F/B removal for shipping 43 DC

[Canuck Dennis]

Just how difficult is it ? anyone done it and did the reinstall ?

 

[Boatnut]

It's quite a bit of work, but if you are really mechanically inclined, it's not that bad. It really depends on your skills.

 

[gbharrington]

One of our members had it done for shipping. I can't find his name but he did send photos. Hopefully this will help.

 

[gbharrington]

I'm pretty sure it's ez2bme.

 

[Freeebird]

Interesting. I assume they thought it was easier to remove the bridge and hard top in one piece? I've always assumed the bridge itself was a separate piece since it was optional. Seems it would be easier to remove just the bridge. I did it on a 34' Sea Ray Sedan Bridge, and while it was time consuming, it was really quite simple.

 

[eze2bme]

Yes, that's my flybridge. Since it was necessary to also remove the lower glass and frames for shipping to get the height down we decided to leave the flybridge attached to the roof structure and remove it in one piece - much easier. I was fortunate in that one of the guys doing the removal was small enough to fit inside the flybridge and disconnect all the electronics, steering lines, control cables, etc. Then all wiring/cabeling was pulled down to the lower helm. The guys then used piano wire to "cut" the joint loose between the flybridge and top of the window frames, and bottom of the window frames and fiberglass of the house. They used jacks to raise it enough to get the straps under the flybridge/roof structure then just lifted away. The windows/frames they hand lifted and turned upside down and it fit on the aft deck.
Let me know if you have any questions. Might have a few more pictures if I can find them.

 

[Freeebird]

Well, that explains that. Wouldn't have thought the windshield would have to be removed in order to stay at 13'6" on the trailer.

 

[Boatsb]

Well, that explains that. Wouldn't have thought the windshield would have to be removed in order to stay at 13'6" on the trailer.

Depends on the trailer.

 

[Freeebird]

Depends on the trailer.

That's pretty obvious.

There are also such things as over-height permits depending on the route. I'm guessing that would be more cost effective (if it's an option) than removing the hardtop and windshield (assuming it's necessary), not to mention the issue of where you're going to secure the hardtop during transit. As with most boats, I'm assuming the bridge will set on the deck where it can be secured.

EZ, just out of curiosity, how/where did you secure your hardtop during transit?

Dennis, just drive it home.

 

[Canuck Dennis]

2014 will be our last season boating in Florida, so we will be selling the 43 dc, have a friend here who really likes the boat so examining costs to ship so far by deck cargo is approx 35K landed Vancouver, waiting road transport cost out of Brownsville Texas. Interesting exercise.

Will be making that decision in January and if he is not going to bite I will put her on the market out of Ft Myers probably.

 

[RTyler]

I've moved my 1979 43 DC twice. First time 10 years ago I removed the flybridge and lower glass etc. and it was a major PITA. Nothing ever really fit back together quite right. Just moved it again from Lake Travis to Seabrook and this time I only removed the upper helm cowling, and left the aft deck roof in place. Much simpler move and a lot less shipyard time on both ends. It requires escorts during the move, and a permitted route ( at least in Texas ), but I was much happier with the outcome.

 

[Freeebird]

I guess that answers that question then.

Dennis, it might cost less to move your boat over land if your guy waits until summer to move it. You can't move a wide load except during daylight hours. I'm sure you'll be charged for hotels etc., so you may want to ask the transport company about that.

 

[Canuck Dennis]

Thanks everyone for the info and advice, there is a shipping co here in Wa. state that moved a friend of mines 65ft down to Puerto Penasco in Mex, for 8k, that was late 90's, waiting a price from him...included pilot car etc etc..

 

[eze2bme]

Here is what the rig looked like

 

[Paul Gwiz]

I looked into shipping my43dc both by truck & by boat , turns out I can drive it home for the same money. I was leaning to via boat only because there is no way you can remove the bridge & get it back on the boat as originally installed. I couldn't even do it my self with 10 intelligent workers .

I am leaving Rhode Island today heading back to Ft. Myers. Seven seas wanted 16,000.00 to ship it, so we will see how close to that # we get.

 

[Canuck Dennis]

Moving on it's bum to Vancouver, 6000 miles is not in the cards !!! lol...did that with my 70 ft and it was fun.

 

[Canuck Dennis]

Does anyone know the height from lowest point to top of windshield,? not the venturi ..

 

[Freeebird]

It will be in your owners manual. If you don't have it, and nobody on here knows, Hatteras will.