you looked at the better clear products like Strataglass and EZ2CY? They are pretty good, and I think they wear better than isinglass. They also cost a lot more. One of them is kind of semi-rigid, but I can't recall which one.

 

[Walter P]

As Jim stated, the added weight may be a problem. I personally don't think so but to be sure I would figure out the weight of the glass, frames and all the hardware that would be needed. Should be an easy task, just figure out how many square inches of glass, divide by 144 sq in per ft. Any glass shop should be able to give you an exact weight of glass by the sq ft. I suspect that you will probably only add the weight of one hefty guy or two regular folks and the bridge will handle the couple of hundred pounds ok. Another suggestion is to contact Hatteras or Tom Slane and explain your plan to them.

I like the idea of regular glass on the bridge also, as long as you design the windows to open for air. A major advantage is that you can install real windshield wipers on glass.

Walt

 

[hyperfishing]

I recall seeing a 55 hatteras C on yachtworld with a homebuilt enclosure, in fact, two of them. Looked good to me, and would be my preference also.

I'll bet Slane knows how to do the job and can send blueprints to a Cali yard.

 

[habanero]

My 1987 55C has 3/4 glass windshields with windshield wipers as part of the original build. It's great for those windy afternoon going uphill.

Mike
"Habanero"55C

 

[Angela]

Having now had a flybridge with a pipewelders frame and hard top, but with open sides and canvas, I sort of like the idea of a bimini and radar arch again. I have the RV style AC unit on the flybridge roof. Never use it. And yes, it did add a lot of weight that most definitely affects the rolliness of this boat. She is top heavy and it doesn't take much put her over to one side or the other.

If given the choice as to whether to do the modification or not, I'd choose not. I have it because we bought the boat with that modification already in place. I am going to remove that AC unit and fill in the hole with a hatch just to get the weight off the very top.

 

[motoryacht lover]

I have a 1995 54 Viking MY or sport yacht. One of the main reasons I bought the boat was that it had an enclosed bridge with a glass windshield with wipers. All of my boats have had a glass windshield with wipers. That being said there is a company selling inserts with wipers for your vynil or eisenglass panel. If you have trouble finding it let me know and I will poke around for the advertisement. Also, when I feel good spending the money I would like to add an opening sunroof above my seat because in the summer with the boat traveling in certain directions with the wind it can get a little hot even with the side and rear windows open. But there is nothing like an enclosed helm in storms or in the winter when it is cold and you are dry and comfortable and not stressing because you can't see through your vynil. Also take a look at a 61 Hatt MY that is for sale as it has a custom enclosed hardtop that I think looks very nice. Good luck.

 

[Yacht Jim]

Thanks for all the great comments. I did talk to Jim from Seaview Inserts in reference to the Isenglass replacement with hard glass insert including a wiper. What a fantastic idea. However, I didn't think it would be to costly to build a fiberglass enclosure doing most of it myself. the cost is in marine windows. Figured we could use tinted 1/4 glass in tracks for the sides - sliders - and the opening type in front, hinged on top to allow some air flow. The sun roof is also a great idea for heat. Surprised Ang. did not need the A/C. That would add a lot of weight and it's up very high for C.G. purposes.
Would hate to have an oven in the warmer climes. I'll have to check all options.
What about glassing in the front and adding glass windows and keeping the canvas on the sides??? Maybe adding EC2CY or Strato Glass to see out the sides???

 

[Angela]

Surprised Ang did not need the A/C.

I don't have a hard enclosure up there - just the hard top. So, unless we close it off completely with the canvas, it's just an outdoors area. If it's too hot, we just go downstairs to the freezing cold (air conditioned) pilothouse and drive from there.

 

[Yacht Jim]

Opps,
Sorry Ang, Wasn't thinking. I do remember from some of your prev ious posts your bridge was not a hard enclosed top. Wish we has a pilothouse to retreat to. All we have is the flybridge.