Flybridge For 41DC

[Freebird]

Hey guys, looks like I may end up in a fire sale situation. Seems the wife wants to start off the new year without me.

I love my 58TC, but I may sell her, either that or I'll have something in common with Ed and own half of it. Seriously, my 41DC is more than adequate as a liveaboard, and it is turn key. I can keep it in TN or take it to wherever the good lord thinks I should be.

The 41DC has a custom enclosure that was built like a brick house. The weight of a bridge would pose no problem. Access to the bridge would take away from the upper salon/pilothouse area, but I do like a bridge. I'm not sure what I would be getting into with all the plumbing associated with a second station. Maybe it won't be worth it, but I would like to check on it.

Any thoughts on who I could contact to see if such an endeavor would be feasable? Anybody been there, done that?

Thanks.

 

[Walter P]

Randy, Why do you feel the need for a flying bridge? The 41 DC is a fine looking boat - one of the many great Hargrave designs. It was not intended for a bridge. I believe the disadvantages outweigh the advantages:

Advantages: Great view from above..........sorry that's all I can think of

Disadvantages: Screws up visual appearance. Limits clearance under some fixed bridges. Costs double for all control functions including electronics. Adds sail area in windy conditions. Adds drag and weight thereby slowing the boat some. Boarding ladder takes space on aft deck. etc.......

I can continue if you like but I think you get the picture, however if you feel the need then go for it. Tom Slane can probably help you out.

Walt

 

[Capt K]

Randy, before my 50, I owned a 41TC of the same vintage (with diesels) that had no bridge. Another one on my dock had the bridge option with the larger engines. Everyone thought mine was more proportioned looking and I know it ran a heck of a lot better in rough seas.

It was easier to run down to the head, too.

K

 

[67hat34c]

Randy, there is a 41tc at scotts dock, not there when you were there. he added a huge hard top and bridge. think it may have been too much weight as the boat sat much lower in the water. pipes under water etc.

Bridge is nice for the view etc but i think in your case it would be waste of money, your boat looks great without it. better to spend the money installing the Brass Pole.

 

[Freebird]

Yeah, I suppose you guys are right. The shell of a bridge doesn't weigh that much, but the overall look I have considered to possibly be a problem. It might look a little top heavy due to the fact the salon roof is pretty high on these boats.

Yes, the only thing a bridge is good for is putting wind in your face, and giving you an unobstructed overhead view of the mountains, something I won't have to worry about if I move it to FL. However, the windshields on this boat swing out, the wing doors open, and the side sliders open so there is plenty of opportunity for wind. Otherwise I can sit back and enjoy the AC or the heat.

Oh well, maybe I will pass on the bridge, but I really would like to know what it would cost to do it. There is plenty of support on the enclosure, so maybe I'll just continue to set some deck chairs up there when I want a really good view of boat races and fireworks and stuff. Hanging out up there is what put the bridge thing on my mind.

Maybe the pole idea is one I should look into. The 58 has one, but it's not brass and it's wrapped in rope. Could prove to be painful.

Yeah, maybe I'll just leave it alone. I certainly hope that doesn't cause any forum member a problem that I have once again changed my mind on what I choose to do with one of my two Hatteras yachts. Maybe I will end up with only one, which is one more than some members have.

 

[67hat34c]

i think a member here is turning a 41 into an express bet he has a used bridge and helm. possibly this could be purchased cheep and just store it. not much of a loss if you dont use it. or possibly sell the stuff or if someone wants your boat but wants a bridge then he can install it.

 

[Freebird]

Thanks Steve, I'll give you a call and we can discuss that.

I won't undertake any major changes in anything right now as there is too much up in the air and beyond my control. I don't want to do anything to take away from the value of my 41 as it too may very well be gone, like it or not.

As when I discussed with the forum the thought of a cockpit extension, I am just keeping my options open.

Your box of chocolates quote was very germain to my current situation. We can only plan for so much, but in the big picture, we're just along for the ride.

 

[Wild Bill]

[Your box of chocolates quote was very germain to my current situation. We can only plan for so much, but in the big picture, we're just along for the ride.]

Whenever possible, I like to make sure the ride is a memorable one. That is, as exciting as possible no matter who it scares (sometimes even me).

 

[Freebird]

Your reply has me once again thankful for having met you in person.

To that end, I think I will forget the idea of adding a bridge to my 41. I watched you dang near fall of yours for some reason, and mine would be taller than yours.

I might hurt myself!

 

[Bill Allen]

My 43 dc (73) has a bridge, I don't even use it. It's to small for a lard ass like me. If I didn't have it i'd have a place to store my digny. You can see very well from the lower station. Of course it would be as big a pita taking it off as it would be for you to add one. Bill

 

[Freebird]

Hey Bill, do you have any pictures of your boat? There's a guy with a 43 that I boarded in Chattanooga, but his didn't have a bridge, just an aftermarket hardtop. I was suprised at the similarities in the layout between our boats, and I had a hard time figuring out where he had the additional 2 feet over mine. The master was different as he had a centerline berth over a single gas tank where mine has port and starboard twins over dual gas tanks. Other than that....?

I suppose I really hadn't thought of the dinghy thing. I keep an Avon up top of my 41, and I would have to inflate/deflate it every time or keep it on the deck. Neither would be too swift.

Ah, I think I will forget about the bridge thing. If I do end up staying in TN, there is a really good restaurant that I wouldn't be able to get to because of a low bridge.

But then again, I could stand to lose a few pounds, or maybe I'll keep the 58 and sell the 41, or maybe I'll sell both and buy a 70. Maybe I'll just buy a Bayliner.

Heck, life will be so much simpler when I am poor again. I won't have to worry about things like this any more, and I can just ride around with friends I've made on here.

 

[Bill Allen]

My boat is on yacht world http://www.yachtworld.com/core/list...re/listing/pl_boat_detail.jsp&boat_id=1604769 I love the boat took it to the keys from N.J. last winter. Hieght was a tiny issue, but not a big deal just left a few of the higher ant. down (esp. t.v.). The view is so good from the lower helm and the ease of line handling I pretty much just stayed at the very comforable lower helm. We left mid nov. so it was nice running the boat from a heated area. Plus sitting there with a cup of coffe or a sandwich while running was a blessing esp. in the rain or cold. If I blew the link the boats a 43 dc in Tuckerton, N.j.. I wanted a yacht fish as I really miss the cockpit. Even had a couple of e mails with Robin over his. The market is so slow I'm pretty sure she won't sell without a big discount. I'm not going to "give" away a perfectly good boat. So if she doesn't sell by mid spring I'll get her ready for a bahamas winter next year. Bill