Flybridge enclosure

[jason.erbecker]

I am replacing the canvas on my flybridge. As you all probably know it cost slightly more than a McDonald’s Happy Meal. My question is this: Is 3/4 enclosure adequate/advisable/recommended for general cruising? More to the point, is going to a full enclosure worth the additional $2,150 it would cost? Chesapeake Bay can get cold, but not Wisconsin cold. Opinions welcomed on this one!

 

[SEVEN]

Mine is open year round. However our weather is not a severe as the East Coast. I love cruising with the air flowing across me in all directions.

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

I have the full but never used the aft section. S.C. don’t get Chesapeake Bay cold. Just replaced the clear portion of my enclosure as the canvas parts were in good shape. Very pleased and saved about $4-5,000.

 

[krush]

I have a lower station for the cold days.

 

[riverrandy]

Growing up on the Chesapeake Bay we never had full enclosure even though our Convertible was only operated from the bridge. So to answer your question I would not do 100%. I love the openness of the bridge.

 

[oscarvan]

I have a lower station for the cold days.

The very reason I'm buying one.

That and the too freaking hot days.

 

[scottinsydney]

Last year I completely removed the clears.

Removal had the effect of reducing the "station wagon effect" and dust/dirt no longer builds on floor under the steering wheel or on the dash. I was concerned about the dash cover, but its held up.

 

[Cricket]

We keep our boat in NJ and often move it to Baltimore for fall use. We don't have the aft curtains, only time I ever wished I had them was when I left to go to Florida Thanksgiving week one year, but only for a day and a half.

 

[jason.erbecker]

Thanks all for the advice. I'll give it some thought and, of course, prioritize it with all the other little projects I am working. Electrical seems relatively solved, windlass is working, Reverso pump and switch replaced and now working... the list goes on. Thanks again,

 

[chuckbullett@gmail.com]

I am replacing the canvas on my flybridge. As you all probably know it cost slightly more than a McDonald’s Happy Meal. My question is this: Is 3/4 enclosure adequate/advisable/recommended for general cruising? More to the point, is going to a full enclosure worth the additional $2,150 it would cost? Chesapeake Bay can get cold, but not Wisconsin cold. Opinions welcomed on this one!

For what its worth we went with the full enclosure aft. It blows like stink on San Francisco Bay; we might as well be the Pacific NW.

I think it would extend your seasonal use quite a bit and add value at re-sale.

Cheers!

 

[jrmccoy]

I have no lower helm, nor do I want one, so its flybridge or nothing.

I had 3/4 front and sides on the flybridge, but the first thing I did when I bought her was remove the side panels and store them...that was 5 years ago and I have never reinstalled.. I just run with the front panel only, and even at that I open the center part of it and roll it up leaving me basically wide open when I'm running.

I have a structural hard top which could easily accommodate a full enclosure including rear....but give me that wind in my face, I wouldn't have it any other way. I've run comfortably in 20 degrees to 90 degrees, and if its too hot or cold to run...Maggie Mae doesn't run.

 

[Jims43DC]

Having read all the comment on this thread and having a top made for our 43DC have decided to have just a Bimini top made for the flybridge but am having the canvas shop sew in the zippers for full enclosing if I find that it is warranted in the future, I think if weather is bad enough to enclose the flybridge I'd be happier on the bridge which already has full enclosures or below deck until fairer weather. Our plan is looping nice and slow so weather delays won't be an issue I just don't want the hot sun on us all the time we are on the flybridge

 

[SEVEN]

Having read all the comment on this thread and having a top made for our 43DC have decided to have just a Bimini top made for the flybridge but am having the canvas shop sew in the zippers for full enclosing if I find that it is warranted in the future, I think if weather is bad enough to enclose the flybridge I'd be happier on the bridge which already has full enclosures or below deck until fairer weather. Our plan is looping nice and slow so weather delays won't be an issue I just don't want the hot sun on us all the time we are on the flybridge

Great decision. You will be very happy.

 

[oscarvan]

Having read all the comment on this thread and having a top made for our 43DC have decided to have just a Bimini top made for the flybridge but am having the canvas shop sew in the zippers for full enclosing if I find that it is warranted in the future, I think if weather is bad enough to enclose the flybridge I'd be happier on the bridge which already has full enclosures or below deck until fairer weather. Our plan is looping nice and slow so weather delays won't be an issue I just don't want the hot sun on us all the time we are on the flybridge

Good move.

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

No enclosure ensures best opportunity for the JOOD to size up the situation.

 

[jim rosenthal]

Juvenile Officer Of the Day?

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

Juvenile Officer Of the Day?

That's me. She's Junior Officer Of the Deck.

 

[jim rosenthal]

Well, she's a cutie pie and you're a lucky fellow.

 

[krush]

Coasties and cops will give you a ticket PFD on all children under 13 years old: https://www.uscg.mil/Portals/0/Head.../CHILD WEAR OF PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE1.pdf

 

[oscarvan]

Coasties and cops will give you a ticket PFD on all children under 13 years old: https://www.uscg.mil/Portals/0/Head.../CHILD WEAR OF PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE1.pdf

Objection your honor. Cited material clearly states that State Law prevails. South Carolina requires the following:

In South Carolina, children 12 years of age and under are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket or life vest when on a recreational vessel less than 16 feet in length or on a PWC.

Motion for dismissal.

All kidding aside it is a good subject to hash out so we know what our liability in fact is. Can it be argued that the requirement is only on recreational vessels less than 16 feet in length and thus that there is no requirement on vessels 16 feet and over and therefore the Federal requirement applies?